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Monthly Newsletter - February 2006
THORACIC PORTAL - NEW TECHNology
"Computer Powered Surgical Stapling” by Christopher Komanapalli, MD, Paul H. Schipper, MD and Mithran S. Sukumar, MD, all of Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
NEW VIDEOS
A Video Presentation - Norwood Procedure - by Doctors Pascal R. Vouhe and Alexander Kadner, Hopital Necker Enfants-Malades, Paris France.
Two new videos from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences have been posted. They are:
(1) Repair of Atrio-Ventricular Septal Defect
(2) Excision of Left Atrial Myxoma
Both procedures are performed by Dr. Arkalgud Sampath Kumar.
A new In My Opinion has been posted: "Cardiothoracic Surgeons Have an Important Role in the Emerging Specialty of Cardiothoracic Surgical Critical Care" by Dr. Nevin M. Katz, Clinical Professor of Surgery, the George Washington University, Washington, DC.
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.
AATS ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM
The Preliminary Program for the 86th Annual Meeting of the AATS, taking place April 29 - May 3, 2006 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is now available. Abstracts can be accessed by clicking the underlined titles. Pre-Registration and Housing are available online until March 24, 2006.
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 current and past issues of Thoracic Surgery News are available online.
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) has a newly designed and updated website. Check it out!
EACTS COURSE, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
"Applied Science for Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons," EACTS Course, Prague, Czech Republic, March 23-25, 2006. Course organizer: Dr. Marko Turina. There are places available to attend this highly interesting course. Deadline for applications is the 1st of March 2006.
Scholarships may be available to those whose institutions that cannot cover the cost.
Registrations will be allocated by the EACTS Executive Secretariat, 3 Park Street, Windsor, Berks SL4 1LU, UK, Email: registration@eacts.co.uk
EACTS Health Management Course
Health Policy: Creativity & Innovation, El Escorial, Madrid, Spain, June 26-30, 2006. Co-Organised with Real Colegio Complutense in Harvard, Madrid Complutense University and Harvard University. Further details will be announced soon at www.eacts.org
STS 2006-2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At the recent meeting in Chicago, the STS slate of Directors for 2006-2007 was announced:
President
FREDERICK L. GROVER
First Vice President
JOHN E. MAYER, JR
Second Vice President
W. RANDOLPH CHITWOOD, JR.
Secretary
DOUGLAS E. WOOD
Treasurer
DOUGLAS J. MATHISEN
Treasurer-Elect
CAROLYN E. REED
Immediate Past President
SIDNEY LEVITSKY
Editor
L. HENRY EDMUNDS, JR.
Historian
W. GERALD RAINER
International Director
SIR BRUCE KEOGH
Directors-at-Large
MICHAEL J. MACK (2007)
MEREDITH L. SCOTT (2007)
KIRK R. KANTER (2008)
JEFFREY B. RICH (2008)
RICHARD FEINS (2009)
JEFFREY P. GOLD (2009)
The Women in Thoracic Surgery organization (WTS) announces a new slate of officers:
President (2005-2007): Margarita Camacho
Vice President (2005-2007): Cindy Herrington
Secretary/Treasurer (2005-2007): Becky Wolfer
Member at large (2005-2007): Joanne Starr
Member at large (2006-2008): Patty Thistlewaite
Historian: Nora Burgess
Board of Directors:
2005-2007
Margarita Camacho
Cindy Herrington
Becky Wolfer
Nora Burgess
2006-2008
Mary Boylan
Carolyn Dresler
Yolonda Colson
GERMAN SOCIETY FOR THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
Board of Directors:
President: Prof. Dr. Arno Krian
1. Vice President: Prof. Dr. Axel Haverich
2. Vice President: Prof. Dr. Hans H. Scheld
Secretary: Prof. Dr. Jochen Cremer
Treasurer: Prof. Dr. Joachim-Gerd Rein
Assessors:
Prof. Sabine Daebritz
Dr. Christian Hagl
Prof. Dr. Andreas Markewitz
Prof. Dr. Uwe Mehlhorn
Prof. Dr. Christian Vahl
Prof. Dr. Armin G. Welz
The Annual Meeting of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery recently took place in Hamburg. The scientific quality of presentations was much appreciated by a record number of attendees. “Wind of Change,” which was the motto for the meeting, was certainly fulfilled in all aspects. For the first time in the 35-year history of the Society a visiting country was invited, Japan. Several Japanese delegates were welcomed to the meeting adding a nice international flavor and interesting and innovative scientific exchange.”
The Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology has a newly designed website. The JECT is the official journal of the American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology (AmSECT). Check it out!
A call for abstracts has been issued by the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association for the 53rd Annual Meeting to be held November 9-11, 2006 in Tucson, Arizona. The DEADLINE is Friday, April 7, 2006 (midnight, CST).
Please note: By submitting an abstract to the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (STSA) you acknowledge that the material in this abstract has not been submitted for publication, published, or presented previously at another national or international meeting and is not under consideration for presentation at another national or international meeting.
If you are submitting a video, it must be in a dvd/NTSC format, less than 10 minutes and it must be received by STSA before MARCH 23, 2006 (mail dvds to STSA, 633 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 2320, Chicago, IL 60611, Attention: Jeanne Delaney Lippert).
EACTS-ESTS ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
The 5th EACTS/ESTS 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. Abstract DEADLINE is April 1, 2006.
The 3rd Spring Meeting of the EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS (ESTS) will be held May 12-13, 2006 at Cluj-Napoca, Romania. A new feature at this meeting will be a Poster Presentation. The DEADLINE for presentation abstracts is MARCH 1, 2006.
IMPORTANT ABTS ANNOUNCEMENTS
In-Training Examination - The American Board of Thoracic Surgery plans to administer the 2006 In-Training Exam on Saturday, APRIL 1, with a back-up date of Saturday, APRIL 8. The back-up date is only available by pre-arrangement with the Board. Candidates planning on taking the 2006 In-Training Exam must first take the Practice Exam, which will be available from MARCH 1 to MARCH 31 on the Board’s web site.
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. Candidates must notify the Board of their intent to sit for the examination by MARCH 1, 2006. 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
CTSNet gratefully acknowledges the financial and professional support it receives from industry. Industry support enables CTSNet to maintain and develop innovative services and content to meet the educational and professional needs of the international cardiothoracic community.
The current CTSNet sponsors are the following:
Founding Sponsors
Medtronic, Inc.
3f Therapeutics, Inc.
Sustaining Sponsors
Edward Lifesciences Corp.
St. Jude Medical, Inc.
Contributing Sponsors
Guidant, Inc.
Sorin Group
CTSNet Industry Forum Participants
ATS Medical, Inc.
Baxter
Cryocath Technologies, Inc.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Maquet, Inc.
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
CTSNet could not exist without this support!
St. Jude Medical has posted 2 new presentations from the Trends in Cardiac Surgery Meeting, hosted by Dr. Daniel Navia in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A presentation by Gerard Champsaur, MD provides an excellent overview of the Epicor Cardiac Ablation System and its use of the revolutionary High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology. A presentation by Dr. James L. Cox offers important insights into past and current trends in the treatment and management of atrial fibrillation.
EDWARDS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW MITRAL VALVE REPAIR THERAPY
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation announces the European and U.S. launch of a new mitral valve repair therapy designed to treat mitral valve insufficiency in patients suffering from congestive heart failure.
The Edwards GeoForm annuloplasty ring, which features a unique, three-dimensional shape, has been shown to treat successfully mitral regurgitation caused by cardiomyopathy and to improve the function of the left ventricle, according to a presentation delivered at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS) in Barcelona. Cardiomyopathy is a common form of congestive heart failure that affects tens of thousands of people annually.
In his presentation, "GeoForm: A New Valvular Solution for a Ventricular Problem," Steven F. Bolling, MD, Professor of Surgery and Director of the University of Michigan Health System's Mitral Valve Clinic, presented results from a prospective study of 16 congestive heart failure patients, all of whom were suffering from mitral valve regurgitation due to distortion of the left ventricle. Six months after the patients' mitral valves were surgically repaired with the Edwards GeoForm annuloplasty ring, their mitral valve regurgitation was eliminated and the left ventricle was reformed.
Edwards Lifesciences developed the GeoForm ring with Prof. Ottavio M. Alfieri, MD, of St. Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy and with Dr. Bolling.
For more information, please visit http://www.edwards.com/.
