EACTS News - September 2023

Issue 35 Highlights

ESC/EACTS LEFT MAIN REVIEW

Publication of the joint ESC/EACTS review of the 2018 guideline recommendations on the revascularisation of left main coronary artery disease

We are pleased to announce that following a period of close collaboration with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), a joint ESC/EACTS Task Force, chaired by Professors Robert Byrne and Stephen Fremes, has now completed a review of the evidence for the treatment of low surgical-risk patients with LMCAD. The findings have been published in EJCTS and the European Heart Journal and conclude that the class of recommendation and level of evidence for CABG should be Class I and Level of Evidence A, whilst for PCI it should be Class IIa and Level of Evidence A.

Background

In 2019, EACTS Council withdrew support from the recommendations on the treatment of left main coronary artery disease in the 2018 joint ESC-EACTS Myocardial Revascularization Guidelines. EACTS and the ESC recognised the need to review the recommendations on left main coronary artery disease and worked together to create a bespoke joint ESC/EACTS Task Force. The Task Force was able to review long-term analyses of clinical trials and an individual patient data meta-analysis published by Sabatine and colleagues in 2021 which included data from 4 randomised clinical trials comparing PCI using drug-eluting stents (DES) to CABG with at least 5 years of follow-up: SYNTAX, Bypass Surgery Versus Angioplasty Using Sirolimus Eluting Stent in Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease (PRECOMBAT), Nordic-Baltic-British left main revascularisation study (NOBLE) and EXCEL.

Findings

The Task Force’s conclusion, after reviewing all the relevant evidence, is that for low-surgical risk patients with LMCAD, both coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are clinically reasonable treatment modalities. As a result of the review, the considered advice is that the class of recommendation and level of evidence for CABG should be Class I and Level of Evidence A, whilst for PCI it should be Class IIa and Level of Evidence A. The findings and associated materials are now being considered by the Task Force working on new guidelines for Chronic Coronary Syndromes, due to be published in August 2024.

Until new guidelines are published, we and the ESC believe that local Heart Teams should consider both the current (2018) guidelines and the findings of the Task Force when discussing treatment options for patients with stable coronary artery disease. Click here to access the Task Force’s findings: the 2022 joint ESC/ EACTS review of the 2018 guideline recommendations on the revascularization of left main coronary artery disease in patients at low surgical risk and anatomy suitable for PCI or CABG.

JOIN US

AT THIS YEAR’S 37th EACTS ANNUAL MEETING FOR IMPORTANT DISCUSSIONS ON CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND TRIAL UPDATE SESSIONS.

Sharing the latest thinking in innovation

EACTS’ inaugural Innovation Summit

From papers on the future of the artificial heart and myocardial regeneration, to the latest thinking on mechanical and tissue engineering, and bioprinting, the greatest minds in the world of cardiothoracic surgery and innovation came together earlier this year to share knowledge and ideas at the EACTS’ inaugural Innovation Summit.

Attended by engineers, scientists, surgeons, cardiologists and industry leaders from Europe, North America and South Africa, presenters at the Summit included Anthony Atala, G. Link Professor and Director at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and William Cohn, Director at the Center for Device Innovation, Texas Medical Center, who holds more than 100 patents.

Over the two-day summit a total of 36 presentations were made with four presentations selected by a jury panel to be shared at this year’s 37th EACTS Annual Meeting in Vienna.

Driving better patient outcomes

The Summit is the first step in EACTS’ commitment to a renewed focus on innovation with the aim of driving better patient outcomes, with further announcements expected in the coming months. The presentations will provide those working in the cardiothoracic community with new information and thinking.

Friedhelm Beyersdorf, EACTS Immediate Past President (2022), said, “It has long been my vision that as an organisation we double-down on our commitment to innovation so that as surgeons we can continue to improve outcomes for heart and lung patients. There is already a lot of work looking into existing treatments and how to improve current techniques, but we are now aiming at the next level, how to develop new ideas and completely new concepts and make these part of everyday clinical practice. The conference in April was just the beginning - we owe it to our future patients to ensure we continue to learn and innovate across our profession and throughout our careers.”

Mark Hazekamp, EACTS past President, said, “This is an important first step. Our Association is looking to the future and innovation is fundamental for EACTS members, for the development of our profession and for our patients. The four presentations that will be shared in October are thought provoking and will provide valuable insights to our colleagues from all over the world to help stimulate more ideas and thinking outside of the box. At EACTS we will do our best to help turn concepts into reality.”

