Cardiothoracic Surgery – 2025/2026 | 40+ Questions with Correct Answers | CABG, PCI, LVAD, TAVR, Cardiopulmonary Bypass

This document provides over 40 exam-style questions and 100% accurate answers covering essential topics in Cardiothoracic Surgery, based on the 2025/2026 medical curriculum. Designed in a concise Q&A format, this resource offers a high-yield overview of critical surgical interventions used in cardiovascular care, particularly in the management of coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular disease, heart failure, and aortic pathology. Key topics and procedures covered: – Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB): mechanism, role of hyperkalemic cardioplegia, off-pump alternatives – Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): indications, preferred venous and arterial conduits (great saphenous vein, LIMA, radial artery), and patient selection over PCI – Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): stent placement, comparative use in CAD vs CABG – Surgical vs Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR vs TAVR): risk-based patient selection, valve dysfunction indications – Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): use in end-stage heart failure and transplant bridging – Catheter Ablation: procedural basics and use in atrial fibrillation – Aortic Dissection Repair: surgical technique involving antegrade cerebral perfusion and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest This resource is ideal for: – Medical students in surgery, cardiology, or critical care rotations – Students preparing for COMLEX/USMLE Step 2 CK or shelf exams – Surgical interns and PA students reviewing cardiac procedures – Educators seeking simplified, clinically focused Q&A sets on cardiothoracic topics With its focused, procedure-specific layout, this document is an efficient review for mastering surgical approaches in cardiovascular disease management. Keywords: cardiothoracic surgery, CABG, PCI, cardiopulmonary bypass, LVAD, TAVR, SAVR, aortic dissection, cardiac stents, valve replacement, heart failure surgery, atrial fibrillation ablation, LIMA graft, saphenous vein graft, transplant bridge therapy, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest