Noteworthy in Cardiothoracic Surgery 2025

Abstract

Noteworthy in Cardiothoracic Surgery 2025 highlights several of the most influential trials and emerging trends shaping cardiothoracic surgical practice. In structural heart disease, new randomized data have expanded consideration of transcatheter aortic valve replacement to asymptomatic patients while reinforcing the importance of longer-term durability and lifetime valve management in lower-risk populations. In heart transplantation, advances in minimally invasive and robotic techniques, alongside growing international experience with donation after circulatory death, underscore both the promise of innovation and the need for disciplined management of ischemic and preservation times. Endovascular management of complex thoracic aortic disease continues to evolve with broader use of branched devices. In thoracic oncology, practice changing trials support a shift towards perioperative chemotherapy and immunotherapy for resectable esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and lung cancers, redefining surgical timing, coordination, and multidisciplinary care. Finally, continued adoption of minimally invasive and robotic approaches reflects a broader trend toward reducing surgical morbidity while maintaining oncologic and transplant outcomes.