Topic
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Podcasts
CardioNerds # 474Oct 26, 2026Cardiothoracic Surgery in Pulmonary Embolism
In this episode, the CardioNerds (Dr. Dinu Balanescu, Dr. Billy Joe Mullinax, and Dr. Akiva Rosenzveig) take a deep dive into the world of the surgical management of pulmonary embolism (PE) with faculty expert, Dr. Joshua Goldberg. We start from the pathophysiology of PE and its impact on right ventricular, and thereby left ventricular, hemodynamics. We then discuss the management of high-risk PE and where catheter-based therapies, surgical management and mechanical circulatory support via ECMO find their roles. Dr. Goldberg also provides a historical overview of the evolution of the surgical management of PE. We conclude by briefly discussing the management of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as a long-term complication of PE. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes. NOTE: this episode was recorded before the publication of the 2026 AHA/ACC Acute PE Guidelines. Dr. Dinu Balanescu and Dr. Billy-Joe Mullinax are Co-chairs for the CardioNerds PE Series, developed in collaboration with the PERT Consortium. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values.
- CardioNerds # 470Oct 20, 2026
ACS Guidelines Question #8
This episode is part of our comprehensive Decipher the Guidelines Series covering the 2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes. The following question refers to Section 9.1 of the 2025 ACS Guidelines. The question is asked by Johns Hopkins pre-medical undergraduate and CardioNerds Academy Intern Joshua Khorsandi, answered first by Washington University cardiology fellow and member of the CardioNerds Interventional Cardiology Council Dr. Colin Martz, and then by expert faculty Dr. Venu Menon. Dr. Menon is the Section Head of Clinical Cardiology, Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and Program Director of Cardiology Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. He is the Mehdi Razavi Endowed Chair and Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. He was also a member of the 2025 ACS Guidelines writing committee.
- CardioNerds # 462Aug 13, 2026
Tricuspid Regurgitation
CardioNerds (Dr. Apoorva Gangavelli, Dr. Cory Sejo, and Dr. Joseph Kassab), discuss tricuspid regurgitation evaluation and management with Dr. Sunil Mankad. This episode was produced as part of the CardioNerds Academy curriculum by House Einthoven under the guidance of House Chief, Dr. Apoorva Gangavelli and Academy Program Director, Dr. Gurleen Kaur. A matching review article will be published in US Cardiology Review, the official journal of CardioNerds. This discussion was planned in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Board Review Course. Audio editing by CardioNerds intern Emma Winakur.
- CardioNerds # 454Jun 9, 2026
ACHD Surgery 101: Thinking Like a Surgeon
Using a case of a young adult undergoing a Ross procedure, the episode walks through what happens in the operating room—from induction and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), myocardial protection, and surgical repair. The discussion highlights key concepts including cardioplegia, cross-clamp and bypass times, hypothermic circulatory arrest, and the complexity of redo sternotomy. This episode provides learners with a practical framework to interpret operative reports, anticipate postoperative physiology, and better collaborate with surgical teams. This episode was produced by the CardioNerds ACHD Council and planned by Dr. Rawan Amir.
- CardioNerds # 444Mar 22, 2026
Heart Failure: LVAD Part 2
CardioNerds (Dr. Hamza Patel, Dr. Jenna Skowronski, and Dr. Apoorva Gangavelli) discuss advanced heart failure and LVAD management with Dr. Mark Belkin, Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiologist, and Dr. Chris Salerno, Cardiothoracic Surgeon. They explore the nuances of right ventricular (RV) physiology, perioperative hemodynamic optimization, long-term complications, sensitization and transplant considerations, and the evolving role of GDMT in LVAD patients. This episode highlights the delicate interplay between surgical and medical management in achieving optimal outcomes for patients living with durable mechanical circulatory support. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy intern, student doctor, Pace Wetstein.
