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Monthly Newsletter - July 2007

Table of Contents

What's New

NEW FEATURE - Cardiothoracic Safety Reporting System (CTSRS)

Drawing on the experience of the aviation industry, CTSNet, with generous financial support from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), announces the opening of the CTSNet Cardiothoracic Safety Reporting System (CTSRS). Similar to the well-known "Aviation Safety Reporting System," the CTSRS serves as the central location for capturing information on adverse events and close calls ("near-misses") that occur in the cardiothoracic environment. The safety reporting system was conceived by the STS Workforce on Patient Safety and jointly developed with CTSNet.

The purpose of the CTSRS is to enable all who work in the CT environment to learn from a full range of patient safety issues and events that are submitted anonymously by cardiothoracic care-providers (surgeons, nurses, perfusionists, surgical assistants, and ICU staff) who observed or participated in the events. The system presents case studies of events encountered in the cardiothoracic setting. Each report receives an editorial review (Thoralf M. Sundt, M.D. and Thomas B. Ferguson, M.D.) and comments from patient safety experts (Sarah E Henrickson, M.S., and Douglas A. Wiegmann, Ph.D.).

Coming soon are a discussion forum to engage comments from readers and a rating system to note the usefulness of the reports. Overall supervisors of the Project are Thoralf M. Sundt, M.D., Chairman, STS Workforce on Patient Safety, and CTSNet Board Member, and Richard P. Anderson, M.D., CTSNET Board President.

We urge all CTSNet readers to visit the site often and read new vignettes as they are posted. We also encourage you (must have member ID and Password) to submit an experience of your own that taught you a lesson. In this way we can learn and teach each other new ways to improve the quality of care for and the safety of our patients.

Access the Cardiothoracic Safety Reporting System (CTSRS) home page from the left menu (under Clinical Resources) of the CTSNet home page, or in the New Community Tool box at the top of the right gutter. The vignettes are accessible from the CTSRS home page. Instructions for submitting a case study are also there.

CTSNet and ABTS Announce Release of Professional Portfolio

Thoracic surgeons recognize the need to participate in ongoing educational and other competency assessment activities to ensure that they maintain their proficiency as surgeons. This lifelong learning commitment is well-accepted internationally by most professionals in our specialty who strive to provide optimal patient care.

Surgical certification organizations have also recognized that they must require lifelong learning and self-assessment as a part of initial and ongoing certification processes. In the United States, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) has responded to an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) mandate that all specialty boards will offer Maintenance of Certification© (MOC) initiatives that measure the successful completion of activities that support six core competencies:
1. Medical knowledge
2. Patient care
3. Interpersonal and communication skills
4. Professionalism
5. Practice-based learning and improvement
6. Systems-based practice

ABTS plans to implement a MOC program to track competency activities in 2008. The ABTS is offering the portfolio "FREE" to all holding a valid ABTS certificate. Similarly, there is an emerging strategy from the European Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (EBTCS) to track competency activities.

In response to MOC and a request from the ABTS, CTSNet has developed a centralized, Web-based resource for surgeons and certifying boards that helps surgeons assess their ongoing educational activities and facilitates the gathering, assessment, and reporting of competency activities to certification boards. The system is called the CTSNet Professional Portfolio. One goal of MOC is to encourage lifelong learning and practice improvement for all medical specialties. The Professional Portfolio provides a simple, user-friendly, Web system for surgeons to track and reflect upon their learning and practice improvement activities. The Professional Portfolio is highly collaborative and involves many of the organizations that already participate in CTSNet and provide education and competency programs for their members.

The CTSNet Professional Portfolio leverages CTSNet's existing collaborative Web infrastructure, including a shared central portal, authentication system, and database infrastructure. The Portfolio provides tools that enable a surgeon to collect educational content, to participate in competency activities, to assess competency goals and objectives, and to report accomplishments and relevant information to boards for certification. The Portfolio will soon help to aggregate information about a wide variety of CME and other activities, not just those that are available online. For example, it would be possible to track CME credit information for in-person professional society meetings.

Visit your Professional Portfolio and begin tracking your lifelong learning activities today. Access in the CTSNET home Page left menu (under Members), or in the Community Tool Box at the top of the right gutter.

CTSNet Launches e-Learning Center

The CTSNet e-Learning Center is the result of a 3-year effort by the Joint Council for Thoracic Surgery Education, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), and the Children's Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL) to identify and implement an online Learning Management System to deliver innovative e-learning modules for cardiothoracic surgeons.

The goals of the project were:
- To deliver effective e-learning modules on specific topics for target audiences of thoracic surgeons,
- To enable the thoracic surgery community (including learners, educators, and organizational leaders) to acquire experience with developing and supplying effective e-learning,
- To gain from a knowledge transfer from experts in instructional design and e-learning delivery, and
- To minimize and coordinate the risks of e-learning program development across several thoracic surgery organizations.

Currently, two modules are available publicly. The first module, "Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass: Positioning and Stabilization," was developed by John D. Puskas, M.D., and Joseph F. Sabik III, M.D. The purpose of the module is to educate cardiothoracic surgeons and residents on the techniques and devices used in cardiac positioning and stabilization during the performance of off-pump coronary revascularization. The module is sponsored by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and awards CME credit and certificate for successful completion.

A second module is "Off Pump Coronary Bypass Debriefing," by Paul Sergeant, M.D. In this module, the Off Pump Coronary Bypass Team of the Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven presents a debriefing exercise of the learner's OPCAB procedures versus their Standard Operating Procedures. The module is sponsored by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

Additional modules are under development and will be available soon.

As part of the e-learning project, CTSNet has developed templates for use by Participating Organizations and the CTSNet community for effectively developing sophisticated e-modules for delivery through the CTSNet Learning Management System. For more information on developing online e-learning modules, contact Ray Everngam, CTSNet Managing Publisher.

Access the CTSNet e-Learning Center from the left menu (under Clinical Resources) of the CTSNet home page, or in the New Community Tool box at the top of the right gutter.

ANNOUNCEMENT - ICVTS Accepted for MedLine/PubMed Indexing

We have received official notification from the NIH-NLM that ICVTS is to be indexed in MedLine as from 2007. This will also mean inclusion in the PubMed database.

Note that there will probably be some delay in the processing/uploading of the electronic data until ICVTS actually appears on the various MedLine/PubMed websites.

We are sure that you will agree that this is a great day for ICVTS. Many thanks to everyone who has helped us to get there.

Ludwig von Segesser, EIC and Ian Beecroft, Managing Editor

ICVTS Editorial Office
av. Gd. St. Bernard 69B (app. 6)
CH-1920 Martigny
Switzerland

tel: +41 27 7236171
fax: +41 27 7236173
e-mail: ian.beecroft@ejcts.ch

New (July) Thoracic Portal Survey Has Been Posted

Editor Mark Ferguson has posted another survey for the Thoracic Portal. We encourage the General Thoracic community to help Dr. Ferguson fine tune the Thoracic Portal by giving him your thoughts on how this service can be made more useful for you. Please add your opinion to those of your colleagues by taking the survey!

STS W. Gerald Austen Young Investigator Award

The deadline is approaching for the first W. Gerald Austen Young Investigator Award, a one-year career development award to support junior faculty in the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery. This $50,000 award ($40,000 for salary and fringe benefits and/or the costs of doing research, plus up to 25 percent of associated indirect costs, for a total of up to $50,000) is designed to support surgeons pursuing research in cardiothoracic surgery that focuses on the recovery of heart function after an acute injury or illness. Established in 2007 by STS with financial support from Abiomed, Inc., the award is a tribute to Dr. Austen, who is internationally recognized for his contributions as a cardiac surgeon, teacher, and clinical investigator.

