The 38th EACTS Annual Meeting | Daily News 11.10.24
DAILY NEWS
Join EACTS President, Franca Melfi, for an inspiring and motivating Presidential Address. An inspirational leader and a true pioneer, she will use her speech to explore three key principles that for her sum up the never give up philosophy: perseverance, positivity and parity.
The Residents' Committee's programme features new interactive sessions and old favourites designed to encourage collaboration and communication.
ADVANCING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION
Today, EACTS is launching exciting new initiatives to drive advancements in cardiothoracic surgery and accelerate the adoption of disruptive technologies into clinical practice.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic biology will profoundly reshape our daily lives and revolutionise the field of medicine. These changes will be further amplified by breakthroughs in nanotechnology, quantum physics applications, robotics and nuclear fusion technology. To leverage these innovations and improve patient outcomes, EACTS has established a new Innovation Committee, an Innovation Hub and created new innovation and research grants.
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
The Techno-College Innovation award recognises technological breakthroughs in all areas of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. Learn more about this year's winner.
Highlights of the 2024 Innovation Summit – Part 1
13:45 - 14:45
3+4
Highlights of the 2024 Innovation Summit – Part 2
15:15 - 16:15
Chairs:
IN THIS ISSUE
There are over 170 focus and abstract sessions at the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting. Here we present summaries from a selection of today's presentations.
Renown thoracic surgeon Valerie Rusch shares insights from her career.
Visit the exhibition and keep up to date on the technologies that are transforming the everyday practice of cardiothoracic surgeons across the globe.
MOSLEM ABDELGHAFAR
“This is my first EACTS Annual Meeting and I’ve enjoyed seeing the cutting-edge technology, whether it's cardiac, thoracic, congenital. I'm thoracic oriented, but I like to see what is happening in other areas of cardiothoracic surgery. There's also a lot of industry exhibitors, which are really valuable to see. It’s a very unique opportunity.
“It’s interesting to hear new research from every part of the world. I’ve heard presentations from Taiwan, China, Europe, United States.
“It's not just about the scientific content. It’s also about connecting with peoplecolleagues, friends, and acquaintances from different countries.”
Enjoy even more science with moderated posters and e-poster discussions taking place
Discuss current and future approaches and the latest clinical data in the wide range of satellite sessions hosted by industry.
“The atmosphere is really nice and it’s great to meet people from all around the world to learn more about their experiences and discover new areas. It’s a great opportunity to hear more about new treatments and procedures that are not available in your home country. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the robotic technology and getting a glimpse of the future of cardiothoracic surgery.
“I am giving an oral presentation this year, so I am excited to be given a platform to share my research.”
Revolutionizing Cardiac Surgery: I Re abi Precision • I
and nnovat1on
Cutting-Edge Technology: Bio-Medicus Life Support is engineered for precision and reliability to ensure seamless integration into your surgical procedures, while providing the flexibility to treat each patient - smallest to largest, youngest to oldest.
Optimized Performance: Developed with extensive user input, Bio-Medicus Life Support™ offers optimized flow dynamics and more catheter lengths, sizes, and configurations than any other brand out there
™
Bio-Medicus Life Support
Advanced Biocompatibility: Bio-Medicus Life Support ™ catheters are made with Elast-Eon ™ *, a biocompatible and biostable polyurethane/siloxane copolymer. 1 Elast-Eon™ * is commonly used in prolonged use and implantable medical devices.
THURSDAYS HIGHLIGHTS
LEARNING LABS
Delegates had an opportunity to train with some of the world’s best cardiothoracic surgeons at the EACTS Learning Lab.
EACTS EXHIBITION
Delegates packed the exhibition hall to forge new relationships and learn more about new-to-market technologies presented by industry.
BIAS AND LEADERSHIP IN CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
A focus session developed by the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee explored the inherent gender bias across the globe and provided useful insights on the challenges ahead.
2024 UPDATED EACTS GUIDELINES
Anders Jeppsson presenting at the guidelines session.
HONOURED GUEST
Amy Kerdok shared her experiences of develeping user-centred medical products worldwide.
THE POWER OF NEVER GIVING UP
Auditorium / 11:15
EACTS President, Franca Melfi, will inspire you to never give up in this year’s Presidential Address. Plus there will be a surprise guest. Don’t miss out on this eagerly awaited session.
This year’s Presidential Address seeks to inspire and motivate you.
One of the highlights of the Annual Meeting is the Presidential Address which takes place this morning. Enrico Ruffini will introduce his friend and colleague, the brilliant Franca Melfi, and this introduction will touch on some of her many remarkable achievements.
Franca Melfi is an inspirational leader and a true pioneer. She is the first woman to be the President of EACTS and is a strong proponent for the benefits of combining cardiac and thoracic to advance our learning and surgical skills.
Franca is Professor of Thoracic Surgery at the Medical School of the University of Pisa, but it is her pioneering use of robotics in lung surgery for which she receives international acclaim and is best known. As Chair of the Robotic Multidisciplinary Centre for Surgery – Thoracic MIS and Robotic surgery at the University Hospital of Pisa, she demonstrates the power of robotics not just for thoracic surgery, but for multiple specialties.
Franca is joined today by several EACTS members and colleagues from her team in Pisa where she has proudly developed a strong culture based on teamwork, advancement and effective communication to continually improve outcomes for patients.
As the first woman thoracic surgeon in Pisa, Franca has had to battle hard, overcoming numerous challenges to introduce new technologies. But, she will not dwell on personal milestones in her speech; rather she will highlight examples of how women have been incredibly successful, often against the odds, in the face of real adversity.
Franca’s ethos is to ‘never give up’ and she will use her speech to explore three key principles that for her sum up the never give up philosophy: perseverance, positivity and parity.
Whether you watch live in the auditorium or on EACTS TV, Franca will provide powerful stories to underpin her key themes, and a special guest will inspire you with her own journey, giving you plenty of ideas to take away with you after the Annual Meeting.
You will also be challenged. How do we ensure better outcomes for women patients? How do we address gender disparities in our specialty? How do we advance surgical skills across the world?
Technology provides some of the answers according to Franca. Our President is a tech pioneer and Franca will highlight that tech-based solutions are the enablers, providing the gateway for an exciting 'surgical democratisation’. The President will explain that technology can now accelerate our learning, helping the global cardiothoracic community enhance surgical skills across the world to deliver better outcomes for more patients far beyond Europe’s shores.
As the first woman thoracic surgeon in Pisa, Franca has had to battle hard, overcoming numerous challenges to introduce new technologies.
1st thoracic surgeon to perform in excess of 3,000
The 1st and so far the only person to lead Europe’s largest public robotic surgery centre in Pisa, training surgeons of the future
Franca Melfi
Firsts for Franca Franca Melfi is a pioneer in the field.
RESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE
EACTS RESIDENTS' COMITTEE
The EACTS Residents’ Committee has planned a captivating programme for this year’s EACTS Annual Meeting, comprising new sessions and old favourites.
Yesterday’s residents’ lunch kicked off the programme, giving residents the opportunity to debate key issues ranging from congenital heart disease to robotics with peers and senior surgeons in an informal setting.
Residents were faced with navigating challenging cases in acquired cardiac, congenital and thoracic surgery alongside peers in a highly collaborative session ‘Escape the Coffin’.
“This interactive session offered an exhilarating escape-room experience that immersed the audience in a seemingly ordinary day in the life of a resident. However, as the day unfolded, a series of unexpected challenges arose, and it was up to the audience to vote on which treatment steps to take” explains Nabil Hussein, Chair of the Residents’ Committee.
“This collaborative session fosters teamwork and communication by providing a dynamic learning environment that encourages audiences to share their expertise.”
STILL
TO COME...
Friday 11 October
Navigating Excellence:
Insights from the sky to the OR 10:00 - 11:00 / Auditorium 3+4
Grab your boarding pass and climb aboard for an exciting new addition to this year’s scientific programme. Join Ryanair pilots, Martin Masat and Anna Modos, as they explore the intriguing parallels between aviation and cardiothoracic surgery. Hear more from Shirin Bemelmans-Lalezari as she shares her tips for integrating nontechnical skills into everyday practice.
CT Surgery Resident Showdown: Live European Final! 12:15 - 13:00 / TV Studio
Watch as three outstanding teams go head-to-head in an electrifying competition that promises to be as informative as it is entertaining for the chance to compete for the title of CT Surgery Resident World Champion.
Join experienced residents and senior surgeons as they discuss three cases that didn’t go to plan.
Nabil Hussein says, “This is not a platform for the senior surgeon to showcase their achievements, but an important dialogue about the reality of surgical practice. It’s important to recognise that each of these accomplished professionals faced challenges during their training, and learning from them led them to where they are today.
“This session provides a valuable opportunity to observe how experienced surgeons resolve these challenges in a friendly, supportive environment.”
Saturday 12 October
From incision to emission – a sustainable future 08:30 - 09:30 / Auditorium 3+4
New for 2024 is a compelling session on the importance of sustainability. Cardiothoracic surgery has a huge impact on the environment, and we’re keen to address what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint. Join the Residents’ Committee for a future-focused session looking at how we can work towards a more sustainable approach to our everyday practice.
Artivion’s Aortic Clinical
At Artivion, we partner with cardiovascular surgeons to develop cutting-edge technologies to treat patients with aortic diseases. We are committed to collecting and sharing clinical data related to our aortic-centric technologies to further the science of treating aortic disease.
Check out our most recent clinical data releases.
On-X® Aortic Post Approval Study 5-Year Results
87 % Lower Bleeding Risk
On-X® Aortic is the ONLY mechanical valve available with 87 % lower bleeding risk and 50 % lower INR.1
PERSEVERE US IDE Study 30-Day Results
9.7 % 30-Day Mortality in Patients with ADTI Complicated by Malperfusion
The PERSEVERE IDE Trial demonstrated a significantly lower 30-day mortality rate of 9.7 % in patients with Acute DeBakey Type I (ADTI) dissection complicated by malperfusion treated with the AMDS™ device, compared to a Hemiarch alone reference cohort.2
E-vita® Open Neo
NEOS Registry Interim Results
5.1 % Low 30-Day Mortality Rate
Interim results from the NEOS Registry showed a low 30-day mortality rate of 5.1 % with E-vita® Open Neo compared to other FET devices (up to 10 %) with comparable secondary outcomes.3
TRIOMPHE US IDE Study 30-Day Results
0 % Low Disabling Stroke Rate
The 30-day data for the first 22 patients showed a low mortality rate and no disabling strokes, paraplegia, or renal failure.4
References: 1. Gerdisch, M. W., Hagberg, R. C., Perchinsky, M. J., Joseph, M., Oo, A. Y., Loubani, M., Tsang, G. M., Zacharias, J., & Sathyamoorthy, M. (2024). Low-dose warfarin with a novel mechanical aortic valve: Interim registry results at 5-year follow-up. The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, S0022-5223(24)00359-3. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2024.04.017. 2. Szeto, W.Y. et al. (2024) ‘A novel hybrid prosthesis for open repair of acute debakey type I dissection with malperfusion: Early results from the persevere trial’, The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery [Preprint]. doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2024.07.059. 3. Mousavizadeh et al., 2022; Papakonstantinou et al., 2019; Tian et al., 2020; Nakhaei et al., 2022; Rezaei et al., 2021; Ferreira et al., 2022; Hanif et al., 2018; Harky et al., 2020; Preventza et al., 2020; Smith et al., 2017; Akbulut et al., 2019; Jakob et al., 2017; Widenka et al., 2022; Akbulut et al., 2020; Liebrich et al., 2021. 4. Leshnower, B; Late-Breaking: Early Results from the TRIOMPHE IDE Study: Zone 0 Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair Using an Off the Shelf Single Branch Device. STS Annual Meeting, Jan 27–29, 2024; San Antonio, TX. Except as otherwise noted, all trademarks are owned by Artivion, Inc. or its subsidiaries. Not all products and indications are available or approved in all markets. Caution: The AMDS™ Hybrid Prothesis and NEXUS® are approved as Investigational Devices only and not for commercial
TECHNO-COLLEGE INNOVATION AWARD
The Techno-College Innovation award recognises technological breakthroughs in all areas related to thoracic and cardiovascular research in particular for new surgical methods or devices. Ahmad Ali Amirghofran from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran was awarded the 2024 TechnoCollege Innovation award in recognition of the SRAA valve, a stented Biologic Valve with the Native Right Atrial Appendage Tissue.
Cardiac surgeons aim to develop heart valves without the drawbacks of mechanical and biological valves because both options come with significant limitations. Using native tissue valves, which are crafted from the patient’s own tissues or engineered to closely mimic them, could offer a solution by providing a more natural, durable, and compatible replacement. This would eliminate the need for anticoagulation, reduce the risk of immune rejection, and promote better healing, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
To create an effective native tissue heart valve, two main factors are crucial. First, the tissue used must have the appropriate biological and mechanical properties to function like a natural heart valve. This means the tissue should be strong, flexible, and capable of withstanding the repetitive stresses of the cardiovascular system. Second, a welldesigned, architecturally sound skeleton, or scaffold, is needed to support this tissue. The scaffold must provide the geometric shape and structure for the valve, ensuring proper function. Both the tissue and the scaffold must work together to mimic the complex dynamics of natural valve function.
Using the right atrial appendage tissue to create native heart valves, particularly for the right side of the heart, is a promising approach based on our extensive six-year experience with over 200 patients, where the RAA valve was used to replace the pulmonic valve. The right atrial appendage tissue seems to offer the necessary flexibility, strength, and compatibility with the patient's own body, which helps to minimise the risk of immune based rejection and degeneration with no need for anticoagulation. This approach may lead to improved patient outcomes, fewer complications, and greater long-term durability for rightsided heart valve replacements.
The key breakthrough in the development of native tissue cardiac valves lies in the design of a 3D stent or frame, which serves as the foundational skeleton for supporting the valve's function. This innovative framework, referred to as the "Shiraz frame," provides a versatile and durable structure that can be made available in various sizes to accommodate different patients' anatomical needs. During surgery, the native tissue is mounted onto this frame and tailored intraoperatively to create a functional, stented native valve. This approach combines the natural advantages of the patient’s own tissue with the precision of engineered support, offering a more adaptable, durable, and biocompatible solution for heart valve replacement, and potentially transforming outcomes for patients.
Next steps
In our recent clinical experience, we have successfully used both stented and non-stented right atrial appendage (RAA) valves for tricuspid and pulmonary valve replacements in seven patients, achieving excellent immediate and shortterm outcomes. Echocardiographic studies have confirmed that the valves function perfectly and remain stable, with no reported complications to date.
We have also developed the Shiraz frame in various sizes, making it readily available for use during surgery. In the second generation of this frame, we introduced two key modifications that allow for future valve-in-valve transcatheter valve implantation in case the native tissue valve shows signs of dysfunction. This advancement enhances both the safety and long-term durability of using these native tissue valves.
We are currently expanding our work to develop native tissue valves for the higher-pressure left-sided heart valves, such as the aortic and mitral valves, by exploring the use of different tissue types, including the pericardium. This tissue has the potential to withstand the higher mechanical stresses experienced on the left side of the heart.
In addition to refining tissue selection, we are evaluating different valve designs, specifically comparing the trileaflet design with the bicuspid one. The trileaflet design closely mimics the natural structure of human heart valves, potentially offering more efficient blood flow and reduced stress on the valve. However, the simpler bicuspid design could offer advantages in terms of durability and ease of implantation. By carefully analysing these factors, we aim to optimise both the tissue and design to ensure long-term function and durability in left-sided valve replacements.
The Techno-College Innovation Award
The Techno-College Innovation award highlights the potential of the SRAA valve to transform how we approach heart valve replacements, particularly by offering a native tissue-based solution that addresses many of the challenges associated with traditional mechanical and biological valves.
It means that the SRAA valve is gaining attention within the medical community, validating its effectiveness and safety, and opening the door for further research and broader clinical adoption. Ultimately, this recognition brings us one step closer to improving outcomes for patients worldwide and making native tissue valves a viable option for heart valve replacement.
The finalists of this year's Techno-College Innovation award are Min-Woong Kang and Ana Martins Costa.
Alessandro Della Corte
Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery University
of Campania, Naples, Italy
Auditorium 7 / 10:00 - 11:00
EACTS/STS SESSION: HOW DID THE 2023 EACTS/STS AORTIC GUIDELINES CHANGE YOUR PRACTICE? A CASED-BASED DISCUSSION BY THE EXPERTS
Aortic aneurysm in patients with bicuspid aortic valve
The new EACTS/STS Guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic syndromes of the aortic organ have introduced a number of new or revised recommendations in the area of surgical indication criteria and thresholds for dilatation of the proximal aorta (root and ascending).
My presentation will provide food for thought about what is new and what is different in the recommendations for the surgical treatment of proximal aorta aneurysm in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), using clinical cases to illustrate this. In particular, I will focus on the new factors (or “high-risk features”) that need to be considered along with the diameter in risk stratification for acute aortic events in decision-making about surgical treatment of the ascending aorta/aortic root.
BAV aortopathy has long been associated with a significant increase in the risk of acute type A aortic dissection, however the gaps in knowledge on the pathogenetic mechanisms has led to wavering guidelines. Clinical research performed
during the last decade has led to new understanding and to the development of new recommendations (AATS consensus guidelines 2018) and a new nomenclature (2021 consensus document on nomenclature and classification of the BAV and its aortopathy). Very recent evidence suggests that this has impacted the natural history of bicuspid aortopathy, reducing the gap with the general population in terms of risk of dissection.
The new guidelines, therefore, extended the principles of more articulated risk stratification and more personalised treatment criteria to the tricuspid-associated aortopathies too (Figure).
ACCREDITATION
EARN YOUR CREDITS
Participants will be awarded credits for time spent in sessions – don’t forget to scan your badge when you enter a session room to record your participation.
EACCME Accreditation
The 38th EACTS Annual Meeting, Lisbon, Portugal 09/10/2024 – 12/10/2024, has been accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) with 24.0 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 Credits(TM).
Information on the process to convert EACCME® credit to AMA credit can be found at https://edhub.ama-assn.org/pages/applications
“Live educational activities, occurring outside of Canada, recognised by the UEMS-EACCME® for ECMEC®s are deemed to be Accredited Group Learning Activities (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.”
Room 3B, Pav 3 / 13:45 - 14:45
KNOWLEDGE EVERY CARDIAC SURGEON SHOULD HAVE PRIOR TO PERFORMING A CABG: CLARIFYING THE CONCEPTS OF CORONARY ISCHEMIA, REVERSIBILITY AND REGIONAL MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION
Understanding the differences between IFR-FFR and their impact on PCI and CABG
There are some important differences between Instant Wave-Free Ratio (iFR) and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), and their respective impacts on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Both iFR and FFR are crucial physiological indices used to assess the severity of coronary artery stenosis. While FFR requires inducing hyperemia using adenosine to measure pressure differences across a coronary lesion, iFR does not, offering a faster and more comfortable procedure for patients.
FFR has demonstrated its value in guiding PCI by optimising decision-making on whether to stent or not, leading to improved clinical outcomes and costeffectiveness. However, the role of FFR in CABG is still under investigation. Several studies indicate that FFR can simplify surgical strategies by reducing unnecessary grafts, particularly when used to avoid bypassing functionally insignificant stenoses, thus improving arterial graft patency. However, concerns remain about its ability to prevent long-term complications such as graft failure, and the potential risk of undermining the traditional protective benefits of CABG, such as distal revascularisation and collateralisation.
