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Monthly Newsletter - April 2006

Table of Contents


What's New

CTSNET HOME PAGE IMPROVEMENT

The CTSNet home page now carries the six newest announcements, rather than four.  This change has been made to permit new announcements to remain on the home page for a longer period of time before being archived.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR VIDEO VIEWERS

CTSNet is pleased to announce that we are now using the Flash Video format for an improved viewing experience.  You can make sure you have the latest Flash Player installed by visiting the Flash Player Download Center.

THORACIC PORTAL – NEW TECHNOLOGY

"Airway Bypass Stenting for Severe Emphysema" by Doctor Gregory I. Snell  MBBS, FRACP,
Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

THORACIC LITERATURE WATCH

The Thoracic Literature Watch for the first quarter of 2006, compiled by Section Editor Mark K. Ferguson, is now available.

NEW ADULT CARDIAC EXPERT TECHNIQUE

VATS Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMR) For Patients With Endstage Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) by Gary S. Allen, MD of Orlando, Florida.

NEW THORACIC CASE REPORT

"Massive Hemoptysis In Children - Unusual Presentation In Pulmonary Hydatid Disease" by Shyam Singh, MCh, Puja Vimesh, MD, and Syed Aga Nadeem, MBBS, all of the Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu (Tawi) India.

NEW VIDEOS

Cardiac

Pediatric - STSA  

NEW HORIZONS CONTRIBUTION

"The Joy and Value of a Career in Cardiac Surgery" by Edward L. Bove, MD  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

CARDIAC SURGERY RESIDENTS SYMPOSIUM

Two new additions to the March 2005 Cardiac Surgery Resident's Symposium:

WTSA

The Program & Abstracts for the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association are now available.

The 32nd Annual Meeting will be held at the Sun Valley Resort, in Sun Valley Idaho, June 21-24, 2006.  To reserve your hotel accommodations, you can make your reservations online or you can download the hotel reservation form and fax completed forms directly to the hotel at fax # (208) 622-3770. Click the following links to book your accommodations today!

Online Hotel Reservations

Hotel Reservations Form

Registration information will be available shortly. Please visit the 32nd Annual Meeting Webpage for further meeting and accommodations information.

EACTS HEALTH MANAGEMENT COURSE

EACTS Health Management Course, "Health Policy: Creativity & Innovation", El Escorial, Madrid, Spain, 26-30 June, 2006. Co-Organised with Real Colegio Complutense in Harvard, Madrid Complutense University and Harvard University. Coordinated by the EACTS Health Management Strategy Group. Deadline for early registration 4 June, 2006. Deadline for pre-registration 18 June, 2006.

AATS AWARD APPLICATIONS

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery is now accepting Award applications online for the following:

The Evarts A. Graham Traveling Fellowship (2007-2008)

Second Dwight Harken Research Scholarship (2007-2009)

Resident Trave ling Fellowship (2006-2007)

DEADLINE IS JULY 1, 2006.

2007 STS CALL FOR ABSTRACTS AND VIDEOS 

The STS is now accepting abstracts for the 43rd Annual Meeting to be held January 29-31, 2007 in San Diego, California. Accepted submissions will be presented as Oral Presentations, Scientific Posters, or Surgical Movies.

Abstracts may only be submitted online. The STS will not accept faxed, mailed or emailed submissions. To submit an abstract and/or a surgical video for consideration for the STS 43rd Annual Meeting, please visit the STS home page, where you will see an “STS 43rd Annual Meeting” banner on the lower right side of the STS homepage. After you have clicked “More,” you will be directed to the Annual Meeting section page. From there, the two sections highlighted in green will offer two options.  Option one will allow you to begin the abstract or video submission; option two will allow you to review the Abstract and Video Submission Guidelines.

New users to the online submission process will need to create a user account with a login (e-mail address) and password.  After the user account is created, users will receive an e-mail confirmation of their login and password.  This e-mail should be saved to reference, view, or edit the abstract until the June 30 deadline.  Returning users (those who submitted an abstract for the 2006 Annual Meeting) should use the login and password created from the earlier submission. Prompts are available for those who no longer have their password.

STS highly recommends reviewing the Abstract and Video Submission Guidelines before beginning submission. Reviewing these guidelines in advance will likely answer many of questions about the submission process.  For further questions about a submission, please contact Lorie Smith, STS Education Manager, at (312) 202.5800, or via e-mail at lsmith@sts.org.

DEADLINE FOR ALL TYPES OF ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2006

THE STS OFFERS 2 THORACIC ENDOGRAFTING SYMPOSIA

"The STS Thoracic Endografting Symposium is back by popular demand. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons will sponsor two repeat sessions of this important educational opportunity in the upcoming months. The first Thoracic Endografting Symposium will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 19-20 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the second on July 14-15 in Chicago, Illinois.

The program for the Thoracic Endografting Symposium is available online for your review.

This program includes an overview of thoracic endografting for cardiothoracic surgeons, a review of the devices available and in development; sessions on endovascular management of thoracic aortic disease and complications; and a look at the future direction of thoracic endografting. There is also a session on launching an endovascular program, including coding and reimbursement, followed by breakout sessions on catheters and guidewires, pre-operative planning, imaging and a hands-on MMS lab.

As you may know, participation in a didactic educational program is one of the requirements for obtaining credentials to perform this new and important procedure. The Society is pleased to offer this jump start on incorporating thoracic endografting procedures into your practices. 

Please take a moment to review the agenda, then submit the attached  registration form. Attendance will be limited to 125 participants at each session. If you have questions about program content, please contact Lorie Smith at (312) 202-5825, or send a message to (lsmith@sts.org). Registration information available. We hope to see you there."