To apply for this award, an applicant must:

-Submit a joint application with his/her sponsoring institution
-Be board-certified, board-eligible or a resident in a U.S. cardiothoracic residency program (board-certified applicants should have completed their training in the last 10 years)
-Include a research proposal focusing on the clinical care of patients with an acute cardiac injury or illness, which may include work with registries, clinical trials, investigator-initiated activities, or other areas of clinical investigation.

Applications are due by September 1, 2007, and will be evaluated by an award committee of senior cardiothoracic surgeons. The award will be presented at the STS 44th Annual Meeting in January 2008. Click here to view instructions and download the required application form.

Any questions about the award should be directed to STS Governance Manager Grahame Rush, who can be reached at grush@sts.org or (312) 202-5848.

Rainer receives the WTSA Distinguished Service Award

At the recently concluded meeting of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA), the recipient of the David Dugan Distinguished Service Award was W. Gerald Rainer, MD of Denver, Colorado, USA.

Second Global Report of Pediatric Heart Disease, June 2007

Published by Children's HeartLink, this follow up report entitled "Linked by a common purpose: Global efforts for improving pediatric heart health," discusses factors influencing the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease outside developed countries. Building on prior incidence and prevalence reports, it highlights trends and issues in the attraction and retention of specially trained nurses and physicians into the global pediatric heart health arena.

Issues discussed are factors and potential obstacles in the detection and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD), which affects one in one hundred live births the world over and is the most common birth defect in the developing world. Because of the challenge of funding tertiary health services, many countries limit the amount of treatment available for children with CHD and depend on international NGOs to support this treatment.

The two principle recommendations are: 1) coordination and consolidation of efforts between organizations, individuals, facilities, and partner hospitals and 2) increase efforts to build sustainable centers of excellence for assisting children. Acquired heart disease (AHD) in these children is also a significant burden. Rheumatic fever and Chagas disease causing AHD are preventable.

The relevance of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is discussed. While pediatric heart diseases are not explicitly included in the MDGs, improving CHD goals will have a direct impact on children with heart disease in poor countries. Creation of regional health centers facilitates prevention and treatment of most types of heart disease. The effects the Health Worker Migration Crisis on pediatric cardiac care are also examined, having a significant impact on the sustainability of programs.

CHD and AHD affect millions of children around the world who need treatment. The information provided in this report will help the international community make real strides toward reducing the prevalence of AHD and improving the diagnosis and management of CHD in developing countries.

To receive a copy of the full report and full list of references. Or contact Bistra Zheleva at bistra@childrensheartlink.org.

Thoracic Portal Survey Results for Last Month are Posted

The results from last month's survey Surgeon Performance and Operating Room Environment have been tabulated, and an analysis developed by Editor Mark Ferguson

MMCTS Nears the Century Mark

The MultiMedia Manual of Cardiothoracic Surgery (MMCTS) now has 99 surgical procedures on-line.

The three newest contributions are the following:

Karen Harrison-Phipps, Stephen D. Cassivi, Francis C. Nichols III, Mark S. Allen, Peter C. Pairolero and Claude Deschamps.
Conventional resection of pulmonary metastases.
MMCTS. doi:10.1510/mmcts.2005.001818.

Viktor Hraska, Joachim Photiadis and Claudia Arenz.
Open valvotomy for aortic valve stenosis in newborns and infants.
MMCTS. doi:10.1510/mmcts.2006.002311.

Ludwig K. von Segesser.
Perfusion techniques during surgery of the thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aorta: the veno-arterial bypass.
MMCTS. doi:10.1510/mmcts.2006.002535.

RENAISSANCE SUMMIT 2007: "REINVENTING THE CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR SURGEON"

Renaissance Summit 2007 at the New Cardiovascular Horizons conference, will be held September 8, 2007 in New Orleans, LA. 50% registration discount to CTSNet members for the entire 4-day CME "Endovascular & Live Cases." Faculty include: Drs. Ted Diethrich, Tom Fogarty, Grayson Wheatley, Michael Tuchek, David Allie. "Hands-on" Workshops include: simulation, EDGE Program and The B.E.S.T. Program.

New Title Available in CTSNet Bookstore

"Amazing Adventures of a Heart Surgeon: The Artificial Heart. The Frontiers of Human Life" by Domingo S. Liotta, M.D.

A new volume that records the development and clinical use of one of the earliest mechanical hearts at the Texas Heart Institute. Dr. Liotta is now Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Morón, Morón, Argentina. The book is available through the CTSNet Bookstore.

2007 Valvular Heart Disease - AATS Postgraduate Course

September 7-9, 2007. Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Who Should Attend:
Sponsored by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, this postgraduate course is designed to foster collaboration among cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists and echocardiographers.

The course is also designed for medical practitioners involved in cardiac surgery, such as perfusionists and physician assistants, as well as nurses and technicians working in cardiac surgery, interventional cardiovascular medicine and echocardiography. Cardiothoracic residents and fellows are encouraged to attend.

Take advantage of the early bird rate and register now for Valvular Heart Disease 2007: Advanced Surgical and Interventional Therapies! After August 13th, the registration fees will increase by $100.

Note the sessions most important to you; here is a partial sampling of topics:
Aortic Valve - Stenosis, Ross Procedure, Anatomy & Pathology, Echocardiographic Selection of Patients, Repair for Aortic Insufficiency or Aortic Root Aneurysm, Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Mitral Valve - Pathophysiology of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation, Echocardiographic Selection of Patients, Combined Treatment of AF and Mitral Valve Disease, Endocarditis, What Now ? - It's Not Repairable, Trans-catheter Mitral Valve Therapies
Tricuspid & Pulmonary Valves - Management of Isolated Tricuspid Insufficiency, Always a Mechanical Valve - Other Choices? Trans-catheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation

Course Director: Tirone E. David, MD, Toronto, Canada

Register now and receive the early bird rate!
Make your hotel reservations - the hotel is expected to completely fill.

William M. Novick, MD Annnounced A Winner of Passion Award

In a previous announcement, it was reported that William Novick, MD, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon from the University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN, and Director of the International Children's Heart Foundation, had been nominated for the Passion Award. The award, given yearly by Frederique Constant of Geneva, recognizes a commitment to and success in one's chosen field. We are pleased to annouce that at the annual ceremony June 28, 2007, Dr Novick was selected as a co-winnder from a group of 10 finalists representing 7 countries. For more details.

WTSA Officers 2007-2008

At the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA) June 27-30, 2007, in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, the following slate of officers was elected for 2007-2008:

President
Douglas E. Wood, Seattle, Washington
Vice President
David A. Fullerton, Denver, Colorado
Immediate Past President
Elliot T. Gelfand, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Secretary
John A. Hawkins, Salt Lake City, Utah
Treasurer
Robbin G. Cohen. Los Angeles, California

Councillors-at-Large
John C. Chen (2010), Honolulu, Hawaii
Robert C. Robbins (2009), Stanford, California
David M. Follette (2008), Sacramento, California
Councilor/Founder
Arthur N. Thomas, San Francisco, California
Historian
Marvin Pomerantz, Denver, Colorado
Governor, American College of Surgeons
Gabriel S. Aldea, Seattle, Washington
Editor
Andrew S. Wechsler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Editor-Elect (1-1-2008)
Lawrence H. Cohn, Boston, Massachusetts

ISMICS 2007-2008 Officers

At the 10th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) June 6-9, 2007, in Rome, Italy, the following slate of officers was elected for 2007-2008:

President
Rex Stanbridge, London, UK
President-Elect
John D. Puskas, Atlanta, GA, USA
Past-President
James D. Fonger, Columbia, SC, USA
Vice-President
Anno Diegeler, Bad Neustadt, Germany
Secretary
John L. Knight, Bedford Park, SAN, Australia
Treasurer
Thomas A. Vassiliades, Atlanta, GA, USA

Directors:

Lishan Aklog, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Gianni D. Angelini, Bristol, UK
Kit V. Arom, Bangkok, Thailand
Christian Detter, Hamburg, Germany
Robert J. Downey, New York, NY, USA
Gregory P. Fontana, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Jan F. Gummert, Jena, Germany
Yugal K. Mishra, New Delhi, India
Toshiya Ohtsuka, Tokyo, Japan

STSA Annual Meeting

Register now for the upcoming STSA 54th Annual Meeting, to be held November 7-10, 2007 in Bonita Springs, Florida. Many will remember the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point as the site of STSA's 50th anniversary celebration. The tropical gardens, warm breezes and sparkling gulf coast waters will provide a breathtaking background for another stimulating, scientific session.

