Watching Zhao Heng and Jiang Rui sizing each other up, especially the way Jiang Rui seemed to measure Zhao Heng, Huang Jincheng couldn't help but smile slightly.

Zhao Heng and Jiang Rui were both young talents he favored. He eagerly anticipated what sparks these excellent young minds could ignite together.

However, speaking of excellence, even though Jiang Rui was recommended back by Song Chen and had gained Huang Jincheng's approval, in Huang Jincheng's mind, Zhao Heng was still number one, an unshakable position.

Zhao Heng noticed Jiang Rui's somewhat competitive gaze upon their initial meeting. He found it odd but didn't pay much attention to it.

"Xiao Zhao, there's a patient here with a complicated case. You'll need to coordinate with Xiao Jiang."

Huang Jincheng briefly explained the patient's condition and then spoke to Zhao Heng.

Clearly, the operating surgeon this time was Jiang Rui, while the anesthesiologist was Zhao Heng.

It's well known that an aortic valve replacement, while considered a complex, major surgery at other hospitals, still didn't warrant Director Huang Jincheng himself personally stepping in at the Eastern Hospital's cardiovascular department.

That Huang Jincheng entrusted this surgery to the newcomer Jiang Rui indicated high regard for Jiang Rui's capabilities.

"Dr. Zhao, I look forward to working with you."

Jiang Rui extended a hand to Zhao Heng, formally stating, though his gaze held a hint of competition.

"Mm."

Zhao Heng nodded.

"Xiao Zhao, Xiao Jiang, the surgery is in your hands."

Seeing the two shake hands, Huang Jincheng smiled slightly and then left.

The future belongs to the young. Among all the department heads at Eastern Hospital, Huang Jincheng was particularly committed to nurturing young doctors.

After Huang Jincheng left, Jiang Rui was the first to speak, saying directly, "Dr. Zhao, I've heard about you from my mentor."

"Mentor?"

Jiang Rui's words made Zhao Heng a bit puzzled.

"You mean Song Chen?"

After pausing, Zhao Heng realized that Jiang Rui was introduced as having graduated from Johns Hopkins Medical School, the same school from where Song Chen graduated!

Upon seeing Jiang Rui's competitive look at him, Zhao Heng immediately understood.

"Yes, my mentor often mentions you the most."

Jiang Rui said ambiguously.

"How is she doing?"

Zhao Heng asked casually.

"My mentor is working on a challenging project. If successful, she'll become the youngest associate professor at Hopkins."

Speaking of Song Chen, Jiang Rui exuded pride and satisfaction.

Hearing Jiang Rui's words made Zhao Heng feel strange. It's Song Chen who's accomplished, so why is Jiang Rui so proud and smug?

"Mm, let's discuss the patient's condition."

Zhao Heng nodded. He knew about Song Chen's current situation, as they frequently exchanged emails, not needing Jiang Rui to provide updates on her.

"The patient is a 73-year-old male, admitted for recurrent Tropheryma whippleii endocarditis. He had previously undergone an aortic valve replacement. Due to persistent atrial fibrillation and complete heart block following previous heart surgery, the patient has a permanent pacemaker implanted."

Jiang Rui began detailing the patient's condition. However, he intentionally only shared half of it, specifically the patient's condition, omitting the part about what procedure the patient needed.

His intent was to test Zhao Heng's level, to see if he was as worthy of Song Chen and the renowned cardiovascular Director Huang Jincheng's respect as they suggested.

"Whipple's disease pathogen? That's quite a rare opportunistic bacterium."

Hearing Jiang Rui's description of the patient's condition, Zhao Heng was a bit surprised.

This Tropheryma whippleii, known as TW for short, in Chinese translates to Whipple's disease pathogen, is a very uncommon opportunistic bacterium that most doctors might never have heard of.

"If the patient already has infective endocarditis, it's necessary to remove the existing pacemaker leads and implant an epicardial pacing electrode. Then place the pulse generator pouch subcutaneously below the xiphoid process, setting it to VVI mode."

After a brief contemplation, Zhao Heng articulated the key points of the subsequent surgery required by the patient.

Seeing Zhao Heng's complete familiarity with the Whipple's disease pathogen, or Tropheryma whippleii, Jiang Rui nodded slightly. Knowing such a rare condition demonstrated a solid foundation.

But when Zhao Heng methodically outlined the surgical steps required for the patient, Jiang Rui's expression shifted, because Zhao Heng's plan was textbook-perfect and even more comprehensive and scientific than his original plan.

Wasn't he supposed to be an anesthesiologist?

How was he so knowledgeable about cardiac surgeries as well?

This patient had just been admitted, and the patient's condition was only known to Huang Jincheng and him just before Zhao Heng entered, meaning Zhao Heng had no prior opportunity to prepare.

Moreover, having Zhao Heng consult was a spontaneous decision by Huang Jincheng.

Clearly, Zhao Heng came up with this on the spot.

Understanding this, Jiang Rui's demeanor changed instantly.

"Dr. Zhao, I didn't expect you to be so familiar with cardiac surgeries."

Jiang Rui finally politely addressed Zhao Heng as Dr. Zhao, having previously felt the need to measure him.

But after Zhao Heng's words, he knew Zhao Heng's capability in cardiology was on par with his own.

Truly, an expert reveals their skill with just a move!

And, who knows why an anesthesiologist knows so much about cardiac procedures.

"I often assist Director Huang in surgeries, so I ended up learning a bit more."

Zhao Heng explained.

He was truthful, attributing his extensive knowledge of cardiac procedures to assisting frequently with Huang Jincheng, absorbing the wealth of experience he offered, and integrating it afterwards.

"Uh... Dr. Zhao, you must be joking."

Hearing Zhao Heng's words, Jiang Rui felt slightly awkward, expressing disbelief at Zhao Heng's claim, assuming he was joking.

If simply assisting in a few surgeries could turn someone into an expert, authorities like Huang Jincheng wouldn't be so rare.

"Dr. Zhao, what are your thoughts on the preoperative anesthesia plan for this patient?"

After a pause, Jiang Rui added.

He no longer dared harbor thoughts of testing Zhao Heng, acknowledging the possibility that Zhao Heng might surpass him in certain aspects.

"For this patient, particular care should be taken after the end of cardiopulmonary bypass as there's a risk of low cardiac output syndrome. Preoperatively, you need to prepare Dobutamine and an intra-aortic balloon pump. Additionally, if the patient experiences massive hemorrhage post-surgery leading to hypovolemic shock, then ample blood transfusion would be necessary."

"That being the case, the patient's bleeding risk increases significantly, necessitating the use of monopolar cautery. Consequently, there's a high risk of electromagnetic interference, which means the pacemaker's parameters will need to be reset."

Zhao Heng pondered briefly before speaking.

His comments covered not only the anesthesia plan but also all possible postoperative risks and corresponding countermeasures for the patient.

"..."

Listening to Zhao Heng's words left Jiang Rui momentarily stunned.

At this moment, he had no doubt that if Zhao Heng were the lead operating surgeon on the table, he'd be more than capable.

As an anesthesiologist, Zhao Heng had already considered all aspects typically within the responsibility of the leading surgeon.

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