Cryocath Technologies Inc. announces two new systems
CRYOCATH TECHNOLOGIES INC. announces the release of TWO NEW Surgical CryoAblation Systems, SurgiFrost 7 cm probe and FrostByte, a unique 2-in-1 cryoclamp device. The systems utilize CryoCath's new Argon technology to rapidly achieve -160°C in 30 to 60 seconds. SurgiFrost & FrostByte allow surgeons to complete all lesion lines efficiently while cryoadhesion ensures certainty in lesion placement and the ability to manipulate heart tissue. In the United States the cryosurgical systems are indicated for minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures, including the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, 510(k) cleared.
MEDTRONIC cardiac surgery announces Cardioblate® BP2 Surgical Ablation System
MEDTRONIC CARDIAC SURGERY announces the release of its new Cardioblate® BP2 Surgical Ablation System. The new system features an irrigated bipolar ablation device with a flexible neck and slim, 7 cm active electrodes. Simply rotate the head or shape the malleable electrodes as the situation requires.
Terumo Adds new featured product
TERUMO CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS has added a new Featured Product: VirtuoSaph(tm) Endoscopic Vein Harvesting System.
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 45 surgical procedures published and is growing constantly. View the latest content.
- “Bilateral Sequential Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis” by Drs. Cliff K. Choong, Bryan F. Meyers, and G. Alexander Patterson of Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. Presented at the November 2005 meeting of the STSA.
- “Mitral Valve Replacement and Tricuspid Valve Repair (transseptal approach)” and “Myocardial Revascularization”are both contributed by Dr. Arkalgud Sampath Kumar of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- The Third Quarter 2005 THORACIC LITERATURE WATCH, compiled by Dr. Mark K. Ferguson, is now available.
- The Adult Cardiac Literature Watch for the third quarter of 2005 is now available. This Section is edited by Doctors Eric J. Okum, Chicago, Illinois, and Domenico Pagano, Birmingham, UK.
Thoracic
- ”Pericardial Fat Pad Flap Buttress” by Drs. Christopher Komanapalli and Mithran Sukumar of Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Cardiac
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“Aortic Valve Repair for Aortic Insufficiency” by Drs. Stephen H. McKellar and Kenton J. Zehr, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Congenital
- A Congenital Heart Expert Technique contribution from Dr. Victor O. Morell of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA is available: "Aortic Translocation for TGA with VSD and PS." Also included is a commentary by Section Editor Dr. Carl L. Backer.
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"An Unusual Infection Presenting as a Chest Wall Mass" by Dr. James Mykytenko and colleagues, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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.
CTSNet IMPLEMENTS GOOGLE SEARCH APPLIANCE AS ITS WEB SITE SEARCH ENGINE
CTSNet recently implemented the Google Search Appliance on the Web site. Now when readers enter terms in the search box, the CTSNet version of the Google Search Appliance provides a list of results that integrates the Web content from Participating Organizations, journals, books, and other pertinent sources. This integration enables a reader to stay apprised not only of what's happening within CTSNet Participating Organizations, but to stay at the leading edge of research, information, and opinions in the field through a single search. The current indexed collection of CTSNet content is more than 490,000 pages. The appliance provides many of the best features of the public Google search engine and provides a similar indexing structure, familiar interface, PageRank weighting, cached copies of documents, and conversion of documents into HTML.
The European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS) welcomes applications for the Fontan prize. The prize is awarded to a cardiac, cardio-thoracic, or thoracic surgeon with postgraduate training. It is not limited to European citizens. The amount awarded at present is EURO 30,000 and should cover the costs of one year's stay at a major European department or research facility. Deadline for applications is the 15th of April 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
TSFRE - Public Policy Management Course
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education (TSFRE) is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships to attend the Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at the Heller School of Public Policy and Management at Brandeis University, May 29 - June 3, 2006.
This week-long course is an intensive introduction to health care systems theory, health care policy, economics, politics, management, and health care leadership. The course will be taught by a faculty of internationally recognized health policy experts including Stuart Altman, Jon Chilingerian, and Sarita Bhalotra. Details are available online.
TSFRE is prepared to provide up to 14 partial scholarships of $2,500 toward the $4,200 cost of the course. Attendees will be responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.
If you would like to be considered for a scholarship to attend this outstanding new course please send:
1) Your completed application;
2) Your Curriculum Vitae;
3) A letter describing why want to attend the course;
4) Two letters of recommendation.