The 2007 Program Committee has selected a robust program that provides a balance between education, opportunity for thoughtful discussion and time to renew friendships and enjoy camaraderie - all of which make the Southern special.

The advance registration deadline is October 11, 2007. If you are unable to register by this date you may register on-site, but please note, there will be an additional $50 charge for attendees registering on-site in Bonita Springs.

For information, contact: Katie McAuliff, 633 North Saint Clair, Suite 2320, Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 1 800 685-7872; Fax: 1 312 202-5801; Email: stsa@stsa.org

ISMICS Winter Workshop

The International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) Winter Workshop/3rd Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery will be held 28 November - 2 December, 2007, at the Sungate Port Royal Resort in Antalya, Turkey. The abstracts will be published in the Heart Surgery Forum. For more information about the meeting.

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Industry Forum

Medtronic's Cardiovascular Business Receives Product Line Leadership Award for Innovation in Cardiac Surgery

MINNEAPOLIS, - May 8, 2007 - Medtronic, Inc. announced today that it has been honored by global growth consulting company, Frost & Sullivan, with the 2007 Product Line Leadership Award for Medtronic's longstanding presence as market leaders in providing innovative technologies used in Cardiac Surgery.

"Medtronic's dedicated focus to developing the most advanced line of products that best fit the need of today's modern clinical setting has made them the longstanding market leader in the cardiac surgery market," said Frost and Sullivan Research Analyst, Venkat Rajan. "It gives us great honor to recognize and highlight their industry achievements."

The full Press Release is available here.

Flexibility That Stands Alone: Medtronic Gemini(TM) Surgical Ablation System

Medtronic's family of Cardioblate(R) bipolar solutions has expanded with the introduction of a true endoscopic ablation device for stand-alone procedures - the Gemini(TM) Surgical Ablation System. The Gemini(TM) system provides the efficacy of bipolar irrigated RF energy, with a choice of device designs that enables the surgeon to control the procedural approach.

MEDTRONIC EDGE UPDATE

We are excited to bring to you a newly developed EDGE course:

Advanced Endosurgical Training for Cardiac Surgery Teams Course

The course is designed for both cardiac surgeons and their surgical team members to include perfusionists, scrub techs, PAs and other OR personnel. The surgeons will participate in hands-on training via advanced simulation as well as procedural complication management and advanced endosurgical device study.

The surgery team member will be participating in a simultaneous track on the basics of endosurgery. The two tracks will then be brought together near the end of the course to work as a team on simulation.

*** This course is specifically designed for the cardiac surgeon who has completed the EDGE Basic Guidewire, Catheter and Imaging Skills Course or has significant experience in endosurgical procedures as the primary operator. Significant experience would include > 15 endograft cases or other interventional experience. For more details contact Melanie Anderson at 763-391-9908.

General information on this new EDGE Course

Disclaimer: These courses offer skills-based training and case analysis only and do not provide training on any specific Medtronic product or related therapy.

General Information on the Medtronic EDGE Basic Guidewire, Catheter and Imaging Skills Course

Dates Available Include:
August 23-24
September 20-21
October 25-26
November 15-16

Reducing the incidence rate of new-onset post-operative atrial fibrillation

Clinicians are adopting a variety of therapies to reduce the incidence rate of new-onset post-operative atrial fibrillation, estimated at 30 to 40 percent in U.S. cardiac surgery patients.

Studies suggest that using leukocyte filtration can reduce the incidence of new onset post-op Afib up to 72%. Visit Terumo Cardiovascular Systems to learn more about leukocyte filtration for CPB.

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books

New CTS Bookstore Featured Volume

"Heart Surgery in Canada: Memoirs, Anecdotes, History and Perspective" by Bernard S. Goldman, MD, FRCS (C) Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.

New Book Featured in CTSNet Bookstore

A new book available through the CTSNet Bookstore is titled: Cardiothoracic Surgery in China: Past, Present and Future, by Doctors Song Wan and Anthony P. C. Yim, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.

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In My Opinion

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Clinical Resources

Videos

Literature Watch

Expert Techniques

Thoracic

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Organizations

AATS Webcast of 2007 Meeting Now Available

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) has posted the webcast of the 2007 Annual meeting held May 5-9, 2007 in Washington, DC.

American Board of Thoracic Surgery Announcements

SESATS IX

Applications for the 2007 Recertification process will be mailed to all eligible Diplomates in 2007. Eligible Diplomates are those individuals who certified in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 1998, and 1999.


New Certification Pathways and Operative Requirements

In response to current practice patterns in Thoracic Surgery and to insure adequate preparation for contemporary Thoracic Surgery practice, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery has revised the standards required of individuals to qualify for entrance into its certification process. Starting in July 2007, the Board will establish 2 primary pathways to certification, a Cardiothoracic Surgery Pathway and a General Thoracic Surgery Pathway. For more information on the new pathways and operative requirements, Click Here.


New Congenital Heart Surgery Certificate

An additional special certificate pathway will be established for candidates who complete the Cardiothoracic Surgery Track and plan to perform congenital heart surgery. For more information on the new Certificate of Added Qualifications in Congenital Heart Surgery, Click Here.


Maintenance of Certification Initiative

In response to an initiative by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the ABTS along with the other medical certifying boards has begun the transition towards a Maintenance of Certification Program® (MOC), to replace the current Recertification process. For more information on MOC, Click Here.


Certification Categories

As recommended by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the ABTS has recently redefined its clinically active and clinically inactive status. For a full description of these two categories, Click Here.

The French Society has a Newly Designed Home Page

The French Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (FSTCVS) has adopted a new home page design. Check it out!

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Residents Section

Vascular Surgical Society International Traveling Fellowship

The Edward B. Diethrich Vascular Surgical Society (EBDVSS) International Traveling Fellowship was established to broaden the educational experience of a cardiac or vascular surgical resident interested in endovascular surgery during their final year of training by providing an opportunity for travel to one or more established Centers of Excellence in the applicant's field of interest. One award will be granted to a North American resident to support research and/or enhancement of endovascular skills at a host institution abroad in hopes of stimulating academic inspiration, promoting international exchange and fostering fraternal fellowship. A second award will be granted to an International (non-North American) resident for travel to a North American Center of Excellence

The grant of $10,000 will be provided to the successful applicants to underwrite their travel and living expenses incurred during a maximum of three weeks of training at one or more Endovascular Centers of Excellence. The funds are also intended to provide for roundtrip travel and accommodations at the International Congress XXI on Endovascular Interventions scheduled for February 10-14, 2008 in Scottsdale, AZ. Registration for the Congress and all related events will be covered by the EBDVSS. Fellowship travel must be completed prior to January 1, 2008.

Applicants must have approval from their home and prospective host institutions. The application consists of a one-page proposal summarizing what the applicant hopes to accomplish during their training, a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining their career goals. Additionally, award recipients must agree to present a summary of their experience at the International Congress.

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS AUGUST 7, 2007. Notification of successful applicants will take place no later than September 1, 2007.
Please send the completed form, one-page proposal, current curriculum vitae, and a cover letter outlining career goals to:

David J. Caparrelli, M.D.
Co-Chairman, Fellowship Committee
c/o Erika Scott; EBDVSS Administrator
The Arizona Heart Institute
2632 N. 20th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85006, USA

New Horizons Contribution

"Mentors are Needed" A useful and informative dialog between Dr. Benson R. Wilcox and Ashok Venkataraman, 4th-year medical student, National University of Singapore. Dr. Wilcox is Professor Emeritus of Surgery and former Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. He is currently a member, and former President of the Board, of the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). There is also a forward by Dr. Walter H. Merrill, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, and Editor of the New Horizons Section of CTSNet.