Sincerely,
Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD
Chair, STS Task Force on Endovascular Surgery

SATELLITE SESSION

Mechanisms of Atrial Fibrillation: Pulmonary Veins, Ganglia, and Patient Selection
Sunday, April 30 7:00PM - 9:00PM Marriott Philadelphia Downtown Salons A & B, Fifth Floor
Sponsored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL. Program Director Dr. Patrick M. McCarthy. For more information. Medtronic Educational Symposium in Philadelphia.

LEARN HOW YOU CAN GET THE EDGE

Sunday, April 29, 2006 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street, Independence Mall. Bus transportation provided to and from Convention Center.

Dr. Oz will share his views on the importance of expanding one's skills in our rapidly changing environment. Thereafter, our panel of innovative surgical leaders will discuss their views on this topic as well as share their own experiences in acquiring emerging skills and adopting new technologies. Sponsored by MEDTRONIC, INC.

Agenda
7:00 p.m. Reception
7:45 p.m. Program
    Moderator: Mehmet Oz, MD  
    Panelists:  Joseph Bavaria, MD, Marc Gilllinov, MD, Prof. Paul Sergeant, MD, PhD, Lars Svensson, MD
8:30 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Exhibit: In Search of a Better World

For more information, there is a pdf of the announcement.

CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSCATHETER DEVICES

May 4-6, 2006 InterContinental Hotel and MBNA Conference Center Cleveland, Ohio. This course will update attendees on the latest research, methods, and techniques for the insertion of transcatheter devices. It is directed to cardiologists, radiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and vascular surgeons. Course director: Lars Svensson, MD, PhD.

SATELLITE SESSIONS

At the AATS meeting, BOSTON SCIENTIFIC AND GUIDANT present two lectures:

Monday, May 1, 9:30 am in Booth #1011
”High-Risk Coronary Revascularization: Benefit of Off-Pump Bypass in Patients with Poor Ventricular Function“ by George V. Letsou, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Texas - Houston Medical School, Houston, TX.

Tuesday, May 2nd, 11:00 am in Booth #1011
”Quality of Radial Artery Grafts Harvested using an Endoscopic vs Traditional Approach”
by Robert S. Poston, MD,  Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.

Two videos from the STSA meeting in November 2005 have been posted:

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Industry Forum

MEDTRONIC ENTERS HEART-LUNG MACHINE MARKET with Most Advanced, Compact Circulatory Support System Medtronic Performer(tm) CPB System Designed to Support Evolving Cardiac Procedures.

MEDTRONIC, INC. announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for the Medtronic
Performer (tm) Cardiopulmonary Bypass System (CPB), an integrated, compact console capable of providing total support of the circulatory system during a variety of cardiac surgical
procedures.  

MedtronicThough offering all the functionality of existing systems, it occupies only a 20-inch by
22-inch space, just a third of the footprint of the time-honored "heart-lung" consoles. The new system, which has evolved from proven extracorporeal support technologies, incorporates the Medtronic Bio-Pump(r) Plus in the arterial position - which plays the role of the heart when the blood must be routed outside the body - as well as four
peristaltic-type roller pumps for non-arterial fluid delivery and retrieval functions. System controls support individual pump function and a central information display with color touch-screen incorporates graphic menus and buttons for user-selectable options. The system monitors all functions pertinent to patient physiology during use and its servo safety technologies provide visual and audible signals and alarms as needed.  Height is electrically adjustable, allowing the instrument to be placed closer to the patient.

The Performer CPB also incorporates data management functions to capture, display, store and transmit all key instrument-related perfusion parameters throughout an entire operation. 

Data can be transmitted from the system to an external Microsoft(r) Office Excel-based macro
program for report and graph generation and case records. For more information, contact your
Medtronic Perfusion Sales Representative or Medtronic Customer Service toll-free at
1-800-854-3570.

MedtronicEMPOWERING THE FUTURE OF SURGICAL ABLATION

MEDTRONIC, INC., announces the release of the new Cardioblate(r) 68000 Generator Surgical Ablation System.  Lightweight and portable, with state-of-the-art electronics and design features, the Cardioblate(r) 68000 Generator makes it easier than ever to safely and effectively provide surgical ablation treatment for your patients. For more information, contact your local Medtronic Cardiac Surgery Sales Representative or call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-328-1357.

 

REPAIR REDEFINED WITH THE SIMPLICI-T(TM) ANNULOPLASTY SYSTEM

The MEDTRONIC, INC. Simplici-T(tm) Annuloplasty System is the first flexible band to eliminate the need for sizing, providing a custom fit for every patient and requiring less inventory space. The Simplici-T(tm) System is based on the "no sizing" implant technique of Dr. Tirone E. David*, one of the world's most outstanding technical cardiac surgeons.
The flexible band and holder adapts to the unique needs of every patient. The implanted band length is determined by the annular size and degree of plication of the annular tissue. For more information, contact your local Cardiac Surgery sales representative or call Customer Service at (800) 328-1357.

Simplici-T(tm) Annuloplasty System
Indications: This device is indicated for the reconstruction and/or remodeling of pathological mitral and tricuspid valves. Appropriate repair and annular remodeling may correct combined valvular insufficiency and stenosis.

Contraindications: Heavily calcified valves, valvular retraction with severely reduced mobility, active bacterial endocarditis.

Warnings/Precautions/Adverse Events: Only physicians who have received proper training in valve repair should use this device. Adverse events can include: thromboembolic events, band dehiscence, hemolysis, stenosis, heart block, endocarditis, systolic anterior motion, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, anticoagulant-related bleeding or hemorrhage, uncorrected or recurrent regurgitation, low cardiac output, thrombosis, damage to coronary arteries. For additional information please refer to the Instructions for Use provided with the product or contact your local Medtronic representative.

CAUTION: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

* Tirone E. David receives royalties from Medtronic, Inc. on sales of the Simplici-T(tm) annuloplasty system.

