CTSNet

Elevate surgical expertise and showcase innovative solutions on a global stage! The 6th Annual CTSNet Innovation Video Competition provides a platform for cardiothoracic surgeons, clinical care providers, and researchers to demonstrate how current challenges are being solved.

All qualifying entries will be featured on CTSNet with the best submissions competing for the top prize.

Submission Deadline: September 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CDT (UTC-5).

🔗https://ow.ly/LbXz50Zz1M3

Insertion of the Axillary Impella 5.5

This informative video demonstrates the Cleveland Clinic technique for the axillary insertion of the Impella 5.5.

🔗https://ow.ly/XGs250ZyFp3

A Step-by-Step Guide to Transaxillary Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement, Mitral Valve Repair, and Rhythm Surgery

This incredible video demonstrates a case of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement combined with mitral valve repair, concomitant rhythm surgery, and a left atrial appendage clip.

🔗https://ow.ly/E4Lm50ZyC2I

Coming Soon! The SIU Oral Board AI Simulator on CTSNet

AI-powered board training is coming to CTSNet. The Oral Board AI Simulator (OBAS), developed through the Ed Curtis Laboratory for Innovation in Medical Education (ECLIME) at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, provides cardiothoracic trainees with unlimited, on-demand mock oral board examinations—face-to-face with a realistic AI video examiner that questions you by voice, adapts the case as you answer, and grades every response against a structured rubric. CTSNet users can access the simulator for free and give feedback to help sharpen board skills and shape the next generation of OBAS. Watch for this incredible AI training tool coming soon!

Big news for the ISMICS community.

Dr. Nirav Patel has been named President of ISMICS — and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead. Dr. Patel brings world-class expertise in minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery, and a deep commitment to the patients and surgeons this society serves.

We're also proud to introduce Veritas Association Management as ISMICS' new management partner — a team that works exclusively with medical subspecialty societies and is already hard at work for you.

Questions? Reach Executive Director Lauren Antelo at [email protected].

CTSNet

Robotic-Assisted Resection of a Giant Anterior Mediastinal Lipoma

This excellent video demonstrates the complete robotic resection of a 10 cm x 12 cm x 9.3 cm mediastinal lipoma that would have likely required a semi-clamshell thoracotomy for complete removal.

🔗https://ow.ly/Tq1l50Zygl2

Explore the CTSNet YouTube channel! Uncover the latest surgery techniques, expert insights, and valuable case studies. Don’t miss out, subscribe today!

🔗www.youtube.com/

Dive into CTSNet Reels featuring cardiothoracic surgery clips and expert interviews. Join the CTSNet community by following on Instagram!

Systemic Tricuspid Valve Surgery in ccTGA: An Interview With Edward Buratto

At the 2026 American Association for Thoracic Surgery Annual Meeting, Sameh Said, Chief of the Division of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY, USA, interviewed Edward Buratto, a congenital heart surgeon at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia.

Their crucial discussion focused on systemic tricuspid valve surgery in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.

🔗https://ow.ly/qY7c50ZxLvu

ISMICS 2026 | Cardiac Session—Intraoperative Pearls and Pitfalls

This cardiac session features leading surgeon Mario Castillo-Sang presenting on intraoperative pearls and pitfalls at the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting 2026.

🔗https://ow.ly/QE4t50ZxL3G