Franca Melfi, EACTS Vice President, said, “Sharing information freely among colleagues and a focus on practices that may become commonplace in the future is essential if we are to inspire the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons. I’m very excited that through the Innovation Summit EACTS has committed to the cross-fertilisation of ideas and collaboration to further innovate developments in our profession.”

37TH EACTS ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OF EACTS INNOVATION SUMMIT 2023

Friday 6th October | 13:45 - 14:45

Presentations include:

Shock waves for myocardial regeneration

Opto-electronic implant for rhythm control

Mitochondrial transplantation

Multi-organ repair: controlled automated reperfusion of the whole body (CARL)

Meeting the needs of the scientific community

Since its launch over a decade ago the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) has become an important point of reference, enabling benchmarking and outcome monitoring relating to almost 8,500 individual patients receiving mechanical circulatory support.

Theo De By EUROMACS Managing Director

To ensure EUROMACS continues to serve the scientific community effectively and support improvements to clinical outcomes, the EACTS EUROMACS Committee recently carried out a comprehensive review of the EUROMACS registry. This review concluded that several data fields are no longer relevant or required and recommended an update to the registry.

Updating the EUROMACS registry

The planned revisions include updating the data fields and definitions, such as the definitions of adverse events. These changes will ensure the registry remains fit for purpose and consistent with international standards.

Work is now underway, and programming and testing is expected to be completed in early Spring 2024. Over the coming months we will work with participating centres to provide further information about the latest version of EUROMACS.

We would like to thank everyone who has consistently contributed data to the EUROMACS registry which has enabled researchers around the world to publish papers providing insight that contribute to improving patient outcomes. We look forward to raising the standard once again.

We would like to thank everyone who has consistently contributed data to the EUROMACS registry which has enabled researchers around the world to publish papers providing insight that contribute to improving patient outcomes.”

Friday 6th October | 10.00-11.00

Room 0.31/0.32

NEW TASK FORCE CHAIRS ANNOUNCED

The Acquired Cardiac Disease Domain incorporates a number of task forces, each focused on a different specialty. We are delighted to welcome new chairs to the following task forces, who will take up their new three-year positions from October 2023.

GROWING THE TEAM IN WINDSOR

New members will also be joining our task forces from 6th October following a formal nomination process. A full list of task force members can be found here

We welcome the following new team members who have recently joined EACTS.

Giulia supports the development and publication process of the EACTS Clinical Practice Guidelines. Working closely with Milan Milojevic and the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) Committee, she is responsible for managing the guideline portfolio as well as for strategic tasks, such as establishing timelines and processes during guidelines production and maintaining relationships with collaborating societies.

Supporting the Academy programme, Chantal’s responsibilities include organising and facilitating education courses which involve practical training. Some of the courses will be held in Windsor and others take place in different European cities.

Corporate

Giulia Zuodar Guidelines Programme Manager

Chantal Crossland Events Coordinator

Nikolaos Bonaros Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Jan Vojáček Aortic Valve including AV Repair

Sigrid Sandner Coronary

Enrico Ferrari Transcatheter Techniques

Thorsten Hanke Arrhythmia

Daniel Zimpfer Heart Failure

Jörg Kempfert New Technology

EXCHANGING IDEAS ACROSS EUROPE

The EACTS Residents’ Committee held its inaugural National Trainees’ Summit earlier this month bringing together national trainee and resident representatives from across 18 European countries to discuss training and education in cardiothoracic surgery.

Held virtually, the Summit was an opportunity to gain a better understanding of training in Europe and address the challenges and additional needs of residents in today’s landscape.

Nabil Hussein, Chair of the Residents’ Committee, said, “The EACTS Residents’ Committee provides an important and supportive platform for residents to exchange ideas and generate new initiatives. We’re proud of all that the committee has achieved to date, such as aligning training modules to better prepare residents for a career following their training. The National Trainee Summit is our next step to identify further opportunities to advance training and education for residents.”

AWARD

RESIDENTS’ CORNER AWARD SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

One of the highlights of the Summit was the open discussion around how training in cardiothoracic surgery could be improved. A common theme raised by resident representatives was the desire for a standard curriculum for residents in cardiothoracic surgery and improved transparency in training between countries.

Nabil continued, “The first Summit was a great success, and the committee is already exploring how we can support the many ideas put forward by representatives and address some of the issues raised.”