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books

EACTS announces Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic Surgery

The EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIO-THORACIC SURGERY (EACTS) is pleased to announce the launch of the Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic Surgery (MMCTS) - the premier on-line manual of cardiothoracic surgical procedures. Illustrated with videos and schematics, and including literature and product hyperlinks, MMCTS provides an interactive, multimedia guide to surgical procedures and related information. Authored by invited experts and edited by Dr. Marko Turina and a team of international specialists, MMCTS is now fully integrated into the CTSNet and HighWire Press journal collection. It is targeted at students, specialists and trainees, and is open to comments from readers.

The Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic Surgery (MMCTS) now has 49 surgical procedures published and is growing constantly. Four new contributions were added March 15th. View the latest content.

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Clinical Resources

Videos

Literature Watch

Expert Techniques

Thoracic

Cardiac

Congenital

Clinical Cases

New Technology

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Organizations

E-COMMERCE SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE

Extending business transactions to the Web requires that the confidentiality and security of consumer data and the processing of payments be done in a secure and reliable environment. CTSNet now provides participating organizations with a straightforward e-commerce solution that enables transactions to occur via the Web. Using the state-of-the-art CTSNet e-Commerce service, participating organizations can conduct secure transactions online, without configuring underlying technology and without having to deal with the complexities of setting up private merchant accounts. CTSNet will work with organizations to set up transaction systems that best meet their needs.  To learn how this unique service can benefit your organization, please contact Ray Everngam.

CTSNET LAUNCHES A BLOG FEATURE

What’s a BLOG?
A blog, or weblog, is a personal Web site updated frequently with commentary and links to news items, web sites, other blogs, or anything else you like.  New items go on top and older items flow down the page.  Blogs can be professional journals or personal diaries that focus on one subject or range across a universe of topics of interest to cardiothoracic surgeons.

If you are a frustrated columnist, why not start your own blog on CTSNet?  If you are interested in becoming a blogger, contact Ray Everngam.

Access Blogs in the left menu under News and Views. And check frequently – New ones are coming in often.

STS 2006 MEETING WEBCAST

The webcast for the 42nd STS Annual Meeting in Chicago, January, 2006, is now available.
Highlights are the President's Address by Dr. Sidney Levitsky entitled "Navigating the New "Flat World" of Cardiothoracic Surgery" and the Thomas B. Ferguson Lecture by Dr. David  P. Taggart of Oxford, UK, entitled "CABG is Still the Best Treatment for Multivessel and Left Main Disease But Patients Need to Know."

SICCH CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

The Italian Society for Cardiac Surgery (SICCH) is now receiving abstracts for the 23rd CONGRESS to be held in Rome December 2-5, 2006. Abstract DEADLINE is June 30, 2006. 

AATS 86th ANNUAL MEETING

We hope you are planning to attend the American Association for Thoracic Surgery's Annual Meeting April 29 – May 3 in Philadelphia, PA.   A few of the highlights of the scientific program, symposia, speakers, exhibits and social events follow:

Nobel winner to give Basic Science Lecture
Nobel Prize winner H. Robert Horvitz, Ph.D., the David H. Koch Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will deliver a speech titled, “Genetic Control of Programmed Cell Death in C. elegans.”

Project HOPE CEO to be Honored Guest Speaker
As the President and CEO of Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere), John P. Howe, III, M.D., and his colleagues have battled the ravages of tsunamis, hurricanes and other disasters on an almost unparalleled scale.

Top notch Lillehei Forum on tap
The Ninth Annual AATS C. Walton Lillehei Residents’ Forum will once again feature a selection of top-notch young scientific talent, according to Co-Moderator Mark J. Krasna, M.D.

New electronic CME kiosks debut at 86th Annual Meeting
New this year, the AATS is implementing a system that will allow attendees to print out their own CME certificates, specific to their particular attendance and participation at the meeting.

Attendee Reception
Long before “interactive” became a buzzword, Benjamin Franklin was an innovator in designing hands-on exhibits. The Franklin Institute, site of the AATS’ Attendee Reception, celebrates this clever inventor, statesman, and philosopher.

Emerging Technologies and Techniques Forum
Don't miss the Emerging Technologies and Techniques Forum on Wednesday, May 3, with moderators John D. Puskas, MD and Richard D. Weisel MD.

Planning ahead in cardiac surgery
The 2006 Developing the Academic Surgeon Symposium will focus on preparing cardiac surgeons to address the present and future challenges facing the specialty.

WTS MEETING

The Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) will be meeting in Philadelphia at the time of the AATS meeting.  WTS Cocktail Reception/Membership Meeting, Sunday, April 30, 2006, 7:00-8:30 PM, Philadelphia Marriott, Room 409. WTS Board Dinner Meeting:  Sunday, April 30, 2006, 8:45-10:30 PM, Fountain Restaurant (in four Seasons Hotel), 1 Logan Square (18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway - 6 blocks from Marriott). 215-963-1500.

The Society for Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland

At their 13-16 March 2006 Annual Meeting held in Dublin, Ireland, elected the following officers and members to their executive committee: 

President 2006-2008: Professor Sir Bruce Keogh
President-elect 2006-2008:  Mr Leslie Hamilton
Trainee Representative: Farah Bhatti  
Elected Members – 2006-2009:
Mr. Ben Bridgewater  
Mr. Tim Graham   

The following scholarship and prize winners were announced:

The Marian & Christina Ionescu travelling scholarship: Marjan Jahangiri 
The Society scholarship for thoracic surgery: John Edwards  
The St. Jude scholarship: Jo Chikwe   
Ronald Edwards medal: Aaron Ranasinghe  
John Parker medal: Edward Hickey  
Society medal: Aiman Alzetani 

A guest speaker of the organization, Dr. Timothy Gardner, had this to say:

"The annual meeting of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland, held this year in Dublin, was a model for a really good surgical meeting.  Those in attendance spanned the spectrum from senior surgeons and professors through actively practicing surgeons and a few anesthesiologists, plus senior registrars and trainees, to cardiothoracic advanced practice nurses, database managers, perfusionists, and other allied professionals.  There were even local medical students who assisted with the interactive features of the program.  The Program itself had lots of new science, clinically relevant presentations, competition of basic and clinical research presentations from registrars and trainees, and even a few spirited debates.  What distinguished this meeting was the high degree of inter-activity among presenters, invited discussants and moderators, and the very alert audience.  In addition, the social events were well attended, easygoing, and very engaging, which resulted in lots of networking and social exchange.  The size of the meeting and the ease of interaction, including with the many exhibitors, resulted in a very satisfying professional and social experience.”

IMPORTANT ABTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Recertification - Diplomates originally certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery in 1976-1978, 1986-1988, and 1996-1998 are eligible to apply for recertification this year. The deadline for submitting a recertification application is MAY 10, 2006.  Diplomates whose applications are approved will be sent SESATS IX, which will need to be completed by OCTOBER 2, 2006.  Electronic copies of the application forms can be found on the Board’s web site at www.abts.org.  Diplomates who are not clinically active and who do not qualify for recertification may apply for Inactive Status by contacting the Board at (312) 202-5900 or by email: info@abts.org.

Part II (Oral) Exam - The American Board of Thoracic Surgery plans to administer the 2006 Part II (Oral) Exam to eligible candidates on JUNE 2-3, 2006 in downtown Chicago, Illinois.  For more information, candidates can contact the Board at (312) 202-5900.

Part I (Written) Exam - The American Board of Thoracic Surgery plans to administer the Part I (Written) Exam on Monday, DECEMBER 4, 2006.  The Board plans to give the exam in a computer-based format at multiple testing centers located throughout the United States.  Individuals interested in taking the exam must first submit an application for certification to the Board by AUGUST 1, 2006.

EACTS HEALTH MANAGEMENT COURSE 

EACTS Health Management Course, "Health Policy: Creativity & Innovation ", El Escorial, Madrid, Spain, 26-30 June, 2006. Co-Organised with Real Colegio Complutense in Harvard, Madrid Complutense University and Harvard University. Coordinated by the EACTS Health Management Strategy Group. Deadline for early registration 4 June, 2006. Deadline for pre-registration 18 June, 2006.

THE EUROPEAN SCHOOL FOR CARDIO-THORACIC SUrGERY, Bergamo 2006 Course Dates Announced

EACTS announces the 2006 dates for the courses in the European School for Cardio-thoracic Surgery, held in Bergamo, Italy.  Also scholarship applications are available. Details here.

EACTS OFFERS VISITING FELLOWSHIP GRANTS

A limited number of fellowships at EUR 3,000 will be granted by EACTS International Co-Operation Committee to enable surgeons at an advanced training stage in cardio-thoracic surgery to visit some leading institution(s) of their choice in Europe.

Is your institute interested in hosting an EACTS stipend?

The Committee is looking for institutions that are willing to accept visiting fellows for the above program. Criteria for accepting EACTS visiting fellows are available.

Marko Turina, MD, Chair  
International Co-Operation Committee, EACTS

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Residents Section

CARDIAC SURGERY RESIDENT’S SYMPOSIUM

From the March 2005 Cardiac Surgery Resident's Symposium, sponsored by St. Jude Medical, two presentations have been posted.  These are:

JUNIOR COMMITTEE OF THE ESCVS

Dr. Gianluigi Bisleri, on behalf of the Junior Committee of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery (ESCVS), is proud to announce the program of the Junior Committee Lunch Symposium, during the 55th International Congress of ESCVS to be held in St. Petersburg, Russia on May 11-14, 2006.

As a custom of the Society, every year the Lunch Symposium organized by the Junior Committee deals with relevant and stimulating issues to young cardiovascular surgeons. This year programme will feature 3 exciting invited lectures:

For additional information: Junior Committee of ESCVS.

REVIEW COURSES

The CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY ORAL BOARD REVIEW COURSE will be held Friday, April 28, 2006, preceding the AATS meeting in Philadelphia, PA, at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, 21 Juniper Street. For information, contact: LDS Hospital, Department of Surgery, 1-800-262-5374, Ext.1085.

On September 9-12, 2006 the CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY CORE CURRICULUM REVIEW COURSE will be held in Salt Lake City, UT, at the LDS Hospital Education Center, 8th Avenue and "C" Street. For information, contact: LDS Hospital, Department of Surgery, 1-800-262-5374, Ext.1085.

TSRA/TSDA MEETING

The Thoracic Surgery Residents Association (TSRA) and the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association (TSDA) announce the Inaugural Cardiothoracic Technology Symposium for cardiothoracic surgical residents on May 19-21, 2006, at the University of Cincinnati. This interactive symposium will expose residents to emerging technologies and minimally invasive techniques with a hands-on animal/cadaver laboratory. Visit their webpage for more information.

NEW HORIZONS ARTICLE

"Reflection on 40 years as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon" by Martin L. Dalton, MD, Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon, Georgia, is the newest article in the New Horizons series edited by Dr. Walter H. Merrill of the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.

GRAND ROUNDS

A New Grand Rounds contribution can be found in the Residents Section entitled "Extracorporeal Perfusion, Alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh" by Dr. Robert M. Sade of the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

Please send your "interesting case presentations" to Dr. Vinod Thourani, Editor of the Residents Section.

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Journals

THORACIC SURGERY NEWS

Thoracic Surgery News, the official newspaper of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery, is a bimonthly publication that includes sections devoted to the news of general thoracic surgery, adult cardiac surgery, transplantation, and congenital heart disease.  The March/April  2006 and past issues of Thoracic Surgery News are available online.

Thoracic Surgery News is edited by Dr. Joel Cooper, who is assisted by a staff of 4 associate editors: Dr. Yolanda Colson for General Thoracic, Dr. Carlos Duran for Adult Cardiac, Dr. O. Howard Frazier for Cardiopulmonary Transplant, and Dr. William Williams for Congenital Heart.

NEW ISMICS JOURNAL

The official journal for the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) is now available.  It is titled Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery. Innovations is published bi-monthly by Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.  The Editors are Doctors W. Randolph Chitwood Jr. of Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and Randall K. Wolf, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. For a period of time the papers will be free full access.

The journal can be viewed by going to Journals in the left menu of the CTSNet home page, and then going to JOURNAL RESOURCES in the right menu, and clicking on Other Cardiovascular journals of interest.

NEW CARDIOTHORACIC JOURNAL

The Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery is a new, peer-reviewed, open-access journal launched by BioMed Central. The Editors are Drs. David P. Taggart, Oxford Heart Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK, and Vipin Zamvar,  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK. The journal can be viewed by going to Journals in the left menu, then going to JOURNAL RESOURCES in the right menu, and clicking on Other Cardiovascular journals of interest.

THE ANNALS OF THORACIC SURGERY

CME in The Annals

CME activities are now available to subscribers for the following three articles in the April 2006 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery:

Adult Cardiac:
Liddicoat JR, De La Torre R, Ho KKL, Nathan S, Levitsky S, Krempin J, and Sellke F. Initial impact of drug-eluting stents on coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Ann Thorac Surg 2006; 81:239-42.

Thoracic:
Yoshino I, Kawano D, Oba T, Yamazaki K, Kometani T, and Maehara Y. Smoking status as a prognostic factor in patients with stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Ann Thorac Surg 2006:81:1189-93.

Pediatric:
Chowdhury UK, Pradeep KK, Patel CD, Singh R, Kumar AS, Airan B, Gulati GS, Kothari SS, Saxena A, Kalaivani M, and Venugopal P. Noninvasive assessment of repaired tetralogy of fallot by magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic radionuclide studies. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81:1436-42.

APRIL 2006 ARTICLE FOR DISCUSSION

Bruckner BA, et al. “Critical Evaluation of Chest Computed Tomography Scans for Blunt Descending Thoracic Aortic Injury.”  These workers from Baylor University present dataregarding the use of computed tomography (CT) for assessment of aortic injury, acknowledging that aortography has been the long-held "gold standard". Excerpts of the abstract are presented herein with additional commentary.

The purpose of this study was to review this hospital's experience with the screening and diagnosis of blunt aortic injury with emphasis on the critical evaluation of CT scans for defining descending thoracic aortic injury. An analysis of all patients undergoing aortography to evaluate for blunt aortic injury between January 1, 1997, and August 31, 2004, was performed.  All patients with positive, equivocal, and negative screening CT scans with significant injury mechanism underwent subsequent aortography. A subgroup of patients imaged with the latest generation multislice CT scanners (July 1, 2003, to August 31, 2004) was separately analyzed with rapid three-dimensional reconstruction. Of 856 aortograms, 206 (24.1%) were preceded by chest CT scan. Of 31 patients with confirmed aortic injury, 20 had undergone CT scan with 16 positive for definite injury, 3 positive for possible injury, and 1 false-negative study. Of the 206 patients scanned, 114 (55.3%) showed possible injury, 76 (36.9%) were negative, and 16 (7.8%) were positive. Only 3 of the 114 with possible injury (2.6%) were true positives whereas 1 of the 76 negative scans (1.3%) was a false negative and all 16 positive scans were true positives. These data for CT scan imaging result in a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 40%, a positive predictive value of 15%, and a negative predictive value of 99%. The authors concluded that CT is an acceptable screening tool based on prerequisite high sensitivity and ease of performance in the trauma patient suspected of having a descending thoracic aortic injury. Although the excellent negative predictive value resulted in an algorithm change in the reporting institution, there were a significant number of equivocal scans that required subsequent aortography.

Please read the article and add your comments and experience to this Dilemmas in Adult Cardiac Surgery in the CTSNet Discussion Forum.

OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
Dudzinski DM. Ethics guidelines for destination therapy. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81:1185-88.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIO-THORACIC SURGERY

The April issue of EJCTS is published along with its open-access CME article. 

Current percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting practices for three-vessel and left main coronary artery disease. Insights from the SYNTAX run-in phase.
Kappetein AP, Dawkins KD, Mohr FW, Morice MC, Mack MJ, Russell ME, Pomar J, Serruys PWJC
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2006;29:486-491

Coming soon for April a special supplement: Rethinking the Cardiac Helix: A Structure/Function Journey, Guest edited by Dr. Gerald D. Buckberg, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Five CME activities are now available on the journal site.

INTERACTIVE CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY

The April issue of ICVTS is published. Join in the online discussion in the Interactive section which is constantly updated with new material. ICVTS is an open-access journal with ZERO charges for authors.

MULTIMEDIA MANUAL OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

MMCTS now has 49 surgical procedures published and is growing constantly. Four new contributions were added March 15th. View the latest content.

THE Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

CME in the Journal
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery announces the following new continuing medical education activities in the April issue:

Acquired Cardiovascular Disease
Magnesium as a neuroprotectant in cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial
Sunil K. Bhudia, MD, Delos M. Cosgrove, MD, Richard I. Naugle, PhD, Jeevanantham Rajeswaran, MSc, Buu-Khanh Lam, MD, Emily Walton, BSc, John Petrich, RPh, Roberta C. Palumbo, RN, A. Marc Gillinov, MD, Carolyn Apperson-Hansen, MStat, Eugene H. Blackstone, MD
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006;131:853-861

Congenital Heart Disease
Selective management of the left ventricular outflow tract for repair of interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect: Management of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Takaaki Suzuki, MD, Richard G. Ohye, MD, Eric J. Devaney, MD, Toru Ishizaka, MD, Paul N. Nathan, MS, Caren S. Goldberg, MD, Carlen A. Gomez, MD, Edward L. Bove, MD
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006;131:779-784

General Thoracic Surgery
Cost-effectiveness of routine mediastinoscopy in computed tomography– and positron emission tomography–screened patients with stage I lung cancer Bryan F. Meyers, MD, Fabio Haddad, MD, Barry A. Siegel, MD, Jennifer Bell Zoole, BSN, Richard J. Battafarano, MD, Nirmal Veeramachaneni, MD, Joel D. Cooper, MD, G. Alexander Patterson, MD
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006;131:822-829

ARTICLES OF INTEREST IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE:
Editorial: Conflict of interest: What's a journal to do?
Andrew Wechsler, MD
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006;131:771-772

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Discussions

All the discussion forums have been very active in the past few months. We suggest you peruse them.  Those interested can review the Issues for Surgeons-in-Training.

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Transitions

We are saddened to report that Bert W. Meyer, M.D. of Los Angeles, CA, passed away on February 22, 2006, one month prior to his 95th birthday. Read the tribute by his friend and colleague Dr. Richard J. Hurvitz.

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Abstract Deadlines

More meeting abstract deadlines are available.

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This Month's Meetings

UCSF/UC DAVIS PEDIATRIC HEART CENTER

Fourth International Symposium: “Complex Problems in Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery” will be held April 26 2006 at Milberry Union. UCSF Parnassus Campus, San Francisco, CA.  Attendance is free. Please respond asap to Van Khue Vo – ph: 415-476-3501; e-Mail: vov@surgery.ucsf.edu

ESCVS 55th INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

The 55th International Congress of The EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY will be held May 11-14, 2006 in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. For information, please contact: Prof. Claudio Muneretto, Secretary General - European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, UDA Cardiochirurgia - Spedali Civili, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy, Phone: + 39 030 3996401; Fax: + 39 030 3996096; Email: munerett@master.cci.unibs.it

EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS

The 3rd Spring Meeting of the EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS will be held May 12-13, 2006 at Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 

THE KEY WEST MEETING

Outcomes 2006: “The KEY WEST MEETING - Cardiac and Vascular Surgery: Neurobehavioral Assessment, Physiological Monitoring and Cerebro-Protective Strategies” will be held May 17-20, 2006 at the Wyndham Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Florida. For information, contact: Conference Secretary: Catherine Hawke, E-Media Medical Educationals Inc., 67 Palmer Street, London, ON, Canada N6H 1P8. Fax: 1 519 663-3260. Email: catherine@emme.ca.

PEDIATRIC MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND PEDIATRIC CARDIOPULMONARY PERFUSION

The Second International Conference on PEDIATRIC MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND PEDIATRIC CARDIOPULMONARY PERFUSION will be held May 18-20, 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Questions concerning the conference should be directed to Bonnie J. Bixler, MEd, Director of Special Projects, Penn State College of Medicine Ph: 717-531-6483

Massachusetts general hospital 36th annual postgrad course

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL 36th ANNUAL POSTGRADUATE COURSE IN GENERAL THORACIC SURGERY will be held May 25-26, 2006 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, MA.  Additional information can be found online or by calling 1-617-384-8600.

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Future Meetings

14th Annual Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery Meeting

The 14th Annual Meeting of THE ASIAN SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY (ASCVS) will be held June 1-3, 2006 at the Osaka International Convention Center, Osaka, Japan.   For information, contact: Secretariat of 14th ASCVS, National Cardiovascular Center, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan; Phone: 81 6 4863 7290; Fax: 81 6 4863 7289; Email: ascvs2006@iris.ocn.ne.jp

TORONTO THORACIC REFRESHER

The 32nd Annual TORONTO THORACIC REFRESHER Course will be held June 2-3, 2006 at the Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

CONGRESS ON AORTIC AND MITRAL RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

The 6th congress "Aortic and Mitral reconstructive surgery focus on echocardiographic and technical aspects" will be held June 2-3, 2006  at the Best Western – Sodehotel in Brussels. Congress secretariat: Rosalba Acconcia Secrétariat de chirurgie cardiovasculaire et thoracique des Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc e-mail: ccv@chir.ucl.ac.be.

ISMICS 2006

The INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY (ISMICS) will be held June 7-10, 2006, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The Society's Annual Scientific Meeting will feature over 50 presentations of original research on the newest technologies and techniques used in the practice of minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. The 2006 spotlight highlights work in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery. Make your hotel reservations early! San Francisco hotels will be completely full this time of year.

WTSA 32nd ANNUAL MEETING

The 32nd Annual Meeting of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA) will be held June 21-24, 2006 at the beautiful Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho.

OPERATING ROOMS FOR THE FUTURE

OPERATING ROOMS FOR THE FUTURE June 22-23, 2006  UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA  Examine in this intimate setting all the future operating room developments including: computer technology, high-resolution imaging, IT networking, minimally invasive surgery, robotics, design, and construction.  Featuring an on-site tour of UCLA Medical Center.  Hear live case studies & presentations from reputable health systems about the latest advancements in OR suites.  Please contact Melissa Tashjian at 866-369-5843 or mtashjian@acius.net.

FUNCTIONAL MITRAL REGURGITATION

FUNCTIONAL MITRAL REGURGITATION, an EACTS educational course, will be held on June 23-24, 2006, in Rome, Italy.

EACTS HEALTH MANAGEMENT COURSE 

EACTS Health Management Course, "Health Policy: Creativity & Innovation ", El Escorial, Madrid, Spain, 26-30 June, 2006. Co-Organised with Real Colegio Complutense in Harvard, Madrid Complutense University and Harvard University. Coordinated by the EACTS Health Management Strategy Group. Deadline for early registration 4 June, 2006. Deadline for pre-registration 18 June, 2006.

Advanced Techniques in Cardiac Surgery

Advanced Techniques in Cardiac Surgery, 29 June – 1 July 2006, Krakow, Poland. For more information, contact info@eacts.co.uk

SCANDINAVIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THORACIC SURGERY AND SCANSECT

The 55th Annual Meeting of the SCANDINAVIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THORACIC SURGERY and the 26th Annual Meeting of SCANSECT will be held August 16-19, 2006, in Reykjavik, Iceland. Information: Iceland Travel, Conference Department, P.O. Box 8650, IS-128 Reykjavik, Iceland. Phone 354.585.4300, fax 354.585.4390; e-mail: conferences@icelandtravel.is.

WSCTS 2006 meeting

The 2006 Meeting of the World Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (WSCTS) will be held August 17-20, 2006 at Ottawa Congress Centre, Ottawa, Canada.

WRITTEN REVIEW COURSE

On September 9-12, 2006 the CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY CORE CURRICULUM REVIEW COURSE will be held in Salt Lake City, UT, at the LDS Hospital Education Center, 8th Avenue and "C" Street. For information, contact: LDS Hospital, Department of Surgery, 1-800-262-5374, Ext.1085.

5th EACTS/ESTS JOINT MEETING

The 5th Joint Meeting of the EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR CARDIO-THORACIC SURGERY (EACTS) and the EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS (ESTS) will be held September 9-13, 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden. The EACTS-ESTS Techno-College is September 9.

HEART AND HEALTH FOUNDATION OF TURKEY

The 2nd Annual CONGRESS OF UPDATE IN CARDIOLOGY AND  CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
will be held September 20 - 24, 2006  in Bodrum, Turkey. Abstract deadline for the meeting is 31st May, 2006. For more information: http://www.tksv.org

The AUSTRIAN SOCIETY OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY (ACO-ASSO) and the INTERNATIONAL THORACIC SURGERY CONGRESS

The 23rd Annual Meeting of the AUSTRIAN SOCIETY OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY (ACO-ASSO) and the 11th INTERNATIONAL THORACIC SURGERY CONGRESS will be held October 5-7, 2006, in St. Wolfgang, Austria.  Topic: Lung Cancer – Diagnosis and Treatment. For information, contact: Congress office: Vienna Medical Academy, Alser Strasse 4, A -1090 Wien; Mrs. Sylvia Trittinger Phone: +43 1 405 13 83-13, Fax: +43 1 407 82 74, E-mail: st@medacad.org/aco2006

MEDITERRANEAN ASSOCIATION OF CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIAC SURGERY

The MEDITERRANEAN ASSOCIATION OF CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIAC SURGERY 18th Annual Meeting will be held in Ayia Napa, Cyprus from October 5-7, 2006.  Abstract deadline is 15 June 2006.

New york ace 2006

New York ACE 2006: Advanced Cardiac and Endovascular Therapies – A Live Demonstration Course -  will be presented October 8-11, 2006 in New York, NY. Sponsored by Lenox Hill Hospital For information contact: New York ACE Symposia Office - Total CME, Inc. Phone:  US 1-267-395-0001; Fax: 215-321-7995; E-mail: nyace@totalcme.com; For additional information: http://www.ny-ace.com

EUROPEAN CHAPTER OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY (TERMIS-EU)

The EUROPEAN CHAPTER OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY (TERMIS-EU) formerly the EUROPEAN TISSUE ENGINEERING SOCIETY (ETES) will hold its annual meeting October 8-11, 2006, at Congress Center De Doelen, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.  For information, contact: Erasmus MC – Het Congresbureau, Mrs. S. Dijkstra, Postbus 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Phone +31 10 408 7880, fax +31 10 408 9462, Email: s.dijkstra@erasmusmc.nl, Website: www.etes2006.org. Abstract submission DEADLINE is May 1, 2006.

10th HEART LAB WORKSHOP

The 10th Annual HEART LAB WORKSHOP will be held at the Hotel Renaissance in Zurich, Switzerland October 18-22, 2006.

WORLD CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS

The 35th WORLD CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS will be held 25-29 October 2006 at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), Pattaya, Thailand. DEADLINE for abstract submission is MAY 31, 2006. For inquiries, please contact the Congress Secretariat at lei@asiacongress.com.

AMSECT MEETING

The 15Th International Symposium, CARDIAC SURGERY, BEYOND 2006, of THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF EXTRACORPOREAL TECHNOLOGY (I-SECT) AND THE NORTHERN NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF EXTRACORPOREAL TECHNOLOGY, (NNJAECT, AMSECT'S LARGEST CHAPTER) will be held November 1-5, 2006 at the Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, Palm Beach, Aruba.  For more information please contact Paul Cappola, (2006 Program Committee) at East Coast Medical Organization (ECMO, Inc.), telephone 1.401.455-0618 or ecmoinc@aol.com or isect@aol.com.   

TURKISH CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY SOCIETY

The 9th National Congress of the Turkish Cardiovascular Surgery Society will be held at the Pine Beach Resort Hotel, Belek/Antalya, Turkey, November 1-5, 2006.  For scientific information, contact: Dr. Serap Aykut Aka, Phone: 90 2164189610, ext: 2302; E-mail: serapaykutaka@gmail.com, serapaykutaka@kdc2006.org. For information, contact: Interium Organization: Phone: +90 212 292 88 08; Fax: +90 212 292 88 07; E-mail: info@interium.com.tr, serapaykutaka@gmail.com  Additional information: http://www.kdc2006.org/.   Abstracts are being accepted now. ABSTRACT DEADLINE MAY 15, 2006.