- CardioNerds # 442Feb 27, 2026
Heart Failure: LVAD Part 1
CardioNerds (Dr. Jenna Skowronski [Heart Failure Council Chair], Dr. Shazli Khan, and Dr. Josh Longinow) are joined by renowned leaders in the field of AHFTC (Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology) and mechanical circulatory support, Dr. Jeff Teuteberg and Dr. Mani Daneshmand to continue the discussion of advanced heart failure therapies by taking a deep dive into the world of durable LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices). In this episode, we will review the history of ventricular assist devices, the basics of LVAD function, selection criteria for LVAD therapy, and surgical nuances of LVAD implantation. Audio Editing by CardioNerds intern, Joshua Khorsandi.
Tumor Board # 46Feb 3, 2026Pulse Electrical Field Ablation: Lung Cancer Applications & Benefits
Pulsed electric field (PEF) therapy is an emerging cancer treatment that utilizes short electrical pulses to disrupt tumor cell membranes, leading to cell death—all without the risk of thermal damage seen in traditional ablation. How does this novel approach compare to gold-standard treatments like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in primary and metastatic lung cancer? Find out in this episode of the BackTable Podcast featuring NYU radiation oncologist Dr. Benjamin Cooper, radiology professor Dr. William Moore, and cardiothoracic surgery professor Dr. Daniel Sterman.
Cardiology # 18Dec 30, 2025The Role of Minimally Invasive Robotic Cardiac Surgery in Modern Cardiology Practice
From sternotomy to software, the booming field of robotic cardiac surgery is bringing new minimally invasive treatment approaches to well-traveled cardiology conditions. This week on the BackTable Cardiology Podcast, Dr. Amber Edwards, a distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon from Ascension St. Thomas in Nashville, shares her expertise in robotic cardiac surgery with host and Tennessee neighbor Dr. Hady Lichaa. The two physicians discuss the growth and technical advancements within robotic cardiac surgery, including the burgeoning field of hybrid revascularization.
- CardioNerds # 438Dec 15, 2025
Heart Failure: Perioperative Heart Transplant Management
In this episode, the CardioNerds (Dr. Natalie Tapaskar, Dr. Jenna Skowronski, and Dr. Shazli Khan) discuss the process of heart transplantation from the initial donor selection to the time a patient is discharged with Dr. Dave Kaczorowski and Dr. Jason Katz. We dissect a case where we understand criteria for donor selection, the differences between DBD and DCD organ donors, the choice of vasoactive agents in the post-operative period, complications such as cardiac tamponade, and the choice of immunosuppression in the immediate post-operative period. Most importantly, we highlight the importance of multi-disciplinary teams in the care of transplant patients. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes.
- Cardiology # 16Dec 9, 2025
The Evolution of TAVR: Historical Insights & Future Innovations
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be a standard cardiac procedure today, but its origin story follows an intriguing tale of courage, innovation and heart. In this episode of BackTable Cardiology, renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Michael Mack, a global leader in structural heart disease from Baylor Scott White Health, shares the history of TAVR, highlighting its origins, key clinical trials, and the eventual success of TAVR as a primary therapy.
Vascular & IR # 413Feb 2, 2024TBAD Management: Best Practices in Aortic Dissection
This week on the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Darren Klass shares his experiences in the treatment of aortic dissections. Dr. Klass is an interventional radiologist at the University of British Columbia.
- Vascular & IR # 325May 22, 2023
Recovering From a Major Injury as a Proceduralist
In this episode, host Dr. Ally Baheti interviews Dr. Deepak Sudheendra about obstacles that he has faced while practicing medicine, including dealing with a career-threatening injury, redefining boundaries between clinical and home responsibilities, and navigating a transition from a surgical to radiology residency.
- Vascular & IR # 196Mar 28, 2022
Building a PE Response Team
We talk with Interventional Radiologist Dr. Carin Gonsalves about how her practice built a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Response team, including where to start, developing efficient workflows, and obtaining the equipment you need for success.