The Year in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia: Selected Highlights From 2025

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesiology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Cardiac Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Transplantation
• Mechanical Circulatory Support
• Medical Cardiology

Background:

• The Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia's annual series presents research highlights from the past year.
• This installment focuses on key advancements in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesiology for 2025.
• The article covers diverse topics impacting perioperative care and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize significant research and advancements in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesiology for 2025.
• To provide an update on critical areas including perioperative rehabilitation, cardiac surgery, transplantation, mechanical support, and medical cardiology.
• To inform clinicians about key updates to improve patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of the latest literature and research published in 2025 within cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesiology.
• Thematic organization of research highlights into five major areas: perioperative rehabilitation, cardiac surgery, cardiothoracic transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and medical cardiology.
• Detailed discussion and analysis of selected studies and advancements within each theme.

Main Results:

• Updates on prehabilitation and enhanced recovery after cardiothoracic surgery.
• New insights into blood conservation and coronary artery bypass grafting.
• Advances in lung transplantation techniques, including extracorporeal life support.
• Progress in left ventricular assist devices and management of cardiogenic shock.
• Developments in transcatheter valve interventions for aortic, tricuspid, and mitral valve diseases.

Conclusions:

• The selected research highlights represent diverse advances in the field for 2025.
• These updates offer valuable information for improving perioperative outcomes in cardiothoracic and vascular patients.
• Continued focus on innovation in anesthesiology is crucial for patient care.