The new annual Residents’ Corner award has been established by EACTS and the Residents’ Committee to recognise the important academic work of EACTS residents. This year’s award was open to residents who have published a peer-reviewed article within the last three years in the EACTS Residents’ Corner, EJCTS and ICVTS.

We are delighted to announce this year’s finalists.

Michael Graber, Medical University

Innsbruck, Austria

Toll-like receptor 3 mediates ischaemia/ reperfusion injury after cardiac transplantation (published in EJCTS)

Guido Ascione, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Milan

The impact of mitral valve surgery on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Barlow’s disease: preliminary results of a prospective study (published in ICVTS)

Bardia Arabkhani, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands

A multicentre, propensity score matched analysis comparing a valve-sparing approach to valve replacement in aortic root aneurysm: Insight from the AVIATOR database (Published in EJCTS)

The winner will be announced at the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting during the ‘Science worth spreading’ session on Friday 6th October.

DOMAIN UPDATES

In this issue our domain chairs look forward to the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting, highlighting some of the key abstract and focus sessions in this year’s scientific programme.

Thoracic Disease Domain

Richard Milton, Chair

The Thoracic Disease Domain has planned a very exciting programme for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting.

We’re delighted to kick-off the Annual Meeting with a fantastic full day Techno-College programme focusing on the surgical and endoscopic management of emphysema in one session, and chest wall surgery during the afternoon session.

We’re privileged at EACTS to work with some of the world’s most experienced robotic thoracic surgeons. As well as a focus session exploring some of the technical controversies in robotic thoracic surgery, we’ve incorporated a robotic workshop that will run parallel to the main thoracic Techno-College programme. Supported by Intuitive, this will give surgeons, irrespective of their prior robotic experience, a unique opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to both the Da Vinci technology and the Ion platform, which is an innovative way of performing robotically-assisted bronchoscopic lung biopsies. It is worth noting that places on these workshops are limited so early booking is recommended.

Mesothelioma is always topical, and we are looking forward to hearing the results of the recent MARS2 trial in a focus session on Thursday. Some of our Resident members from across Europe will get an opportunity to present interesting cases in an MDT format and ask the audience what they would do in similar scenarios.

A focus on the topical issues

Two recent guidelines, one on Pneumothorax management and the other on Ground Glass Opacities, will be discussed in separate focus sessions on Friday. Following recent publications of results of

trials of sublobar resection for early-stage lung cancer, we have a very exciting focus session on controversies surrounding this approach, in this expanding patient cohort.

I highly recommend one of the last sessions taking place on Saturday. ‘UICC/IASLC 9th edition TNM staging for lung cancer’ will examine the recently released 9th TNM edition for NSCLC which will undoubtedly have an impact on our daily life as surgeons. This will be a great opportunity to discuss the latest classification and learn more about the impact of the new edition on (neo-)adjuvant treatment options.

This year we received a large number of high-quality abstracts, which have been carefully reviewed by the Thoracic Disease Domain to select the very best. We will host two rapid fire sessions, which were very well received last year, as well as four more general thoracic abstract sessions. I recommend delegates attend the President’s Choice session on 5th October which features the highest scoring abstract from each of the domains.

Finally, tickets will be available on site for the Learning Lab. This was hugely successful last year, and we hope to have access to more VATS simulation this year; there will also be the opportunity to get hands on experience in rib fixation.

There are many fantastic learning opportunities at this year’s Annual Meeting. I hope you can join us.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TECHNO-COLLEGE PROGRAMME HERE

Sign up here to take part in the robotic simulation skills workshops. There are two curriculum streams availablejunior or senior - which will be tailored to the expertise of the participants attending.

www.eacts.org/annual-meeting/registration/#addfee

UNIQUE SESSIONS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

smaller problems which can be very challenging for our daily practice. For example, how to deal with a leaking atrioventricular valve after atrioventricular cannal valve repair.

Congenital Heart Disease Domain

Jürgen Hörer, Chair

This year a record number of abstracts were submitted and reviewed by the Congenital Heart Disease Domain for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting scientific programme. We are confident that we have selected the highest quality abstracts, bringing together the latest science, innovation and data in the field.

As a domain we aim to include topics that haven’t featured over the past couple of years. This year we have sessions on congenital lesions such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, borderline left ventricle and conotruncal defects. We will also explore some of the

Vascular Disease Domain

Konstantinos Tsagakis, Chair and Florian Schönhoff, Deputy Chair

This year’s Annual Meeting is very important for the Vascular Domain. We will be presenting the new guidelines for aortic disease, which are very significant for the medical community and will undoubtedly impact a large patient population worldwide.

