Uniting the surgical community in Latin America
The 2024 EACTS/STS/LACES Latin America
Cardiovascular Surgery Conference in Buenos Aires was a record-breaking success, bringing together almost 500 attendees from 33 countries.
The exceptional scientific programme featured insightful analyses and expert-led presentations across adult and congenital cardiac surgery, including roundtables on heart transplant, advancements in aortic valve repair and new endovascular treatments as well as important discussions on endocarditis, a common condition across Latin America.
Rui Manuel Sequeira de Almeida, President of LACES, said, "The STS/ EACTS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference brings global expertise and the latest innovation in cardiac surgery to Latin America. It has become a very important meeting, particularly for surgeons early in their careers and for residents who may not have the resources to travel to Europe and North America. The Conference provides an opportunity to learn from global experts and benefit from their knowledge and experience. I am delighted that the meeting was so well attended; session rooms were packed, discussions were lively and the education was high quality.”
A showcase of cutting-edge research
A diverse range of abstract presentations showcased cuttingedge findings, reinforcing the Conference’s commitment to innovation and excellence in cardiothoracic practice.
Lorena Montes, Chair of the LACES Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee and LACES President Elect, said, “The quality of both the abstracts and posters was extremely high and covered a wide range of topics such as SAVR versus TAVI and the David and Ross procedures. It was fantastic to discuss the research of surgeons working in Latin America but also the work of Latin Americans who are training overseas in North America, Europe or Asia. This meeting unites the region, bringing us together to learn from each other and gain a global perspective.”
Highlights from the three-day Conference included:
• The LACES Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee held a session focused on the different characteristics of women patients, exploring robotics and minimally invasive surgery for women with a mammary prosthesis and coronary surgery in women, examining the latest trials and the specific differences in vessels and tortuosity.
• A keynote by Juan Crestanello, Artificial Intelligence Is Here: How to Incorporate It into Our Daily Practice? highlighted the growing role of AI in clinical decision-making.
• The results of recent trials were discussed as part of the Residents’ Symposium.
• Three training sessions - Mitral Valve Repair, ECMO Cannulation and Aortic Arch Pathology - Treatment Options provided practical experience and gave attendees the opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in the field.
Joseph Sabik, President of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), said, "The 2024 EACTS/STS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference was a huge success. It is a truly unique meeting, bringing together experts from North and South America and from across Europe to deliver a high-quality programme tailored to meet the specific needs of Latin American surgeons. Interesting discussions, valuable learning opportunities and a great atmosphere contributed to a special meeting.
"The collaboration with national societies in Buenos Aires was a key factor in the success of the LATAM Conference and we look forward to partnering with local organisations in Lima to deliver another fantastic meeting in December."
Rafa Sádaba, EACTS Vice-President, said, “The EACTS/ STS/LACES LATAM Conference is a unique opportunity to gather esteemed faculty from across Latin America, North America and Europe to share experiences and knowledge. The feedback has been excellent with attendees recognising the comprehensive programme and the variety of activities aimed at all levels of expertise and experience.
“The support of local surgeons in Argentina was important to the success of the Conference and I appreciate their involvement and commitment. The reputation of the LATAM Conference continues to grow and I look forward to building on this success.”
Celebrating excellence at the EACTS/STS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference
Best oral presentation in the cardiac field
Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Support in the Setting of Type A Aortic Dissection Repair – Too Little too Late?
Michael Catalano, Philadelphia, USA
Best oral presentation in the congenital field
Cone Repair for Ebstein Anomaly. Is it Always Feasible?
Aura Rivera, Bogata, Colombia
Best moderated e-poster in the cardiac field
Long-Term Outcomes of the Size 29-Epic Supra Aortic Bioprosthesis – A Large Risk-adjusted Analysis
Murat Mukharyamov, Jena, Germany
Best moderated e-poster in the congenital field
Right Ventricular Cardiogenic Shock Associated with Intravenous Administration of Activated Charcoal: A Case Report
Naomi Muñoz Macias, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico
Eighty-six educational scholarships were provided through the STS’s charitable arm – the Thoracic Surgery Foundation and made possible by the generosity of the following organisations - Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, Gore and EACTS. These scholarships support cardiothoracic surgeons, physicians and residents from under-resourced institutions who are treating underserved patients or demonstrate financial need.
93% 99%
Of attendees plan to apply the new information and skills learned to their work. Of attendees would recommend the Conference to a colleague.
16 EXHIBITORS
105 abstract presentations, 43 presented orally, 37 moderated e-posters and 25 general e-posters.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
2025 STS/EACTS/LACES
2025
Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference
December 4–6, 2025 Lima, Peru
The 2025 STS/EACTS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference will explore the latest developments and best practices in coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, thoracic aortic disease, atrial fibrillation, and the surgical management of heart failure. Get notified when abstract submission and registration open.
LATAM in numbers