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CORE Curriculum Review

The Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery CORE Curriculum Review Course will be held September 8-11, 2007, at the Doty Family Education Center at Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. For registration and additional information, contact the Intermountain CME office at 1-800-842-5498 or visit the website.

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Journals

Annals of Thoracic Surgery - July Issue

CME

General Thoracic

Lee PC, Port JL, Korst RJ, Liss Y, Meherally DN, Altorki NK.
Risk Factors for Occult Mediastinal Metastases in Clinical Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
Ann Thorac Surg 2007;84:177-181.

Adult Cardiac

Tyson III GH, Rodriguez E, Elci OC, Koutlas TC, Chitwood Jr WR, Ferguson TB, Kypson AP.
Cardiac Procedures in Patients With a Body Mass Index Exceeding 45: Outcomes and Long-Term Results.
Ann Thorac Surg 2007;84:3-9.

Pediatric Cardiac

Krishna Moorthy PS, McGuirk SP, Jones TJ, Brawn WJ, Barron DJ.
Damus-Rastelli Procedure for Biventricular Repair of Aortic Atresia and Hypoplasia.
Ann Thorac Surg 2007;84:142-146.

EDITORIAL

Lacour-Gayet F, Jacobs ML, Jacobs JP, Mavroudis C.
The Need for an Objective Evaluation of Morbidity in Congenital Heart Surgery.
Ann Thorac Surg 2007;84:1-2.

Journal Of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - July Issue

CME Articles

Surgery for Acquired Cardiovascular Disease

Laurent G. Glance, Turner M. Osler, Dana B. Mukamel, and Andrew W. Dick.
Effect of complications on mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: Evidence from New York State.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2007;134:53-58.

Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease

Massimo A. Padalino, Simone Speggiorin, Giulio Rizzoli, Giancarlo Crupi, Vladimiro L. Vida, Massimo Bernabei, Gaetano Gargiulo, Alessandro Giamberti, Francesco Santoro, Carlo Vosa, Giuseppe Pacileo, Raffaele Calabrò, Luciano Daliento, and Giovanni Stellin.
Midterm results of surgical intervention for congenital heart disease in adults: An Italian multicenter study.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2007;134:106-113.

General Thoracic Surgery

Karl L. Uy, Gail Darling, Wei Xu, Qi-Long Yi, Marc De Perrot, Andrew F. Pierre, Thomas K. Waddell, Michael R. Johnston, Andrea Bezjak, Frances A. Shepherd, and Shaf Keshavjee.
Improved results of induction chemoradiation before surgical intervention for selected patients with stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2007;134:188-193.

Selected Articles of Interest

Dr. Richard Jonas considers the "Rewards, risks, and responsibilities of globalization for the cardiothoracic surgeon" in remarks made during his 2006 Presidential Address at the 86th Annual Meeting of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Jonas recounts his journey from student to academic surgeon and teacher, with special thanks to those who helped him along the way. He then examines the globalization of cardiothoracic surgery from a number of different perspectives?its advantages and its challenges. Dr. Andrew Wechsler highlights the greatly appreciated efforts of the Journal?s editorial board members and presents a pictorial roster of all board members. Dr. Kyoko Hayashida and colleagues describe the biovalve, a prototype of an in vivo, tissue-engineered, autologous heart valve developed without using traditional in vitro tissue-engineering methods. In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Hans-Hinrich Sievers examines the challenges involved in developing such prototypes.

EJCTS - July Issue

ICVTS - Accepted for indexing in MEDLINE/PubMed from 2007!
The August issue is available.
Join-in the ICVTS on-line discussion and see your citable comments published in the print journal.

EJCTS - EJCTS is 20 years old - read EJCTS Vol. 1, Issue 1, July 1987 on-line.
July issue is live including 3 CME activities.

MMCTS - now has 99 surgical procedures on-line.

The three newest contributions are:

Karen Harrison-Phipps, Stephen D. Cassivi, Francis C. Nichols III, Mark S. Allen, Peter C. Pairolero and Claude Deschamps.
Conventional resection of pulmonary metastases.
MMCTS. doi:10.1510/mmcts.2005.001818.

Viktor Hraska, Joachim Photiadis and Claudia Arenz.
Open valvotomy for aortic valve stenosis in newborns and infants.
MMCTS. doi:10.1510/mmcts.2006.002311.

Ludwig K. von Segesser.
Perfusion techniques during surgery of the thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aorta: the veno-arterial bypass.
MMCTS. doi:10.1510/mmcts.2006.002535.

ATS Discussion Papers - July 2007

Tyson GH, et al. Cardiac procedures in patients with a body mass index exceeding 45: Outcomes and long-term results. Ann Thorac Surg 2007;84:3-9; and Wagner BD, et al. Relationship of body mass index with outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Ann Thorac Surg 2007;84:10-6.

In the July 2007 Annals, we have two interesting papers dealing with cardiac surgery in adults with high body mass index. The results of surgery in such cases have been debated extensively but there has been surprisingly little hard data to support the co-morbid influence actually exerted.

In the first paper cited above, a retrospective analysis was performed on 14,571 patients who underwent cardiac operations from 1992 to 2005. Analysis of two groups was carried out: BMI 21 to 34.9 and BMI 45 or more. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. Long-term follow-up of the extreme obese group was achieved. 128 extremely obese patients and 480 patients with a BMI of 21.0 to 34.9 were randomly selected for comparison. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age, gender, and multiple comorbidities, as well as in cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times, operative procedure, and transfusion requirements. Extremely obese patients had a higher incidence of infection, acute renal failure, and 30-day mortality. Logistic regression analysis showed BMI, preoperative renal insufficiency, and transfusion status to be independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. Follow-up data did not reveal significant functional improvements. Long-term survival was 33.6% at 12 years. The authors concluded that extremely obese patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures do have higher perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with a lower BMI group. BMI and preoperative renal insufficiency increase mortality in both groups, whereas transfusion does so only in the extreme obese. These patients had acceptable outcomes from cardiac procedures, but continued to suffer from the co-morbidities of obesity.

The second paper cited above suggests that a debate exists concerning obesity as a risk factor for operative mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). With a goal of investigating this association, and to uncover possible explanations for the lack of consensus across prior studies, data was prospectively collected on 80,792 patients who underwent a CABG procedure during a 14-year period. The relationship of BMI with post-CABG mortality and morbidity was U-shaped with the minimum risk located around a BMI of 30 kg/m2, indicating that patients classified as overweight have the lowest risk, and those in the lower end of the obese range do not have seriously elevated risk. This U-shape relationship is significantly nonlinear and robust to adjust for other risk factors. The authors concluded that BMI is an independent predictor of mortality and morbidity after CABG surgery. They postulate that previous studies which model BMI linearly or as categories cannot accurately capture this U-shaped relationship and are unlikely to find a significant contribution by including BMI.

We welcome comments from others who have experience regarding this relatively common problem in adult cardiac surgery, including suggestions for the best way to use such information in risk stratification. Please read the articles and add your comments and experience to this Dilemma in Adult Cardiac Surgery in the CTSNet Discussion Forum.

The monthly articles for discussion are selected and summarized by Dr. Tom Karl, University of California at San Francisco, UCSF Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, San Francisco, California, USA. Dr. Karl is Editor of the ATS Discussion Section.

Asian Annals June Issue

The June Issue of the Asian Annals is now available. There are many excellent and thought-provoking articles in this issue. A representative sampling follows:

EDITORIAL
New Strategy for Cardiac Repair: Genetically Modified Skeletal Myoblasts.
Eugene KW Sim, Lei Ye, and Husnain Kh Haider.
Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 2007;15:183-184.