Innovation in cardiac surgery is critical and as surgeons we often have good ideas but struggle to get these ideas to product. For anyone keen to learn more about taking an innovation to market the session ‘Innovations in pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery’ will feature advice on how to manage a start-up company and get a promising idea to prototyping and commercialisation. We have also worked with the EACTS Residents’ Committee to design a unique session on training. ‘Surgical training’ offers insights into an optimal training programme from a trainee and mentor perspective. The session will cover resilience, stress and trauma management in surgery. Although primarily aimed at residents, this is also a useful session for congenital heart surgeons who have a teaching role and are guiding residents towards independent practice.

This year’s wetlab, part of EACTS Learning Lab, focuses on the surgical management of complex left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, which is an important procedure for congenital heart surgery. This practical training session will be very interesting as we will use piglet hearts to gain hands-on experience of enlarging the left ventricle outflow tract in order to insert a bigger valve prothesis.

This is just one of many sessions we can look forward to as part of a packed programme at the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting.

Notably, this is also the first time three major surgical societies from Europe and the US – EACTS, AATS and STS – have worked together to develop new guidelines.

A large part of the vascular programme at the Annual Meeting is built around these guidelines with a number of focus sessions exploring what they mean for daily practice and examining the differences from previous and current versions. Thursday’s focus session ‘Aortic Disease - A deeper dive into Guideline Details’ is a particularly important session and will be the first opportunity to learn more.

Aortic dissection also features prominently in the scientific programme as one of the most topical issues for our domain. We can look forward to discussions on how to improve care for patients with aortic dissection and the need to differentiate treatment.

The EACTS Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of cardiothoracic surgeons in the world. The debates and discussion that take place in the session rooms are invaluable but it is the interactions with peers outside of these rooms that really make the meeting so special.

SHARING VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES

The value of meeting in-person

Acquired Cardiac Disease Domain

Filip Casselman,

The Annual Meeting is one of the biggest conferences in the world for the cardiothoracic community with high quality scientific content. The Acquired Cardiac Disease Domain includes a number of task forces and the members of these task forces have put in a huge amount of effort to prepare a highly scientific and stimulating programme for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting. There are two fantastic sessions from each of the nine task forces in the domain.

We will address some of the ‘hot topics’ in cardiac surgery which include aortic valve treatment and CABG as well as explore the data and innovations in evolving fields such as concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery and mechanical circulatory support.

There are two stand out focus sessions from the Coronary Task Force - ‘Improving CABG outcome in women: a call to action’ and ‘CABG Academy’ which will explore how to maximise the success of the CABG operation in challenging scenarios.

We have easy access to so much information now – via the internet, literature and published papers - but the face-to-face discussions that take place at the EACTS Annual Meeting are irreplaceable. Meeting surgeons from other countries and hearing different viewpoints and experiences can be so useful for our daily practice. This is why I still consider meeting inperson a top priority.

This year we will bring together different surgical minds as we host a number of joint sessions with colleagues from some of the other large surgical societies. It is an honour to collaborate with these organisations and I look forward to some interesting debates and knowledge sharing.

We must not forget the other important parts of the Annual Meeting, of course, which include the promotion of new products, new data and new surgical techniques. The EACTS Annual Meeting is the place where you will learn what is really going on in cardiac surgery – what works and what doesn’t. I look forward to seeing you in Vienna.

We have easy access to so much information now – via the internet, literature and published papers - but the face-to-face discussions that take place at the EACTS Annual Meeting are irreplaceable.”

The 37th EACTS Annual Meeting is less than two weeks away. Have you booked your place at the world’s largest meeting for the cardiothoracic community?

There are many reasons why the EACTS Annual Meeting should be in your diary. Register today for:

• A high-quality scientific programme featuring 180 scientific sessions showcasing the latest research and innovation in cardiothoracic surgery.

• Hands-on training opportunities in the EACTS Learning Lab and Industry learning labs.

• Inspiring keynote presentations.

• The latest new to market technology presented by industry leaders.

• Insights and tips from leading global experts across different specialties.

• The chance to expand your network and meet with peers from around the world.

• Access to even more scientific research with 80 e-posters on display.

• Two full day Techno-College programme streams showcasing the latest innovations and techniques in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery as well as a new robotic workshop offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to both the Da Vinci technology and the Ion platform.

Need more reasons to join us at the Annual Meeting?

The New Technology Task Force and the Residents’ Committee play an important role in developing the scientific programme. Below, the Chairs of these groups share their top three reasons to attend the Annual Meeting.

Volkmar Falk Chair of the New Technology Task Force

• The exchange of scientific knowledge at the most important cardiothoracic surgical meeting on the planet.

• The opportunity to meet with lots of colleagues in-person.

• Showcasing the latest technology and techniques at Techno-College.

Nabil Hussein Chair of the Residents’ Committee

• The excellent scientific programme, which includes a new session developed by the Residents’ Committee called ‘Escape the Coffin’.

• The residents’ luncheon – join experts in cardiothoracic surgery, share your ideas and get career advice.

• The Annual Meeting is the perfect hub for networking. Develop your ideas, collaborations and friendships that will last a lifetime.

EXPLORE THE LATEST SCIENCE

The EACTS Annual Meeting is renowned for its high-quality scientific programme featuring leading experts in cardiothoracic surgery. With over 220 abstract presentations selected from over 1,300 submissions, our domains have put together an exciting programme featuring the latest and very best science. Read more on pages 8 and 9 about some of the focus and abstract sessions that are not to be missed!

DON’T MISS!

The President’s Choice opening session on Thursday 5th October will showcase the leading abstract presentations selected across all EACTS domains. Find out more here

BE INSPIRED BY OUR FANTASTIC KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

This year we are honoured to be joined by three superb keynote speakers who will offer their unique perspectives on crucial issues facing the cardiothoracic field and the wider world.

Closing keynote Dex Hunter-Torricke

Thursday 5 October | 11.15am12.00pm

Professor Hounkpatin, the Beninese Minister for Health and an experienced doctor, has been instrumental in many humanitarian projects both prior to and during his appointment as the Minister of Health of Benin.

He has been deeply involved in the fight against obstetric fistulas, gynaecological and breast cancers, especially cervical cancer, and violence against women and girls. His talk, Building a Healthy future, a Spotlight on the Benin Republic’s Development, promises fascinating insights into the health challenges of Benin and is not to be missed.

Friday 6 October | 11.15am - 12.00pm

A pioneer of minimally invasive mitral valve repair and the current EACTS President, Patrick Perier’s Presidential Address will be a provocative speech that challenges the cardiothoracic community to question received wisdom and embrace new approaches in the field:

The Death of Dogma is the Birth of Reality. The perspective of giants like Patrick is invaluable and his talk will be packed with ideas and arguments that are crucial for anyone in the field to consider in their own practice.

Saturday 7 October | 12.00pm - 12.30pm

Dex Hunter-Torricke is a communications expert who has worked with Silicon Valley leaders and corporations of our day including Meta, Space X and Deepmind. The next decade could be one of the most disruptive moments in human history. Artificial Intelligence, huge advances in global connectivity and a confluence of technological, social and economic trends promise to change the way all of us live and work. In this keynote, Dex Hunter-Torricke explores some of the most important technological trends of the coming years and how we can adapt to the coming decade of disruption.

Don’t miss this Closing Plenary Session ‘What Comes Next: The Disruption Decade’ in Hall D on Saturday 7th October.

Honoured Guest Professor Hounkpatin, Beninese Minister for Health

Presidential Address

Patrick Perier, EACTS President

GET HANDS-ON TRAINING

LEARNING LAB SCHEDULE

THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER

09:00 - 11:00

AV Repair – Valve Sparing Aortic Root Surgery: The Reimplantation Technique

Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Mitral)

12:15 - 14:15

AV Repair – Annuloplasty with remodelling valve sparing root replacement and isolated aortic valve repair

Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Mitral)

15:00 - 17:00

Transcatheter

Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Aortic)

FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER

09:00 - 11:00

Mitral Valve

Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Aortic)

12:15 - 14:15

Thoracic

Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Mitral)

15:00 - 17:00

Coronary Masterclass

Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Mitral)

DISCOVER NEW TO MARKET TECHNOLOGIES

SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

09:00 - 11:00

Congenital – Surgical Management of complex left ventricular outflow tract obstruction

Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Aortic)

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS AND KEY DEBATES

EACTS app

Download the EACTS App today to:

• Start planning your day –bookmark key sessions that you don’t want to miss.

Featuring over 80 of the leading companies in the cardiothoracic industry, the Annual Meeting exhibition is the perfect place to learn more about the state-of-the-art products and innovations new to market.

View the exhibition layout and plan your visit to the exhibition hall.

Our industry partners will be organising satellite symposia during the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting. We are pleased to provide further information on this year’s satellite programme here

• Keep up to date with what’s happening on the ground at the Annual Meeting.

• Watch EACTS TV for the low down on hot topics, what got our panel talking and watch the CT Surgery Resident Showdown.

• Turn your notifications on so you know where you are heading to and when!

Learn specialist techniques from some of the world’s most experienced and expert surgeons at the EACTS Learning Lab. With limited spaces available, participants can benefit from small group instruction and discussion. Book in advance to secure your space.

EACTS COMMITTEES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

This year our committees have planned some unique sessions designed to support personal growth and foster professional development.

Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee

This compelling session exploring transformational leadership in disruptive times and the impact of belonging in high performance.

Thursday 5 October

Networking coffee in Foyer K2 09:30 - 10:00

Leadership and Performance in Cardiothoracic Surgery 10:00 - 11:00

Residents’ Committee

Thursday 5 October

Residents’ Lunch

Join fellow Residents for a relaxed lunch. An opportunity to share common interests and discuss key issues. Sign up on arrival

Escape the coffin in 60 minutes! 15:00 - 16:00

This lively interactive session will discuss a complex case, with the audience voting on each step of the treatment.

EACTS & GTSRA Joint Session 16:15 - 17:15

This joint session will explore how to optimise education session on optimising education and training worldwide. A real chance to share knowledge on a global scale.

Friday 6 October

Science worth spreading 16:15 - 17:15

Gain insights into how to start-up and complete high level scientific research, whilst working as a clinician.

Breaking the taboo 13:45 - 14:45

I n a friendly, supportive session residents will present the key events of a nightmare cardiothoracic surgery case and an expert operating surgeon will highlight areas where things went wrong and discuss how these could be mitigated in the future.

Allied Health Professionals Committee

Saturday 7 October

Embracing the cardiothoracic team 09:15 - 10:15

Research opportunities in the cardiothoracic team 10:30 - 12:00

EACTS TV

Our premium TV channel will be making a return this year! Join us in-person and visit the EACTS TV Studio located in the exhibition to catch:

• In Focus sessions with key opinion making leaders.

• Big debates with our expert panellists.

• The live European final of the CT Surgery Resident Showdown.

• Science Friction – The Daily Review: A review of each day, including key talks, takeaways, debates and anecdotes...and much more!

• NEW! On the pulse – exploring the exhibition View the programme here. If you’re not able to view these in-person, you can watch them via the EACTS App. Don’t forget: if you’re not able to attend the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting in-person, then more than 180 sessions will be available for you to enjoy via our Video On Demand package.

EACCME accreditation

The 37th EACTS Annual Meeting, Vienna, Austria, 04/10/2023-07/10/2023 has been accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) with 24 European CME credits (ECMEC®s). Each medical specialist should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.

Through an agreement between the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes and the American Medical Association, physicians may convert EACCME® credits to an equivalent number of AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.

AN INSPIRATIONAL MEETING THE 2ND AORTIC FORUM

This summer over 250 attendees came together from around the world for world-class education at the 2nd Aortic Forum. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, cementing the value and importance of the Aortic Forum to the cardiothoracic community.

This year’s special event celebrated the careers of Professor Gebrine El Khoury and Hans-Joachim Schäfers, and their important contributions to aortic root and aortic valve disease. In addition to pioneers in the field, the programme featured globally renowned experts who shared their insights, expertise and experience across key aspects of major aortic surgery.

Commenting on this year’s successful Aortic Forum, Joe Bavaria, member of the Aortic Forum Taskforce, said, “The

100% 99%

OF ATTENDEES SAID THE FORUM MET THEIR EXPECTATIONS *

OF ATTENDEES SAID THEY WOULD RECOMMEND THE FORUM TO THEIR COLLEAGUES *

Aortic Forum is an educational programme designed to cover all the new endeavours, research and treatments that encompass thoracic aortic surgery. The Aortic Forum will be the place where all new data and new procedures are going to be collected and discussed. The Aortic Forum provides the community for thoracic aortic surgeons across the continent.”

THE AORTIC FORUM IS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STS

COMMENTS FROM ATTENDEES

“Excellent meeting, great participants, huge inspiration and motivation to keep working!”

“Amazing meeting, discussed with a lot of legends in my field and learnt from them during these conversations, their tricks come from experience, and you cannot find them written in the books!”

“Outstanding and historic.”

“Best meeting that I have ever attended.”

49 COUNTRIES OVER 250 ATTENDEES

MCS SUMMIT

Finn Gustafsson, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Copenhagen, and a Chair of the 7th EACTS Mechanical Circulatory Support Summit, outlines why this year’s meeting is not to be missed.

representatives to learn more about the latest innovations in MCS but also an opportunity for us to discuss some of the challenges we currently face in the field and the potential for future trials.

The 7th MCS Summit is also the first meeting to be held outside of central Europe, so I am looking forward to welcoming colleagues to Denmark.

This is the 7th year of the MCS Summit. How has the meeting evolved since the first Summit?

MCS therapy has shifted from a surgical intervention to a longterm therapy that requires multi-disciplinary management, and this is reflected in the meeting programme. There is more focus on greater collaborative working, and we are pleased to welcome speakers from different specialties and backgrounds who are able to bring an alternative perspective and experience.

Why is the MCS Summit an important meeting?

The MCS Summit has established a reputation as the most important MCS meeting in Europe, bringing together surgeons, cardiologists, perfusionists, nurses and industry to discuss MCS.

The meeting is unique because there is a considerable focus on highly interactive discussions between delegates and speakers. It is during these discussions that all the ‘pearls of wisdom’ are shared as we discuss surgical challenges and complications. The field of MSC is based heavily on experience so it is increasingly important that we can share experiences and learn tips and tricks from experts who have worked in the field for a significant number of years.

Over the years I have seen first-hand how the opportunity to interact with very experienced surgeons has been very helpful to delegates in their daily practice.

What can delegates expect from this year’s MCS Summit?

In addition to some intense discussions, the meeting has a fantastic programme featuring live-in-a-box cases and abstract presentations showcasing original science.

We will explore how to manage the patients and not just the technology, with sessions focused on non-straightforward candidates and paediatric MCS.

It is important that we continue to advance Mechanical Circulatory Support and a strong partnership with industry is critical to this progress. This meeting is an opportunity to engage with industry

Abstract submission closes on Sunday 24th September. Submit yours today!

What do you say to colleagues considering an abstract submission?

The MCS Summit offers a fantastic platform to interact with delegates and showcase original science and I encourage the submission of abstracts from colleagues across all specialties and levels of experience.

Click here for more information about the MCS Summit.

Raising Standards through Education and Training

Photo credit: DHZB Böddingmeier

Finn Gustafsson

MITACS RETURNS

30 November – 1 December 2023 | Leipzig, Germany

Michael Borger, MITACS Local Meeting Director

We are excited to host the Minimally Invasive Techniques in Adult Cardiac Surgery (MITACS) course in Leipzig in Germany later this year. In previous years this course has been extremely popular and, as minimal invasive cardiac surgery procedures are playing an increasingly important role in our specialty, we welcome its return to the EACTS Academy calendar.

If you are interested in starting your own minimally invasive programme or seeking to expand your programme’s capabilities, then the MITACS course is for you. The comprehensive programme, which has been put together by an expert organising committee, is focused on developing skills in minimally invasive techniques and exploring the key technical elements of a successful minimal invasive cardiac procedure. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience live local surgical

broadcasts such as the recently developed MICS CABG procedure and minimally invasive mitral valve repair, for which the Leipzig Heart Centre is renowned.

Alongside didactic lectures and live cases there will be plenty of time for informal discussions with our panel of recognised experts in the field who will be available to answer questions and provide their expert tips.

This year we are honoured to be joined by Patrick Perier, EACTS President, and a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery. During his keynote presentation ‘My personal mitral valve journey’ he will share his valuable insights from his 20 years’ experience of working in the field.

I strongly recommend joining us in November for this fantastic course.

Register today

Support the Francis Fontan Fund

Donate today to support the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons

EACTS is offering members, and the wider public, the opportunity to support the prestigious Francis Fontan Fund (FFF) Fellowship programme and be a part of the unique learning experience for some of our brightest and most brilliant fellows.

The fund is now accepting donations which will help to provide career changing opportunities for newly qualified surgeons and health professionals, many from deprived or lower income regions.

