Browse Surgery Articles by Topic

When the Aortic Annulus Is Small, Does TAVR Valve Type Matter?

In this propensity-matched analysis of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) registry patients with small aortic annuli, the hemodynamic advantage of self-expanding TAVR valves was not associated with better clinical outcomes compared with balloon-expandable valves up to five years.

Researchers Dig Deeper Into Multimorbidity Surgical Risks

Knowing more about specific conditions that might raise risk could help clinicians better classify which older patients are good candidates for surgery.

Surgical Risk of Mitral Valve Repair, Updated

A contemporary update of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk calculator for operative mortality and morbidity in nonemergent primary mitral valve repair for regurgitation shows an operative mortality rate of 1.2%, with a conversion to replacement of 6%, in more than 53,000 patients.

IRBs Likely Need Outside Expertise When Reviewing Xenotransplantation Study Protocols

An enthusiastic surgeon who wants to initiate a clinical trial for xenotransplantation may, in their enthusiasm, minimize the potential problems to the IRB. The surgeon might win approval, but the IRB might lack the expertise to know if they are receiving all the facts.

Informed Consent Is Central Ethical Issue for Studies of Pig Organ Transplants

Existing policies for human research subject protection might not be adequate for these trials, mainly because there are so many unknowns with outcomes in humans.

Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Researchers analyzed transcutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with moderate-to-severe or worse mitral valve regurgitation caused by cardiomyopathy and heart failure despite maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy. Compared to medical therapy alone, undergoing repair resulted in fewer heart failure and other cardiovascular disease hospitalizations and significantly more time free of hospitalization and death.

Tricky Business: When a Surgeon Also Is a Researcher

Consider this seemingly innocent, straightforward question: “Would you be interested in participating in a clinical trial?” Now consider the ethical implications if a surgeon asks his or her own patient the same question.

Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair Gains Traction in Cardiogenic Shock Patients

The authors of this large registry study examined transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in patients with cardiogenic shock and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Successful repair was achievable in most patients and was associated with lower mortality rates and heart failure hospitalization at one year.

Quality Improvement Programs Can Shrink Surgery’s Environmental Footprint

Even simple initiatives can help departments cut waste and save money.

Disclosure Needed if Physicians Own Outpatient Facilities

Physician ownership creates an inherent conflict of interest, known as “dual agency.” This means the physician has a personal financial stake that could conflict with the ethical obligation toward patient well-being.