Omental Transposition: the Final Solution for Major Sternal Wound Infection.
Kalliopi Athanassiadi, Nick Theakos, Georgios Benakis, Stamatis Kakaris, and Ion Skottis.
Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 2007;15:200-203.

Definitive Management of Advanced Empyema by Two-Window Video-Assisted Surgery.
Andrew J Drain, Jonathon I Ferguson, Rana Sayeed, Sharon Wilkinson, and Andy Ritchie.
Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 2007;15:238-239.

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Transitions

Professor N. Gonipath Head of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Prof. N Gopinath, one of the pioneer Cardiothoracic surgeons in India, passed away on 3rd June, 2007, at age 84. A graduate of Madras Medical College, he served in the army from 1945 where he had the opportunity to work with Dr. Sam Oram and Col. Leigh Collis. It was during this period that he acquired skills in Thoracic Surgery. He then moved to Christian Medical College, Vellore, where under Dr. Reeve H Betts he performed the first open heart surgery under hypothermia done in India. He was among the first to use the Heart Lung Machine as early as 1962 at Vellore for open heart surgery. He moved from CMC to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1964, where he established the first academic training programme leading to the M.Ch degree. The department grew and extended under his able leadership and in 1978 he was able to begin the cardiothoracic centre exclusively for Cardiovascular disease. He has trained nearly all contemporary cardiovascular surgeons in India today.

Prof. Gopinath as a Rockefeller fellow in 1957 worked with Prof. C.W. Lillehei at Minnesota along with Dr. Christian Barnard and Norman Shumway. Prof. Gopinath traveled widely and had a global influence. His circle of friends included Juro Wada of Japan, Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes of New Zealand, Tim Catmill and Rowan Nicks from Australia, Denton Cooley from US, Donald Ross from UK and Christian Barnard in South Africa.

Prof. Gopinath was a great human being, a warm and affectionate person whose family of students extends through out the country. He is a recipient of national and international awards. His passing leaves a permanent void in the Indian Cardiothoracic Surgical sphere.

Arkalgud Sampath Kumar MCh
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
New Delhi, India

Dr. Arkalgud Sampath Kumar Named Chief of the Cardiothoracic Centre

Dr. Arkalgud Sampath Kumar, Professor, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, has been elevated to the position of Head of the Department of CTVS and Chief of the Cardiothoracic Centre at the All India Institute as of April, 2007.

Professor Solomon Victor passed away on July 7, 2006

Solomon Victor had a brilliant academic career. He completed his MBBS at Stanley Medical College, Chennai and finished as the best outgoing student (Blue Ribbon). He did his M.S. general surgery and M.S. (Thoracic Surgery) at Madras Medical College, Chennai, under Prof. C.S. Sadasivan. Victor was his favourite student; the prestigious Sadasivan oration was created by Dr. Solomon Victor in his honour. He won the Hallet prize for the best outgoing student in FRCS. He also passed MRCP (Cardiology) and was later conferred FRCP. He went to the United Kingdom and United States of America and was trained by Donald Ross with whom he kept in touch till the end. He was appointed professor of open heart surgery in Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, where he treated many poor patients and trained many students who are now well placed in life. He was the past secretary, editor and president of our Indian association, and was the organizing secretary of two of our conferences, which he conducted very well. After voluntary retirement from Madras Medical College he started the Heart Institute at Vijaya Hospital, Chennai. He has done pioneering work in anatomy of mitral and tricuspid valves and comparative cardiac anatomy of different mammals and fishes. He has delivered the prestigious Huntarian lecture of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He has many publications, has traveled widely within and outside our country, and has presented papers in national and international conferences. He is survived by his aged mother, his wife Dr. Sunithi Solomon and his son Dr. Sunil Solomon. The Association deeply mourns his death. It is a great loss to our association, which he loved and served.

Rajan Santosham, MD
Santosham Chest Hospital
Chennai, India


Solomon, as the name suggests, was indeed a wise man. He is the only surgeon to have an MRCP, truly an achievement few others attempted. Much of the pioneering work he did during his lifetime was way above the ordinary, bordering on the ingenious. His insight into the nature of cardiac lesions and their evolutionary origin and his original descriptions are truly monuments to his genius. Solomon Victor was one of the few who attempted to know, and indeed understood, nature (or creation) of the human heart in its morphology and function. His lifetime collection of hearts from several species provided the world with a unique museum that is one of a kind. It is difficult to fill the void Solomon has left behind. I have personally lost a good friend and the profession has lost a great intellectual.

A Sampath Kumar, MD
New Delhi, India

New TSDA Officers

New Thoracic Surgery Directors Association (TSDA) Officers Elected at the General Session, May 5, 2007:

President: John W. Brown, MD (2009)

President Elect: John H. Calhoon, MD (2009)

Secretary-Treasurer: George L. Hicks, MD (2009)

Councilors:

Walter H. Merrill, MD (2010)

Scott J. Swanson, MD (2009)

Cynthia S. Herrington, MD (2008)

William S. Pierce, MD, receives the ACS 2007 Jacobson Award

William S. Pierce, MD, thoracic surgeon and chemical engineer from Hershey, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of the 2007 Jacobson Innovation Award of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Dr. Pierce was honored with the award in recognition of his pioneering work in the conception and development of mechanical circulatory support and the total artificial mechanical heart and his contributions to surgical bioengineering and patient care. His contributions to science, medicine, and education have benefited countless surgical patients with heart failure. Dr. Pierce is the Evan Pugh Emeritus Professor of Surgery at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.

The 13th Jacobson Innovation Award was presented to Dr. Pierce at a dinner on June 8, 2007, at the John B. Murphy Memorial Auditorium, Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the award is to honor living surgeons who have been innovators of a new development or technique in any field of surgery. The award is made possible through a gift from Julius H. Jacobson II, MD, FACS, and his wife Joan. Dr. Jacobson is a general vascular surgeon known for his pioneering work in the development of microsurgery.

ESTS Announcements

At the recent ESTS 15th European Conference on General Thoracic Surgery held in Leuven, Belgium, 3-6 June 2007, the following Officers and Councilors were elected:

COUNCIL OFFICERS 2007-8

President
Gaetano Rocco, Naples, Italy

Past President
Richard G. Berrisford, Exeter, UK

President-Elect
Laureano Molins, Barcelona, Spain

Treasurer
Michael R. Mueller, Vienna, Austria

Secretary
Dirk E. M. Van Raemdonck, Leuven, Belgium

Editor-in-Charge
Erino Rendina, Rome, Italy

COUNCILLORS 2007-8

Past-Past President
Semih H. Halezeroglu, Istanbul, Turkey

Jozsef Furak, Szeged, Hungary

Mariano Garcia Yuste, Valladolid, Spain

Jaroslaw Kuzdzal, Zakopane, Poland

Gunda Leschber, Berlin, Germany

Sandro Mattioli, Bologna, Italy

Pavel Pafko, Prague, Czech Republic

Danail Borisov Petrov, Sofia, Bulgaria

Pascal A. Thomas, Marseille, France

The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) is delighted to announce that a European School of Thoracic Surgery has been established. The aim is to provide high quality educational opportunities for thoracic surgeons including interactive case presentations, operative video, and lectures written by invited experts. The ESTS School of Thoracic Surgery will be held 14-18 November 2007 at the Kremlin Palace Hotel in Antalya, Turkey. For information and registration.

ESTS announces the Directory of Thoracic Surgery in Europe. ESTS has established the largest online resource of thoracic surgeons in Europe. For information and to enter your unit into the Directory.

The 16th European Conference on General Thoracic Surgery will be held 8-11 June 2008 in Bologna, Italy. DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS 1 FEBRUARY, 2008. Early registration deadline 30 April 2008. Download the first announcement.

Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery Officers

The new Executive Committee elected at the last General Assembly of the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery follows:

Honorary President
Aydin Aytac - Istanbul

President
Isa Durmaz - Izmir

Vice-President
Erol Sener - Ankara

Secretary-General
Serap Aykut Aka - Istanbul

Treasurer
Fuat Bilgen - Istanbul

Accountant
Cem H. Alhan - Istanbul

Council Members

Ahmet Ruchan Akar - Ankara

Atif Akcevin - Istanbul

Sertac M. Cicek - Istanbul

Ali Gurbuz - Izmir

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Abstract Deadlines

More meeting abstract deadlines are available.

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Upcoming Meetings

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF CARDIOLOGY

The INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF CARDIOLOGY will hold its 13th WORLD CONGRESS ON HEART DISEASE July 28-31, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. To register for the Congress. To view the complete program. For further information.

RENAISSANCE SUMMIT 2007: "REINVENTING THE CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR SURGEON"

Renaissance Summit 2007 at the New Cardiovascular Horizons conference, will be held September 8, 2007 in New Orleans, LA. 50% registration discount to CTSNet members for the entire 4-day CME "Endovascular & Live Cases." Faculty include: Drs. Ted Diethrich, Tom Fogarty, Grayson Wheatley, Michael Tuchek, David Allie. "Hands-on" Workshops include: simulation, EDGE Program and The B.E.S.T. Program.

55th Annual Meeting of the Cardiac Society of Australian and New Zealand

The 55th Annual Meeting of the Cardiac Society of Australian and New Zealand will be held 9 - 12 August, 2007, at Christchurch, New Zealand. Abstract submission is closed. For information, contact: The Conference Company Ltd, PO Box 90-040, Auckland, New Zealand; Phone: +64 9 3601240; Fax: +64 9 3601242; Email: csanz2007@tcc.co.nz

56TH ANNUAL MEETING OF SCANDINAVIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THORACIC SURGERY AND THE 27TH ANNUAL MEETING OF SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY FOR EXTRACORPOREAL TECHNOLOGY

The 56th Annual Meeting of Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery and the 27th Annual Meeting of Scandinavian Society for Extracorporeal Technology will be held 16 - 18 August, 2007, in Helsinki Finland. The final programme is available. For information, contact: CONGRESZON; Itälahdenkatu 22A, FI-00210 Helsinki, Finland; Phone: +358 9 5840 9351; Fax: +358 9 5840 9555; Email: sats-scansect2007@congreszon.fi

13th Conference on Electrical Bioimpedance

The 13th Conference on Electrical Bioimpedance, which will be organized by Prof. Dr. H. Scharfetter, Graz, will be held in Graz, Austria, from August 29 to September 2, 2007. Besides biophysical, technical and clinical topics, one session entitled "Organ Monitoring" is devoted to ischemia, reperfusion and transplantation.

AATS Postgraduate Course:Valvular Heart Disease 2007

The AATS Valvular Heart Disease 2007 course will be held on September 7-9, 2007 in Chicago, IL, USA. This postgraduate course is designed for practicing cardiac surgeons and cardiologists. It will cover all aspects of medical, interventional and surgical management of patients with heart valve disease. This unique course will bring together the world's leading interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to share the latest progress made on percutaneous/transventricular interventional and surgical therapies on heart valve disease. By combining cutting-edge surgical techniques with state of the art interventional strategies, the program will afford participants the opportunity to network and share lessons learned in a focused and intimate setting. For more information, contact Stacy Gijsbers: Phone: 978-927-8330; Fax: 978-524-0498; E-Mail: sgijsbers@prri.com.

European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

The 21st Annual Meeting of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery will be held 15-19 September, 2007 at the Geneva Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland.

New for 2007 - Wednesday Re-Do Symposium: EACTS is pleased to introduce a new session at this year's meeting entitled Towards Safer Repeat Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. The programme of this session is available here.

General information about the meeting is available on the EACTS website. Deadline for registration is 24 August. After this date you are welcome to register on-site.

For information, contact: EACTS Executive Secretariat, 3 Park Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1LU, UK; Phone: +44 1753 832166; Fax: +44 1753 620407; Email: info@eacts.co.uk Additional information

7th European Conference on Perfusion Education and Training

The 7th European Conference on Perfusion Education and Training will be held 15 September, 2007, at the Crowne Plaza Geneva, Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland. For information, contact: Mrs. Carole Hamilton/Mr. Heinz Weitkemper; Email: carole.hamilton@gmx.net/HWeitkemper@t-online.de Additional information

AmSECT 15th Annual Symposium on New Advances in Blood Management

AmSECT 15th Annual Symposium on New Advances in Blood Management will be held at Westin Crown Center, Kansas City, MO, September 19-23, 2007. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS is now open through JULY 31, 2007. For more information, contact astammers@aol.com, or this website.

The II Symposium on Dissection and Aortic Root Surgery

The II Symposium on Dissection and Aortic Root Surgery will be held September 21, 2007, at Parador de Baiona, Baiona, Pontevedra Spain. For information, contact: Congrega, S.L., Technical Secretariat, Rosalía de Castro, 13 - 1ºIzq., 15004 A Coruña (Spain); Phone: 34-981-216 416; Fax: 34-981-217 542; Email: patricia@congrega.es

VIVA 07 - Vascular Interventional Advances - The National Education Course for Peripheral Vascular Interventions

VIVA 07 - Vascular Interventional Advances - The National Education Course for Peripheral Vascular Interventions will be held 25 - 28 September, 2007, at the Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. For information, contact: MMC, 6133 N. River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018; Phone: 1 866-511-VIVA; Fax: 1 847 292-5801; Email: viva@medicalmedia.net Additional information

Birmingham Review Course in Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Birmingham Review Course in Cardiothoracic Surgery will be held 27-30 September, 2007, at the Education Centre, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK. Course approved by EACTS. For information, contact: Lorraine Richardson, L.R. Associates, 58, Kiln Close, Calvert Green, Buckingham, MK18 2FD, United Kingdom; Phone: +44 (0)1296 733 823; Fax: +44 (0)77111 32946; Email: lrassociates@lycos.co.uk

Cardiac Insufficiency 2007 (Herzinsuffizienz 2007 - Das Dreiländertreffen)

Cardiac Insufficiency 2007 (Herzinsuffizienz 2007 - Das Dreiländertreffen) will be held 27 - 29 September, 2007, in Nürnberg, Germany. For additional information, contact: E&E PCO, Nobilegasse 23-25, 1150 Vienna, Austria; Telephone: + 43 (1) 867 49 44 0; Fax: + 43 (1) 867 49 44 9; Email: office@ee-pco.com; Website information

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2007

Cleveland Clinic Innovations 2007 Medical Innovation Summit

Cleveland Clinic Innovations 2007 Medical Innovation Summit State of the Heart: Cardiovascular Technologies will be held October 1-3, 2007 at the InterContinental Hotel & Bank of America Conference Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Join Kerry Clark, Cardinal Health; Sidney Taurel, Eli Lilly; Tony Zook, AstraZeneca; and many other top CEOs, venture investors, medical leaders and journalists as they highlight new technologies, economics and trends in cardiovascular technologies. Also featured will be the Cleveland Clinic's annual selection of the "Top 10" health care innovations, interactive surgeries and in-depth debates on industry challenges. 900 top-level senior industry executives, entrepreneurs, investors and clinicians will attend the 5th annual Medical Innovation Summit on the Cleveland Clinic campus.

The summit is geared toward:

-Senior executives at medical device firms
-Clinical, medical affairs, regulatory and business development executives and their teams
-Venture capitalists and angel investor groups
-Investment bankers
-Buy-side and sell-side researchers
-Consulting, legal and other service providers

To register, or call 1-800-884-9951.

