Twin Transformation in Cardiothoracic Surgery: The Convergence of Digital Innovation and Sustainability.
| Title: | Twin Transformation in Cardiothoracic Surgery: The Convergence of Digital Innovation and Sustainability. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Leivaditis V; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Westpfalz Klinikum, 67655 Kaiserslautern, Germany.; Gottardi R; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Westpfalz Klinikum, 67655 Kaiserslautern, Germany.; Maniatopoulos AA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece.; Mulita F; Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Eastern Achaia-Unit of Aigio, 25100 Aigio, Greece.; Pylarinou C; Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece.; Papadoulas S; Department of Vascular Surgery, General University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.; Nikolakopoulos K; Department of Vascular Surgery, General University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.; Panagiotopoulos I; Department of Cardiac Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.; Koletsis E; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, General University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.; Dahm M; Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Westpfalz Klinikum, 67655 Kaiserslautern, Germany.; Sepetis A; Postgraduate Health and Social Care Management Program, Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica, 12244 Athens, Greece. |
| Source: | Journal of cardiovascular development and disease [J Cardiovasc Dev Dis] 2026 Mar 07; Vol. 13 (3). Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Mar 07. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Review |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: MDPI AG Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101651414 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2308-3425 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 23083425 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Cardiovasc Dev Dis Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Basel, Switzerland : MDPI AG |
| Abstract: | Background: Cardiothoracic surgery is among the most technologically advanced and resource-intensive medical specialties, placing it at the intersection of rapid digital innovation and growing demands for environmental sustainability. Addressing these parallel pressures requires integrated strategies that reconcile clinical excellence with ecological responsibility.; Methods: This narrative review synthesizes PubMed-indexed literature published over the past two decades, supplemented by relevant policy documents and guidelines. The review examines digital transformation and sustainability initiatives in cardiothoracic surgery through the lens of the twin transformation framework, which conceptualizes digitalization and sustainability as interdependent and mutually reinforcing processes.; Results: Key domains of digital transformation include artificial intelligence and big data-driven decision-making, robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques, digital twins and simulation-based training, telemedicine and remote monitoring, and interoperable electronic health records. Sustainability-related themes encompass the substantial environmental burden of operating rooms, green surgical practices, sustainable procurement, and hospital-level decarbonization strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that aligning digital technologies with sustainability objectives can improve clinical outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. However, current evidence is largely derived from pilot studies and single-center experiences.; Conclusions: Twin transformation offers a coherent and forward-looking framework for the future evolution of cardiothoracic surgery, demonstrating that digital innovation and sustainability can be synergistic rather than competing goals. While significant challenges remain-including high implementation costs, limited long-term data, and fragmented regulatory frameworks-integrating digital health technologies with sustainable practices represents a promising pathway toward high-quality, efficient, and environmentally responsible cardiothoracic care. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: artificial intelligence; cardiothoracic surgery; digital health; digital transformation; digital twins; green healthcare; robotic surgery; sustainability; telemedicine; twin transformation |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260327 Date Completed: 20260327 Latest Revision: 20260329 |
| Update Code: | 20260329 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13026314 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/jcdd13030122 |
| PMID: | 41892711 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article; Review