Bassam Redwan1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Klinikum Westfalen, Lünen, Germany; 2ATM Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. ATM Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: editor@atmjournal.org
This interview can be cited as: Redwan B, Yeo JY. Meeting the Editorial Board Member of ATM: Dr. Bassam Redwan. Ann Transl Med. 2024. Available from: https://atm.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-editorial-board-member-of-atm-dr-bassam-redwan.
Expert introduction
Dr. Bassam Redwan (Figure 1) was born in 1983. He received his M.D. degree from the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, in 2007. In 2004, he joined the research laboratory of Prof. Irene M. Lang, where he established a model for murine venous thrombosis for investigating chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). From 2007 until 2009, he worked on a post-doctoral project (role of inflammation and angiogenesis in venous thrombus resolution).
In 2010, he joined the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Germany, where he began his residency in thoracic surgery. In 2014, he became a junior consultant for thoracic surgery and established the program of extracorporeal lung support at the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Assist, Klinikum Ibbenbuern, Germany. In February 2016, he became a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon. Between 2016 and 2018, he worked as a Consultant for Thoracic Surgery at Klinikum Ibbenbueren, Helios University Hospital of Wuppertal, and University Hospital of Muenster. In October 2018, he became a Senior Consultant and Vice-Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Klinik am Park, Klinikum Westfalen, Luenen, Germany. His clinical and research scope of interest is extracorporeal lung support, lung cancer, vascular biology, pulmonary hypertension, and lung emphysema.
Figure 1 Dr. Bassam Redwan
Interview
ATM: What motivated you to pursue a career in thoracic surgery?
Dr. Redwan: My motivation to pursue thoracic surgery stems from a deep interest in the intricate and life-sustaining mechanics of the respiratory system. During my early years of medical school, I was particularly fascinated by the challenges posed by thoracic disease, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. My work in the laboratory of Prof. Irene M. Lang further fueled my passion as I studied chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and explored vascular biology. This research-oriented approach highlighted the interplay between innovation and patient care, a dynamic unique to thoracic surgery. Witnessing the profound impact that effective surgical interventions have on patients' lives solidified my desire to contribute to the field.
ATM: In 2014, you established an extracorporeal lung support program. How did you go about establishing this program and what impact has it had on patient outcomes?
Dr. Redwan: Establishing the extracorporeal lung support program at Ibbenbueren General Hospital required meticulous planning and collaboration. I received great support from my mentor and head of the department Prof. Stefan Fischer. My approach began with assembling a multidisciplinary team, including anesthesiologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons, to ensure comprehensive care. Training staff on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems and troubleshooting techniques was a critical step. At the same time, I focused on implementing evidence-based protocols to optimize patient selection and minimize complications.
The impact has been profound. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe pulmonary infections, or bridging needs to lung transplantation or lung volume reduction surgery have experienced significant improvements in survival and quality of life. In addition to providing a life-saving option for critically ill patients, the program has spurred innovation in the management of complex lung diseases and performing safe surgery on patients with compromised pulmonary function.
ATM: How has extracorporeal lung support for patients evolved since then? Can you give some examples of new extracorporeal lung support techniques or technologies that have significantly improved patient outcomes?
Dr. Redwan: Extracorporeal lung support has made remarkable progress since 2014. Technological improvements have increased the efficiency and safety of ECMO devices, making them more accessible and user-friendly. For example, the development of biocompatible surfaces for ECMO circuits has reduced clotting and inflammation, while portable ECMO systems have expanded the ability to transport patients.
New hybrid systems, such as extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R), allow partial lung support in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or hypercapnic respiratory failure, minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure. Artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring are also improving individualized patient care by predicting complications and optimizing perfusion strategies. Together, these advances have led to improved outcomes and broader applicability of extracorporeal support.
ATM: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing thoracic surgery today?
Dr. Redwan: One of the major challenges in thoracic surgery is managing the increasing complexity of lung cancer cases, often associated with comorbidities and late-stage diagnosis. Another challenge is the global shortage of donor lungs for transplantation. In addition, ensuring equitable access to advanced surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery and ECMO, remains a concern.
To address these challenges, we must prioritize early detection through screening programs and invest in research into organ preservation and regeneration technologies. Expanding training programs to include emerging techniques such as robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) will improve surgical outcomes. In addition, collaborative, multicenter research initiatives can address gaps in access and innovation.
ATM: With the rise of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), how do you see VATS impacting the understanding or treatment of thoracic surgery?
Dr. Redwan: VATS has revolutionized thoracic surgery by providing a minimally invasive approach that reduces patient morbidity and shortens recovery times. Its impact on the field has been transformative, particularly in lung cancer resections and pleural disease management. VATS provides enhanced visualization of the thoracic cavity, improving precision during procedures.
Beyond its clinical benefits, VATS is expanding our understanding of thoracic pathology through its integration with imaging modalities such as 3D reconstruction and fluorescence imaging. As the technology evolves, VATS is likely to play a pivotal role in refining personalized surgical strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes.
ATM: What advice would you give to young surgeons who want to specialize in thoracic surgery?
Dr. Redwan: To young surgeons who want to specialize in thoracic surgery, I would emphasize the importance of cultivating a balance between technical proficiency and a strong foundation in basic science. Thoracic surgery is a field driven by innovation, so staying curious and actively involved in research is critical. Seek mentorship early on, as it provides guidance and fosters professional growth.
I also encourage young surgeons to embrace lifelong learning, as the field is constantly evolving with advances in minimally invasive techniques, robotics, and lung support technologies. Most importantly, maintain compassion and empathy, as these qualities will guide you in providing patient-centered care.
ATM: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of ATM?
Dr. Redwan: Serving on the editorial board of ATM has been a rewarding experience that allows me to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. It has provided me with a platform to critically evaluate cutting-edge research, collaborate with global experts, and stay abreast of the latest developments in thoracic surgery and related disciplines.
Through this role, I have been able to mentor emerging authors and promote the dissemination of impactful research. It is very fulfilling to be part of a community dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practice.
ATM: As an editorial board member, what are your aspirations for the future of ATM?
Dr. Redwan: My aspirations for the future of ATM include promoting a multidisciplinary approach to thoracic and cardiovascular research. By encouraging collaboration across specialties, we can more effectively address complex challenges. I envision ATM becoming a leading platform for innovative studies that integrate basic science, translational research, and clinical applications.
I also aim to increase the accessibility and reach of the journal, ensuring that its resources benefit healthcare professionals worldwide. Promoting diversity in authorship and editorial contributions will enrich the journal's perspectives and advance our field.