Application materials must be received before March 15, 2006, and should be submitted to:
Rebecca Bonsaint
TSFRE
900 Cummings Center, Suite 221-U
Beverly, MA 01915
Telephone: (978) 927-8330
email: rbonsaint@prri.com
SOCIETY FOR HEART VALVE DISEASE
Adrian Chester, PhD has been appointed as Secretary/Treasurer of the SHVD.
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:
- Dr. Vinod Thourani, Emory University, Atlanta, USA:”E-learing: the education tool for the future.”
- Dr. G. Megali, S. Anna University, Pisa, Italy:” Virtual training systems for surgical applications.”
- Dr. Randolph Van Eps, Rijnmond-Zuid Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands: “How to get hands-on in endovascular procedures during your surgical training?”
For additional information: Junior Committee of ESCVS.
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 Courtyard by Marriott Downtown. 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
In a contribution to the New Horizons Section of the Resident's page, Dr. C. Barber Mueller, former Chair of the Department of Surgery at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, gave these remarks to the medical students at that institution. Every physician and physician-to-be should read “The Privilege of Caring."
CASE OF THE MONTH – CHEST WALL MASS
"An Unusual Infection Presenting as a Chest Wall Mass" by Dr. James Mykytenko and colleagues, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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.
Please send your "interesting case presentations" to Dr. Vinod Thourani, Editor of the Residents Section.
THE ANNALS OF THORACIC SURGERY
CME activities are now available to subscribers for the following three articles in the February 2006 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery:
Adult Cardiac:
Moon MR, Pasque MK, Munfakh NA, Melby SJ, Lawton JS, Moazami N, Codd JE, Crabtree TD, Barner HB, and Damiano, RJ Jr. Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch After Aortic Valve Replacement: Impact of Age and Body Size on Late Survival. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81:481-9
General Thoracic:
Suzuki K, Kusumoto M, Watanabe S-i, Tsuchiya R, and Asamura H. Radiologic Classification of Small Adenocarcinoma of the Lung: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation and Its Prognostic Impact. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81:413-9
Pediatric:
Massin MM, Hövels-Gürich HH, Gérard P, and Seghaye M-C. Physical Activity Patterns of Children After Neonatal Arterial Switch Operation. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81:665
FEBRUARY 2006 Article for Discussion
Schultz JM, et al, Hypothermic low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass impairs pulmonary and right ventricular function more than circulatory arrest. Ann Thorac Surg 2006 81:474-480. (The J. Maxwell Chamberlain Memorial paper in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery)
In this provocative paper from Portland, the issue of deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest is revisited by an experienced group of clinical researchers. The emphasis is on the possibility of ischemic neurologic injury associated with DHCA, which the authors note has led some surgeons to use low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass during hypothermia. This animal study investigates the inflammatory response to DHCA and low flow CPB, and the consequences of this response for pulmonary and right ventricular function. Piglets were cooled to 16° to 18°C using CPB, and randomized to DHCA for 60 minutes, or low-flow CPB (50 cc • kg–1 • min–1) for 60 minutes. Serum TNF- concentration, percent lung water, and pulmonary and cardiac function were measured before and after CPB. TNF- was higher after hypothermic low-flow CPB compared with DHCA (p = 0.03). The percent lung water was higher after low-flow CPB than DHCA (p < 0.001). The alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient was worse after low-flow CPB than DHCA (p = 0.02). Pulmonary vascular resistance was greater after low-flow CPB than DHCA (p = 0.049). The authors conclude that hypothermic low flow extends exposure to CPB, and is associated with an increased inflammatory response compared with DHCA, which could result in substantial non-neurologic morbidity in the postoperative period, demonstrated by pulmonary and right ventricular dysfunction.
How relevant are these data to the clinical scenario? Have prior investigations overlooked this aspect of the problem in their attempts to focus on neurodevelopmental outcome? Or is this study a sidelight to the real problem? Should a high flow have been added, or do we know enough about that condition already? Clearly a number of future investigations come to mind to clarify these and other questions further.
Please read the article, and add your comments and experience to this Dilemma in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in the CTSNet Discussion Forum.
STS/AATS
STS/AATS Joint Workforce on New Technology:
Anderson RP, Carey M, Baram-Clothier E, Mack MJ, and Lytle BW. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American Association for Thoracic Surgery Off-Pump Training Program. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81:782-4
ASIAN CARDIOVASCULAR & THORACIC ANNALS
The February issue of the Asian Annals is now available. This is the first issue of 6 issues per year, and the first issue with e-content.
