Cardiac Consult: A Cleveland Clinic Podcast for Healthcare Professionals

Amar Krishnaswamy, MD, and Marijan Koprivanac, MD, discuss contemporary follow‑up strategies after TAVR and SAVR, highlighting advances in minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches that significantly reduce recovery time and postoperative pain. They outline evidence‑based recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation and structured imaging surveillance, emphasizing the critical role of timely follow-ups to detect early valve‑related complications. Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.

Explore the latest ACC/AHA guidelines on acute coronary syndromes with co-authors Venugopal Menon, MD, and Jacqueline Tamis-Holland, MD, joined by Donna Kimmaliardjuk, MD. This discussion covers key updates, including unified STEMI/non-STEMI recommendations, heart team decision-making for multivessel disease, evolving strategies for dual antiplatelet therapy, and the role of mechanical circulatory support in complex cases.Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.

Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, and Scott Cameron, MD, PhD, discuss emerging evidence linking gut microbiome-derived TMAO to abdominal aortic aneurysm development and progression. They explore its role as both a causative factor and a biomarker, review current risk stratification strategies and highlight future therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing TMAO levels to improve vascular outcomes.Learn more about the research. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/tmao-can-predict-growth-of-abdominal-aortic-aneurysmLooking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.

Hani Najm, MD, and Joanna Ghobrial, MD, discuss the evolving role of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in lifetime management of congenital heart disease patients. They explore patient selection, valve durability, imaging strategies for early detection of HALT or HAM and the collaborative heart team approach that optimizes outcomes.Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.

Venugopal Menon, MD, Director of the Coronary ICU, and Michael Tong, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in advanced heart failure, discuss contemporary management of post-infarction ventricular septal rupture, a rare but serious complication. They review the role of early transfer to high-volume centers and why definitive surgical closure remains the gold standard. Learn about the impact of temporary mechanical circulatory support on organ recovery and the timing of repair.Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.

Kenneth McCurry, MD, and Marie Budev, DO, share Cleveland Clinic’s multidisciplinary approach to managing end-stage lung disease and advancing lung transplantation. They discuss innovations such as ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), ECMO bridging, and strategies for expanding donor and recipient criteria, including complex and multi-organ cases. The episode also highlights ongoing research and clinical trials aimed at improving post-transplant outcomes and reducing chronic rejection.Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.

Samir Kapadia, MD, Chairman of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, and David Zidar, MD, PhD, an interventional cardiologist and immunologist, introduce Cleveland Clinic’s Cardioimmunology Center, a new initiative focused on the intersection of immune pathways and cardiovascular disease. They discuss how immune system activity can influence heart health and discuss innovative approaches to identifying and managing cardiovascular risk through immunologic biomarkers.Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.

Lee Kirksey, MD, Aravinda Nanjundappa, MBBS, MD, and G. Jay Bishop, MD, discuss a multidisciplinary approach to peripheral artery disease (PAD) management. They explore evidence-based strategies including early detection, optimal medical therapy, supervised exercise programs and advanced endovascular and surgical interventions, emphasizing team-based care and longitudinal follow-up for improved outcomes.Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469

Allan Klein, MD, an expert in pericardial disease diagnosis, and Tom Kai Ming Wang, MBChB, a specialist in cardiovascular imaging, delve into the 2025 ACC guidelines on pericarditis. They discuss innovative diagnostic criteria using multimodality imaging and the emerging role of IL-1 blockers for recurrent cases. Practical strategies for optimizing patient outcomes and appropriately identifying treatment options are highlighted, alongside insights into surgical choices and the latest clinical trials exploring new therapies in this evolving field.

Lars Svensson, MD, PhD, and Xiaoying Lou, MD, share a deep dive into valve-sparing aortic root surgery, an advanced technique that preserves the patient’s native valve while treating aortic aneurysms.Looking to refer a patient? Please reach out to our Physician Referral team Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET) at 855.751.2469.