XVI Argentine Congress of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgeons, II Congress of the Latin American Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

Joint Meetings of the XVI Argentine Congress of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgeons and the II Congress of the Latin American Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery will be held October 3-5, 2007 at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Av. Leandro N. Alem 1151, Buenos Aires, Argentina. For information, contact: Pilar Ponce de León, Tinogasta 4151 (C1417EIQ), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Telephone: +54 911 4422-4410; Fax: +54 11 4567-4481; Email: pilarponcedeleon.ppl@gmail.com Additional information.

POSTINTERVENTIONAL BLOOD-RELATED COMPLICATIONS IN CARDIAC SURGERY AND PCI

POSTINTERVENTIONAL BLOOD-RELATED COMPLICATIONS IN CARDIAC SURGERY AND PCI will be held October 3-5, 2007 in Lund, Sweden.

AmSECT Best Practices in Perfusion Meeting

AmSECT's Best Practices in Perfusion meeting will be held October 4-6, 2007 at the Delta Centre-Ville on University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. For more information and to submit an application. For more information about the meeting, or contact jeffrey.riley@osumc.edu.

JOINT MEETING

The Joint meeting of the GERMAN SOCIETY FOR THORACIC SURGERY, the SWISS SOCIETY FOR THORACIC SURGERY and the AUSTRIAN SOCIETY FOR THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY will be held October 4-7, 2007 in Konstanz, Germany. For information, contact: Medizinische Congress-organisation Nürnberg, Zerzabelhofstr. 29, 90478 Nürnberg, Germany; Tel. +49(0) 911/39 31 60; Fax: +49 (0) 911/33 12 04; www.mcn-nuernberg.de. Scientific organiser: Thomas Kiefer, MD, Dep. of Thoracic Surgery, Klinikum Offenburg, Ebertplatz 12, 77654 Offenburg, Germany; E-mail: tagung@tc2007.de

The Failing Heart: a Paradigm for Multidisciplinary Approach

The Failing Heart: a Paradigm for Multidisciplinary Approach will be held 13 October, 2007, at the Palzaao dei Congressi (Piazza Indipendenza 4) in Lugano, Switzerland. This is a Lugano Cardiosurgical Postgraduate Course. For information, contact: Annapaola Sürder-Boschet, Congress Manager, Cardiocentro Ticino, Via Tesserete 48, 6900 Lugano; Phone: 41/91/805.31.92; Fax: 41/91/805.31.67; Email: annapaola@cardiocentro.org. For more information.

VIII Annual International Symposium On Advances In Understanding Aortic Diseases

The VIII Annual International Symposium on Advances in Understanding Aortic Diseases - Joint Symposium with the 15th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Aortic Surgery - will be held 13 - 14 October, 2007, at the Kieo Plaza Hotel, Tokyo, Japan. For information, contact: Secretary General: Tetsuro Morota, M.D., Ph.D.; Phone: +81 3 5800 9155; Fax: +81 3 5800 9156; Email: office@8auad.com Additional information

5th INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE

The 5th INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE will be held October 14-16, 2007, in Tel Aviv, Israel. For information, contact ISAS International Seminars, P.O. Box 574, Jerusalem 91004, Israel. Tel: 972-2-6520574; Fax: 972-2-6520558; e-mail: meetings@isas.co.il

2007 Australasian Society of Cardiac & Thoracic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting

The 2007 Australasian Society of Cardiac & Thoracic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting will be held Monday 15 - Sunday 21 October, 2007 at the Sheraton Noosa Resort, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 06 AUGUST, 2007. For information, contact: Lauren Born, Taylored Images, PO Box 247 Ashgrove, Queensland 4060 Australia; Phone: +61 7 3366 2205; Fax: +61 7 3366 5170: Email: 2007ascts@tayloredimages.com.au Additional information.

Contemporary General Thoracic Surgery

Contemporary General Thoracic Surgery will be held 18 - 19 October, 2007, at the Eric P. Newman Education Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. For information, contact: Washington University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education, CME - WUSM, Campus Box 8063, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Phone: 1 314 362-6891; Fax: 1 314 362-1087; Email: cme@wustl.edu Additional information

Swedish Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Swedish Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery will have its next annual meeting October 18-20, 2007 in Örebro, Sweden. ABSTRACT DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2007. For more information.

21st Century Treatment of Heart Failure

21st Century Treatment of Heart Failure: Synchronizing Surgical and Medical Therapies for Better Outcomes will be held 18-20 October, 2007, at the InterContinental Hotel and Bank of America Conference Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 8 SEPTEMBER, 2007. For information, contact: Laura Sears or Jamie Belkin. The Heart Failure Summit, The Cleveland Clinic Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 931653, Cleveland, Ohio 44193-1082; Phone: 1 216 932-3448; Fax: 1 216 445-9406; Email: laura@jamieblekin.com Additional information

Applied Cardiothoracic Basic Sciences Course

Applied Cardiothoracic Basic Sciences Course will be held 25-26 October, 2007, at The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, The Adamson Centre, 3 Hill Place, Edinburgh , Scotland, UK, EH8 9DS. For information contact: Laura McQuade; Phone: 44 (0)131 668 9238; Fax: 44 (0)131 668 9241; Email:l.mcquade@rcsed.ac.uk Additional Information.

Eighth Biennial Congress of the Syrian Cardiovascular Association

Eighth Biennial Congress of the Syrian Cardiovascular Association will be held in Damascus, Syria, November 1-3, 2007. Information: Prof. Sami Kabbani, P.O. Box: 8487, Damascus, Syria; Tel/Fax: 00963 94 27 27 55; E-mail: scva@scs-net.org; More information.

STSA Annual Meeting

Register now for the upcoming STSA 54th Annual Meeting, to be held November 7-10, 2007 in Bonita Springs, Florida. Many will remember the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point as the site of STSA's 50th anniversary celebration. The tropical gardens, warm breezes and sparkling gulf coast waters will provide a breathtaking background for another stimulating, scientific session.

The 2007 Program Committee has selected a robust program that provides a balance between education, opportunity for thoughtful discussion and time to renew friendships and enjoy camaraderie - all of which make the Southern special.

The advance registration deadline is October 11, 2007. If you are unable to register by this date you may register on-site, but please note, there will be an additional $50 charge for attendees registering on-site in Bonita Springs.

For information, contact: Katie McAuliff, 633 North Saint Clair, Suite 2320, Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 1 800 685-7872; Fax: 1 312 202-5801; Email: stsa@stsa.org

AmSECT Meeting Announcments

The Program Committee for NNJAECT & I-SECT's 16th International Symposium, CARDIAC SURGERY, BEYOND, is now accepting abstracts and/or case studies for the meeting to be held November 7 - 11, 2007, at the Naples Grande Resort & Club, Naples, Florida USA. Symposium information will soon be posted at www.i-sect.cjb.net. Anyone needing immediate information, please contact Paul Cappola, Craig Vocelka or Travel Unlimited New Jersey USA, (Official coordinator for registration & accommodations). The travel center will also assist you with any travel needs.

Program Contacts: Paul Cappola: ecmoinc@aol.com or 1.401.455-0618; Craig Vocelka: vocelka@u.washington.edu or 1.206.685-3677. Travel Unlimited, New Jersey USA, (Alan or Anne): 800.228-1502 or e-mail info@travelunlimited.com or 1.973-228-1500.

12th Annual Perspectives in Thoracic Oncology

The 12th Annual Perspectives in Thoracic Oncology Meeting will be held NOVEMBER 16-17, 2007, at the Westin New York Times Square hotel, New York, New York, USA. The Chair is Corey J. Langer, MD, FACP, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. For more information. including program and speakers, click here.

The 9th Annual Conference of the Paediatric Cardiac Society of India

The 9th Annual Conference of the Paediatric Cardiac Society of India will be held 23-25 November, 2007, at Swabhumi, The Heritage Plaza, Kolkata, West Bengal India. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 29 AUGUST, 2007. For information, contact: Dr. Biswajit Bandyopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences, 124, Mukundapur, Off E M Bypass, Kolkata-94 India; Phone: +91 332 436 4000; Fax: +913 324 26 4204; Email: bisban@rediffmail.com Additional information

Asian Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialty Update Course

The Second Asian Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialty Update Course will be held 23-24 November, 2007, at Esther Lee Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China. For information, contact: Secretariat: c/o Conference Team, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 3/F, Li Ka Shing Specialist Clinic (North Wing), Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong; Phone: (852) 2632 2951; Fax: (852) 2632 4708; Email: cardio-update@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk Additional information

Congress - Association of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeons of Asia (ATCSA)

18th Biennial Congress - Association of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeons of Asia (ATCSA) will be held November 25-28, 2007, at the Bali Convention Centre, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

Abstract submission deadline: 1 SEPTEMBER 2007. For information, contact: Indonesian Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita, Main Building, 4th Floor, Jl. Let. Jend. S. Parman Kav. 87, Slipi, Jakarta 11420 Indonesia; Phone: 62.21.569.44.08; Fax: 62.21.566.5993; Email: aditya_kusuma_w@yahoo.com.au

ISMICS Winter Workshop

The International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) Winter Workshop/3rd Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery will be held 28 November - 2 December, 2007, at the Sungate Port Royal Resort in Antalya, Turkey. The abstracts will be published in the Heart Surgery Forum. For more information about the meeting.

Asian Thoracic Surgical Club

The 4th Meeting of the Asian Thoracic Surgical Club will be held 1-2 December, 2007 at the Grand Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 31 AUGUST, 2007. For information, contact: Jin-Shing Chen, No. 7, Chung-Shan S. Rd, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Phone: 886-2-23123456 Ext. 5070; Fax: +886-2-33933989; Email: chenjs@ntu.edu.tw; For additional information

Ultrasonography: Fundamentals in Critical Care

Ultrasonography: Fundamentals in Critical Care - A meeting sponsored by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) - will be held December 7-10, 2007, at the Hyatt Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. CME approved. For more information, contact ACCP Customer Relations, 800-343-2227, e-mail accp@chestnet.org, or visit the ACCP website.

JANUARY - MARCH 2008

11th Annual NewEra Cardiac Care: Innovation & Technology

The 11th Annual NewEra Cardiac Care: Innovation & Technology meeting, co-chaired by W. Randolph Chitwood, Jr., MD and Robert C. Robbins, MD, will be held January 10-13, 2008, at the Four Seasons Aviara Resort & Spa in North San Diego, California. The DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS IS NOVEMBER 11, 2007. For further information, please click here, or email Susan Westwood at s.westwood@amainc.com

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The 44th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons will be held 28-30 January 2008, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA. For information, contact: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, 633 N. Saint Clair Street, Suite 2320, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3658; Phone: 1 312 202-5800; Fax: 1 312 202-5801; Email: sts@sts.org Additional information.

4th Asian Pacific Congress of Heart Failure

The 4th Asian Pacific Congress of Heart Failure will be held January 31 - February 3, 2008, at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre, Melbourne, Australia.

For information, contact: Congress Managers, GPO Box 128, Sydney Australia 2001; Telephone: +61 2 9265 0700; Fax: +61 2 9265 5443; Email: apchf@tourhosts.com.au; Additional Information

Scandinavian Society for Research in CardioThoracic Surgery (SSRCTS)

The 18th Annual Meeting of the Scandinavian Society for Research in CardioThoracic Surgery (SSRCTS) will be held 7-9 February, 2008, at the Norlandia Geilo Hotel, Geilo Norway. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 15 DECEMBER, 2007. For information, contact:
J. Michael Hasenkam
Dept.of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, DK-8200 Aarhus N
Phone: ++4589495480
Fax: ++4589496016
Email: hasenkam@ki.au.dk
Additional information

28th Annual San Diego Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium

The 28th Annual San Diego Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium, chaired by Julie A. Swain MD, will be held February 14-17, 2008, at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California. THE ABSTRACT DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 30, 2007. For further information, please visit here or email Susan Westwood at s.westwood@amainc.com

Indian Association of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons

The 54th Annual Conference Of The Indian Association Of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons will be held 21-24 February, 2008, at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2007. For information, contact: Conference Secretariat: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Military Hospital (CTC), Golibar Maidan, Pune 411040, Mah India; Phone: +91 020 26306171; Fax: +91 9822891284; Email: info@ctcon2008.com Additional information

26th International Cardiovascular Surgical Symposium

The 26th International Cardiovascular Surgical Symposium will be held 1 - 8 March, 2008, at Zurs/Arlberg, Austria. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE 10 JANUARY, 2008. For information, contact: Secretary General: M. Deutsch, M.D., European Heart Institute of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Monchsberg 2, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; Phone: +43 662 841345; Fax: +43 662 841343; Email: congress@herzchirurgie.at Additional information

Florida Valve 2008

Florida Valve 2008 will be held 7 - 9 March, 2008, at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA. For information, contact: Carole Erickson, Program Administrator, 6006 49th Street North, Suite 320, St. Petersburg, Florida 33709. Phone: 1 406 370-8555; Email: siestavc@aol.com Additional information.

Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS)

The 2008 Annual Meeting of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS) will be held March 9 - 12, 2008 at the Edinburgh International Convention Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland. ABSTRACT DEADLINE: 5 NOVEMBER, 2007. For further details, contact sctsadmin@scts.org or +44 (0)20 7869 6893, and check the website periodically.

Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery

The 16th Annual Meeting of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery will be held 13-16 March, 2008, at the Raffles City Convention Centre, Stamford Ballroom, Singapore, Singapore. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 1 SEPTEMBER, 2007. For information, contact: ASCVS Congress Secretariat c/o The Meeting Lab Pte Ltd, 176 B Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427447. Phone: +65 63464402 Fax: +65 63464403 Email: mice@themeetinglab.com Additional information

APRIL - MAY 2008

The Houston Aortic Symposium - Frontiers in Cardiovascular Diseases

The Houston Aortic Symposium - Frontiers in Cardiovascular Diseases will be held 4 - 6 April, 2008, at The Westin Galleria, Houston, Texas, USA. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE 22 FEBRUARY, 2008. For information, contact: Laura Steigerwald, Promedica International CME, a California Corporation, 2333 State Street, Suite 203, Carlsbad, California 92008; Phone: 1 760 720-2263; Fax: 1 760 720-6263; Email: lsteigerwald@promedicacme.com Additional information

European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery

The 57th International Congress of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery (ESCVS) will be held April 24-27, 2008, in Barcelona, Spain. For more information, contact: ESCVS General Secretariat, Prof. Claudio Muneretto , ESCVS Secretary General, UDA Cardiochirurgia, Spedali Civili P.le Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia (Italy); Phone: + 39 030 3996401; Fax: + 39 030 3996096; E-mail: munerett@med.unibs.it; And consult the website.

18th WSCTS World Congress - World Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons

18th WSCTS World Congress - World Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons will be held 30 April-3 May, 2008 at the Kos International Convention Centre, Kos Island, Greece. Abstract Deadline: 30 November 2007. For information, contact: 18th WSCTS Congress Secretariat, 29 Sinopis Str. 115 27, Athens, Greece; Phone: +30 210 7799261;Fax: +30 210 7711768; Email: secretariat@wscts2008.com; Additional information

American Association for Thoracic Surgery

The 88th Annual Meeting of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery will be held 10-14 May, 2008, at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, USA. For information, contact: Megan Tainer, 900 Cummings Center, Suite 221-U, Beverly, Massachusetts 01915. Phone: 978-927-8330. Additional information.

XI. World Congress of International Society for Diseases of Esophagus (ISDE)

The XI. World Congress of International Society for Diseases of Esophagus (ISDE) will be held September 10-13, 2008, in the Novotel Budapest Congress Center, Budapest Hungary. For information, contact: Peter Horvath, MD; Phone: +36 72536126; Fax: +36 72536127; Email: Peter.O.Horvath@aok.pte.hu