JTCVS Open. 2026 Jun 10;32:101916. doi: 10.1016/j.xjon.2026.101916. eCollection 2026 Aug.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study compares perspectives between interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons on congenital heart disease management via a national survey.
METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed to senior surgeons or interventional cardiologists capable of comprehensive congenital heart disease care at 118 hospitals (236 total invitations).
RESULTS: Of 162 valid responses, 90 were surgeons and 72 were cardiologists. There were no differences between surgeons and cardiologists in demographic factors. Survey results showed no statistical differences in (1) the overall relationship between interventional and surgical approaches (complementary and sequential); (2) interventional treatment for complex congenital heart disease (using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, simple and complex congenital heart disease were defined as lesions with category I and categories II-V); and (3) multidisciplinary team management (long-term follow-up by a consistent core team). Differences were found in the following areas: 1. In decision-making, surgeons placed emphasis on age and developmental potential (adjusted P = .016), whereas cardiologists focused on physiological status and complications (adjusted P = .008). 2. For secundum atrial septal defect (P < .001), patent ductus arteriosus (P < .001), muscular/perimembranous ventricular septal defect (P = .001), pulmonary valve stenosis (P = .010), and coarctation of the aorta (P < .001), each specialty considered their own approach as the preferred option. 3. Surgeons expressed greater demand for interdisciplinary cross-training (adjusted P = .020).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite broad consensus, cardiologists and surgeons differ in decision-making priorities and training needs. These findings support structured communication, optimized management, specialty-tailored training, and hybrid care models to improve patient outcomes.
PMID:42604195 | PMC:PMC13477124 | DOI:10.1016/j.xjon.2026.101916