This week on The Beat, CTSNet Editor-in-Chief Joel Dunning speaks with Dr. Kenneth Liao, professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support at Baylor College of Medicine, about performing the world’s first adult robotic heart surgery in the United States using a subxiphoid approach. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:31 JANS 1, Endocarditis Guidelines 13:02 JANS 2, Hybrid vs Catheter 16:16 JANS 3, Full Sternotomy Trial 18:07 JANS 4, Buttressing the BA 19:05 JANS 5, Intraspinal Vasc Perf 20:15 Career Center 20:37 Video 1, Root Replace & Ann Reconstr 21:56 Video 2, Bi-Atrial Cann for BVAD 24:17 Video 3, Pediatric Device Implant 26:23 Dr. Liao Interview 49:07 Upcoming Events 49:39 Closing They discuss the details of the procedure, including its background, ischemic time, technique, and postoperative outcomes. Additionally, they explore the application of the subxiphoid approach for robotic heart transplants and robotic mitral valve repair vs traditional open-chest (sternotomy) repair. Dr. Liao shares insights into the training and practice required for this operation and discusses the advantages of using robotics in heart transplants. He also reflects on what he would do differently in future procedures.   Joel also highlights recent JANS articles on the surgical implications of the 2023 ESC endocarditis guidelines endorsed by EACTS, the two-year results from the randomized CEASE-AF trial on the durable effectiveness and safety of hybrid ablation vs catheter ablation, a randomized trial on superficial parasternal intercostal plane block and full sternotomy, a comparison of the short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing sleeve lobectomy with or without buttressing the bronchial anastomosis, and intraspinal vascular perfusion territories of the descending thoracic aorta.  In addition, Joel explores free-style root replacement and annular reconstruction for destructive aortic root endocarditis, bi-atrial cannulation for biventricular assist device in children, and a device implantation in a 26 kg child. Before closing, Joel highlights upcoming events in CT surgery.    JANS Items Mentioned  1.) Surgical Implications of the 2023 ESC Endocarditis Guidelines Endorsed by EACTS: Bridging Guidelines and Practice   2.) Durable Effectiveness and Safety of Hybrid Ablation Versus Catheter Ablation: 2-year Results From the Randomized CEASE-AF Trial  3.) Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block and Full Sternotomy; A Randomized Trial  4.) Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Sleeve Lobectomy With or Without Buttressing the Bronchial Anastomosis  5.) Intraspinal Vascular Perfusion Territories of the Descending Thoracic Aorta  CTSNET Content Mentioned  1.) Free-Style Root Replacement and Annular Reconstruction for Destructive Aortic Root Endocarditis  2.) Bi-Atrial Cannulation for Biventricular Assist Device in Children  3.) Device Implantation in a 26 kg Child  Other Items Mentioned  1.) Guest Editor Series Webinar: Insights Into Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support  2.) Cardiac Surgical Arrest—An International Conversation Series    3.) Career Center   4.) CTSNet Events Calendar  Disclaimer The information and views presented on CTSNet.org represent the views of the authors and contributors of the material and not of CTSNet. Please review our full disclaimer page here.