European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
The February issue of EJCTS is published along with its open-access CME article.
Four CME activities are now available on the journal site.
INTERACTIVE CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY
The February 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.
THE Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery announces the following new continuing medical education activities in the February issue:
Acquired Cardiovascular Disease
Reoperation is not an independent predictor of mortality during aortic valve surgery.
Davierwala PM, Borger MA, David TE, Rao V, Maganti M, and Yau TM.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006;131:329-335.
Congenital Heart Disease
Current outcomes and risk factors for the Norwood procedure.
Stasik CN, Goldberg CS, Bove EL, Devaney EJ, and Ohye RG.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006;131:412-417.
General Thoracic Surgery
Outcomes of pulmonary endarterectomy for treatment of extreme thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Thistlethwaite PA, Kemp A, Du L, Madani MM, and Jamieson SW.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006;131:307-313
Within the pages of the Journal, whether print or electronic, Dr. Jorge Flores, et al, discuss the increased risk of spinal cord injury after stented elephant trunk deployment, and Dr. Lars Svensson examines a number of issues related to the problem in an accompanying editorial.
Dr. Toumpoulis and colleagues, in a study on the assessment of independent predictors for long-term mortality between women and men after coronary artery bypass grafting, emphasize that clinical decision making and follow-up should be driven by specific findings rather than stereotypes. Their results are put in perspective by Dr. Nancy Nussmeier’s editorial “Are women different from men in ways that matter? Maybe.”
Dr. Carrier et al, report that pexelizumab reduces mortality in patients undergoing combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass surgery by inhibiting complement activation. Issues resulting from this finding are discussed in detail in an editorial by Drs. Frank Sellke and Munir Boodhwani.
Be sure to browse your issue to see the many other topics covered.
All the discussion forums have been very active in the past few months. We suggest you peruse them. This is the thread involving Trayslol.
DECEASED
Norman E. Shumway MD, a giant among giants, died February 10th, 2006, one day after his 83rd birthday. Read the Tribute by Doctors Bruce A. Reitz and William A. Baumgartner.
Robert G. Ellison, MD
December 4, 1916-January 8, 2006
Robert Ellison died January 8, 2006. He was associated with the Medical College of Georgia throughout his professional life. He was a founding member of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the first Treasurer and the seventh President of the organization. He served as STS Historian from 1973 to 1992. A tribute to Dr. Ellison by Dr. W. Gerald Rainer of Denver, Colorado, and current Historian for the STS, can be read here.
George Lindesmith passed away at 77 years of age on January 7th, 2006 from complications related to a thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was the 25th President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Please refer to the CTSNet Transitions Section for a tribute to Dr. Lindesmith by Dr. Winfield J. Wells.
HONORED
On Tuesday, April 12, 2005, the University of Maryland School of Medicine honored Joseph McLaughlin, MD, Class of 1956, a distinguished member of the School of Medicine Surgery faculty, with a portrait to be hung in the Cardiac Surgery Conference Room. One hundred guests gathered at the Center Club to honor "Dr. Mac's" more than 50 years of service to the University of Maryland both as a student and faculty member.
- March 1, 2006: EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS (ESTS), Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- March 10, 2006: THE WORLD SOCIETY OF CARDIO-THORACIC SURGEONS (WSCTS), Ottawa, Canada.
- April 1, 2006: The EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF CARDIO-THORACIC SURGERY (EACTS) and the EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS (ESTS), Stockholm, Sweden.
- April 3, 2006: CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF THORACIC SURGEONS ANNUAL MEETING 2006 (CANATS), Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- April 15, 2006: THE KEY WEST MEETING, Key West, Florida.
- April 8, 2006: SOUTHERN THORACIC SURGICAL ASSOCIATION, Tucson, Arizona
- April 24, 2006: AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CHEST PHYSICIANS, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- April 30, 2006: XXX CONGRESS OF THE ITALIAN SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGERY, Assisi, Italy.
- May 1, 2006: THE 55TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SCANDINAVIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THORACIC SURGERY AND THE 26TH ANNUAL MEETING OF SCANSECT, Reykjavik, Iceland.
More meeting abstract deadlines are available.
24th International Cardiovascular Surgical Symposium
The 24th INTERNATIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR SURGICAL SYMPOSIUM, sponsored by EACTS, will be held March 4-11, 2006 in Zurs/Arlberg, Austria.