Since its introduction, the Francis Fontan Fund fellowship programme has supported surgeons from around the world to develop new skills, learn new techniques and work alongside some of the leading figures in cardiothoracic surgery. These invaluable experiences have undoubtedly helped to improve clinical outcomes in fellows’ home centres.

Brendan Eley, Chief Executive of EACTS, said, “The opportunity to donate to the Francis Fontan Fund fellowship programme follows requests from our members. We know how generous and supportive EACTS members are of the next generation of leaders and thinkers and donating to the fellowship scheme is a great way to provide tangible support.”

Jan Ankersmit, EACTS Council member and recent donor to the FFF fellowship programme, said, “EACTS and the FFF fellowship programme provide a perfect platform for surgical education. I see my donation as a contribution to our most rewarding profession. The fund provides important opportunities for surgeons to advance their learning and development and gain knowledge and experience in a specific aspect of

cardiothoracic surgery. Only the educated and critical physician scientists will make the right clinical decision.”

The FFF fellowship programme continues to grow, offering new learning opportunities in fields such as Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Thoracic Robotic Surgery. Seventeen fellowships were available in 2023-24.

For more information about the Francis Fontan Fund and how to donate click here

RECOGNISING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN CRITICAL CARE EBCTS

EBCTS launches new exam/certification in critical care

A new examination has been launched by EBCTS to assess and recognise the expertise of cardiothoracic surgeons across the different aspects of critical care. The EBCTS cardiovascular surgery critical care certification, the first exam of its kind worldwide, provides a defined standard to assess and certify that surgeons have attained the necessary levels of knowledge, experience and judgement in post operative critical care management.

Chair of EBCTS, Stephen Clark, said, “It’s an important part of practice for cardiothoracic surgeons to maintain leadership and a significant presence in intensive care. We must demonstrate our knowledge and competency in the management of these patients who are our responsibility in intensive care after their surgery has been completed. This new certification supports surgeons to take an active role within the rapidly evolving specialty of critical care and encourages common high standards and qualifications in cardiovascular surgery critical care across all European countries and beyond, which will ultimately translate into better patient outcomes.”

The first Cardiovascular Critical Care Examination will take place on 14th December at EACTS House in Windsor, UK, and consists of two parts, which will assess the entire scope of the Cardiovascular Surgery Critical Care syllabus:

• A multiple-choice question examination consisting of a three and a half hour, 140 question paper.

• An oral examination conducted in person, through oral examination with EBCTS examiners.

Candidates must pass both parts in order to be successful in the Cardiovascular Critical Care Examination.

Deadline for applications - 15 October 2023.

For more information go to European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery - EBCTS

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Valve sparing versus valve replacement in root aneurysms

This month’s episode features Prof. Klautz and Dr. Arabkhani, the first authors of a recent Editor’s Choice article published in EJCTS entitled ‘A multicentre, propensity score matched analysis comparing a valve-sparing approach to valve replacement in aortic root aneurysm: Insight from the AVIATOR database’. Our hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen, find out more about the AVIATOR Registry and the key findings of their research.

www.eacts.org/resources/a-cut-above-podcast/

Highlights from EJCTS, ICVTS and MMCTS

Latest articles

EJCTS

Expert systematic review on the choice of conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting: endorsed by the European Association for CardioThoracic Surgery (EACTS) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

Mario Gaudino, Faisal G Bakaeen, Sigrid Sandner, Gabriel S Aldea, Hirokuni Arai, Joanna Chikwe, et al

ICVTS

Outcomes of thoracic aortic interventions in Marfan syndrome in the state of Texas over 11 years

Matthew F Mikulski, Andrew Well, Carlos M Mery, et al

MMCTS Tutorial

Thoracoscopic left upper division (S1/2/3) resection: alternative posterior approach

George Rakovich

MMCTS Case Report

Triple switch’ aortic and pulmonary root inversion and modified Senning procedure for anatomically complex left transposition of the great arteries with inlet ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis

Tomasz K. Nalecz, Ludmila Bédert, Jalal Jolou, Julie Wacker, Maurice Beghetti, René Prêtre & Tornike Sologashvili

Editor’s Choice

EJCTS

The Ross procedure versus repair for treatment of a unicuspid aortic valve in adults

Karen B Abeln, Shunsuke Matsushima, Tristan Ehrlich, Christian Giebels, Hans-Joachim Schäfers

ICVTS

Concomitant left atrial appendage closure during left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents

Hidefumi Nishida, Valluvan Jeevanandam, Christopher Salerno, Atsushi Nemoto, et al