Abstract
Thinking about the daily practice of cardiac surgery, genetically altered mouse models,
polymerase chain reactions, western blots, and other laboratory tools are the last
that comes to mind. It is, therefore, not surprising that the pursuit of such basic
science activities by practicing surgeons and those in training is often limited.
However, there is an innate connection between these two seemingly different disciplines.
To address and visualize this connection, we propose the following three hypotheses.
First, cardiac surgery would not be at its present level of expertise without fundamental
contributions of basic science. Second, without practicing cardiac surgeons performing
basic research and translating their results to clinical practice next to their daily
work, our ability to care for cardiac surgery patients would be poorer. Third, basic
science training for those aiming to become practicing cardiac surgeons improves their
ability to properly care for their patients. Finally, we will discuss some potentially
even unexpected implications for our currently changing daily clinical practice.
Keywords
basic science - cardiac surgery - clinical care - cardiac surgeons