An important one day conference will be held in Toronto, Canada on March 8, 2006, sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute of Canada, and the American Cancer Society. The subject is Ultraviolet, Vitamin D, and Health.
GENERAL THORACIC SURGICAL CLUB MEETING
The GENERAL THORACIC SURGICAL CLUB meeting will be held March 9-12, 2006 at the Hilton El Conquistador Hotel in Tucson, Arizona.
SOCIETY OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEONS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND
THE SOCIETY OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEONS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND will be held in Dublin, Ireland March 13-16, 2006. Log on to the Society website for full information and programme details.
BRAZILIAN CONGRESS OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
The BRAZILIAN CONGRESS OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY will be held in Salvador (Bahia) Brazil, March 29-April 1, 2006. Accepted abstracts will be published in the Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery, in Portuguese in the print version and in Portuguese and English in the electronic version.
The 10th biennial program will be held April 27-28, 2006 at the New York Sheraton Hotel and Towers. This is your opportunity to review and discuss the latest surgical techniques and technologies to incorporate into your practice.
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 Courtyard by Marriott Downtown. For information, contact: LDS Hospital, Department of Surgery, 1-800-262-5374, Ext.1085.
The Preliminary Program for the 86th Annual Meeting of the AATS
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 DEADLINE for abstracts is March 1, 2006. Submit abstracts online.
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. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 15 April 2006. 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.
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
The 32nd Annual TORONTO THORACIC REFRESHER Course will be held June 2-3, 2006 at the Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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.
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.
EACTS Health Management Course
Health Policy: Creativity & Innovation, El Escorial, Madrid, Spain, June 26-30, 2006. Co-Organised with Real Colegio Complutense in Harvard, Madrid Complutense University and Harvard University. Further details will be announced soon at www.eacts.org
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.
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. ABSTRACTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. ABSTRACT DEADLINE IS MARCH 10, 2006.
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.
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. Abstracts DEADLINE is April 1, 2006. Submit abstracts online.
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.
The 10th Annual HEART LAB WORKSHOP will be held at the Hotel Renaissance in Zurich, Switzerland October 18-22, 2006.
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. Abstract deadline: APRIL 28th, 2006. 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 01-05,2006. For scientific information, contact: Dr. Serap Aykut Aka, Phone: 90 2164189610, ext:2302; E-mail: serapaykutaka@gmail.com, serapaykutaka@kdc2006.org. For organization secretariat: Interium Organization, Maral Teskin, Project Coordinator, Phone: +90 212 292 88 08; Fax: +90 212 292 88 07, Email: teskin@interium.com.tr.
53rd Southern Thoracic Surgical Association MeetingThe 53rd meeting of the SOUTHERN THORACIC SURGICAL ASSOCIATION will be held at the Starr Pass Marriott, Tucson, Arizona, November 9-11, 2006. ABSTRACT DEADLINE: April 7, 2006. Submit abstracts online.
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. Abstract submission deadline: April 30, 2006. 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.
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.
CITATION OF CTSNET SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS
We continue to get inquiries about citing articles published on CTSNet, so here is some information that should be useful. If you publish a scholarly paper on CTSNet, you should cite it in your CV. Style manuals and Index Medicus have been haggling about the proper format for several years, principally because, unlike print, net papers can be modified from time to time. Therefore, the citation should include the date of (a) posting or of modification, and/or (b) date of access when quoted as a reference. This assures that the proper iteration of the paper is being cited.
For your reference in your own CV:
Tripathy U, Enestvedt K, Komanapalli CB, Sukumar MS. Necrotizing esophagitis: the black esophagus. Available at CTSNet, Inc. http://www.ctsnet.org/sections/clinicalresources/clinicalcases/article-7.html. Posted 7 November 2005.
For an author quoting your reference in the bibliography of his or her paper:
Tripathy U, Enestvedt K, Komanapalli CB, Sukumar MS. Necrotizing esophagitis: the black esophagus. Available at CTSNet, Inc. http://www.ctsnet.org/sections/clinicalresources/clinicalcases/article-7.html. Posted 7 November 2005. Accessed 30 November 2005.
As time passes, more and more net references will be found in CVs, and they will be considered seriously by promotion committees, just as print articles are now.
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 Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland meeting in Dublin, March 13 -16. Please stop by our stand #10.
Thomas B. Ferguson, M.D.
Senior Editor
Carol L. Blasberg
Managing Editor
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