53rd Southern Thoracic Surgical Association Meeting

The 53rd meeting of the SOUTHERN THORACIC SURGICAL ASSOCIATION will be held at the Starr Pass Marriott, Tucson, Arizona, November 9-11, 2006. For  more information, contact Nancy Gray Puckett or Jeanne Delaney Lippert 633 North St. Clair, Suite 2320, Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 800-685-7872; FAX: 312-202-5801; E-Mail: stsa@stsa.org

SURGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE MEDIASTINUM

The Fourth International Workshop on Surgical Exploration of the Mediastinum and Systematic Nodal Dissection will be held November 22-24, 2006, in Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain Information: Ms Dolores Martinez (Planta 8), Hospital Mutua de Terrassa, Plaza Dr. Robert, 5, 08221 Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain. Phone: +34-937365050 (extension 3930), Fax: +34-937365082, E-mail: workshop2006hmt@hotmail.com.

EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF EOSPHAGOLOGY (ESE)

The Annual Meeting of the EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF EOSPHAGOLOGY (ESE) will be held November 30-December 2, 2006 in Leuven, Belgium. The abstract deadline is July 1, 2006. Come and learn about the latest progress in esophagology. And enjoy Leuven, city of the oldest University of the Benelux. Phone: +43 1 405 13 83 13 Fax: + 43-1-407 82 74 Email: st@medacad.org Additional information: http://www.aco-asso.at/

CZECH SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY

The 2nd Congress of the CZECH SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY will be held November 30-December 1 at the Hotel Voronez in Brno, Czech Republic. For information, contact: Center of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantation, Pekarska 53, 65691 Brno, Czech Republic, phone 420543211528; fax 420543211218; email: zdenka.horackova@cktch.cz; website: http://www.cskvch.cz

EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

December 6-9. EUROECHO 10, The Tenth Annual Meeting of the EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Prague Congress Centre, Prague, Czech Republic.  EUROECHO 10 Secretariat, ESC, 2035 Route des Colles, Les Templiers - BP 179, 06903 Sophia Antipolis, France, Phone.: +33 (0)4 92 94 76 00, Fax: +33 (0)4 92 94 76 01, E-mail: euroecho@escardio.org.

AORTIC SURGeRY “HOW TO DO IT” II

The second congress AORTIC SURGERY “HOW TO DO IT” II will be held December 15-16, 2006, in Milan, Italy.  Organizers are Prof. Roberto Chiesa and Prof. Ottavio Alfieri.  Organizing Secretariat: Stefania Grassi. Venue: San Raffaele Congress Centra – Via Olgettina 58 – 20132 Milano, Italy. Ph: +39 02 2643 3700 Fax: +39 02 2643 3754; email:aortic.surgery@spr.it; Website: http://congress.spr.it/aorticsurger.

PAKISTAN SOCIETY OF CARDIOVASCULAR & THORACIC SURGEONS

The 6th Biennial International Conference of Pakistan Society of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons will be held December 15-17, 2006 in Karachi, Pakistan. Prof. Arif-ur-Rehman Khan, Convener & Professor of Cardiac Surgery, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Further information: Conference secretariat, 4th Floor, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi – 75510, Pakistan. Phones:+92-333-222-2955, +92-21-9204759; Fax: +92-21-9201287; e-mail: pscts.conference@gmail.com; website: http://www.nicvd.edu.pk.

NEWERA CARDIAC CARE 10: INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The 10th Annual NEWERA CARDIAC CARE: INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY meeting, co-chaired by W. Randolph Chitwood, Jr., MD and Robert C. Robbins, MD, will be held January 5 - 7, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa in Huntington Beach, California. THE DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS IS NOVEMBER 15, 2006. For further information, please email Susan Westwood at susan@amainc.com or visit: http://www.amainc.com.

SOCIETY FOR CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY IN GB & IRELAND (SCTS)

The annual meeting for 2007 of the SOCIETY FOR CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND will be held March 11-14, 2007 in the Manchester International Convention Centre (MICC), Manchester, UK. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 5 NOVEMBER 2006.
For information, contact: Isabelle Ferner 35-43 Linoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE
Phone: +44 20 7869 6893; Fax: +44 20 7869 6890; Email: sctsadmin@scts.org

CREF 27 - THE SAN DIEGO CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY SYMPOSIUM

The 27TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY SYMPOSIUM, chaired by Julie A. Swain MD, will be held March 15 - 18, 2007, at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California. THE ABSTRACT DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15, 2007. For further information, please email Susan Westwood at susan@amainc.com or visit:
http://www.amainc.com.    

HERSHEY CONFERENCE

The Third International Conference on PEDIATRIC MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT SYSTEMS, PEDIATRIC HEART TRANSPLANTATION, AND PEDIATRIC CARDIOPULMONARY PERFUSION will be held May 17-19, 2007 at the Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA. Sponsored by the Penn State Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine. Contact: Bonnie J. Bixler, M.Ed. Dir. of Special Projects Penn State Continuing Education, College of MedicinePO Box 851 Hershey, PA  17033-0851; ph: 717-531-6483.

THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY

The 56th International CONGRESS OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY will be held May 17-20, 2007 in Venice, Italy. For information, contact: Professor Claudio Muneretto, Secretary General, UDA Cardiochirurgia – Spedali Civili, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia (Italy). Phone: + 39 030 399 6401; Fax: + 39 030 399 6096 Email: munerett@med.unibs.it

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Member Section

MEMBER PHOTOS

We thank all those members who have sent your photos for posting on your home page. It does make such a difference when curious fellow-members can eyeball you. For those who have not yet done so, we urge you to send a photograph soon. We prefer a jpeg file attached to an e-mail, but will accept other types (bitmap, gif). Or simply send us a wallet-sized glossy print to the address below.

We will be registering members and taking photos at The American Association for Thoracic Surgery meeting in Philadelphia, April 30 – May 3. Please stop by our booth #1228.  We look forward to seeing you there.  We will also be attending the 55th International Congress of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery in St. Petersburg, Russia from May 11 -14, 2006.  Look for us there!

Thomas B. Ferguson, M.D.
Senior Editor

Carol L. Blasberg
Managing Editor

CTSNet, Inc.
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