This presentation will delve into current evidence on the utilisation of both indices, exploring their physiological basis, clinical applications, and the evolving understanding of their roles in coronary revascularisation strategies.
FFR has demonstrated its value in guiding PCI by optimising decisionmaking on whether to stent or not, leading to improved clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Join the conversation across our social media channels
#EACTS2024
Alexander Jánosi West German Heart and Vascular Center (WHGZ)
FOCUS SESSION
Valerie Rusch Thoracic Surgeon, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
GIANTS IN THORACIC SURGERY
A special focus session this afternoon features three true giants of thoracic surgery. We are delighted to welcome Valerie Rusch, a world-renowned thoracic surgeon from the US, who will share some of the highlights from her distinguished career, as well as experienced thoracic surgeon, Alper Toker, and former EACTS President, Peter Licht, who will both present a challenging case from their careers.
A life and career in thoracic surgery
What’s your assessment of the female/male ratio in the operating room?
The era in which I trained and became board certified there were very few women in the profession. I believe I was only the 21st woman thoracic surgeon to be certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery back in 1983. Throughout my career I have certainly had the experience of being the only woman in the room. I grew up in an era where there were very few women performing surgery.
This is changing gradually. The percentage of women who do cardiac surgery is still in the single digits in the US. The percentage of women who do general thoracic surgery is somewhat higher at around 15%. However, we are seeing higher numbers of women trainees. I’m not sure we have quite reached the tipping point, but it has certainly evolved significantly, particularly over the past decade.
What advice would you give to cardiothoracic surgeons at the start of their career?
I think it’s helpful to identify mentors with whom you can talk as you progress through your education and training. They may be men or women, and they may or may not be cardiothoracic surgeons. I’ve had mentors during my career from other specialties. You look for mentors who can help you with life skills, work-life balance and those kinds of issues. You look for clinical mentors who can help you grow in your clinical practice. And you look for academic mentors who can help you evolve in and succeed in academic research. The other important issue to understand for both men and women, and particularly for women, is that it’s very challenging to have it all. It is difficult to achieve a work life balance in a specialty that is time and labour intensive and so unpredictable in terms of schedule. You need to build an infra-
structure that supports both family and career. It’s important to be realistic about the needs of your career and the needs of your family and try to balance those and not get burnt out. How do you see the future of cardiothoracic surgery? For both cardiac and thoracic surgery, we are in an era that is very exciting. We are at the intersection of rapid evolution in technology and basic biology – whether that’s tumour biology or cardiovascular biology. There is evolution in what we can do in the operating room, in how we evaluate our patients preoperatively and in multidisciplinary care. It is an exciting time with tremendous opportunities – intellectually, clinically and scientifically. It is a very vibrant specialty.
I think it’s helpful to identify mentors with whom you can talk as you progress through your education and training. They may be men or women, and they may or may not be cardiothoracic surgeons.
Room 5A, Pav 5 / 16:30 - 17:30
TAVR OR SAVR?
SURGICAL CHALLENGES IN LIFETIME MANAGEMENT
Transcatheter aortic valve explant experience from a high volume surgical structural heart centre
When transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) fails and repeat TAVR is not possible, TAVR explant remains a viable strategy yet results from multicentre studies have shown high morbidity (up to 75% early complication rate) and mortality (15-20% at 30-days). The aim of this project is to examine early and late outcomes after TAVR explant at a high-volume TAVR center (> 600 TAVR per year). The Society of Thoracic Surgeons registry was queried to identify all patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with a history of previous TAVR valve from 2011 to 2023. Institutional trends, operative outcomes, and survival at 30-days and 5-years were compared between TAVR explant and isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and concomitant SAVR with other procedures.
The number of TAVR and TAVR explants increased significantly throughout the study. The median time to TAVR explant was 400 days. The 30-day mortality (6.8%) and 30-day mortality and morbidity (27%) were low despite high rates of concomitant procedures (70%).
The addition of concomitant procedures to SAVR at time of TAVR explant did not worsen early (30-day mortality: 0% vs 9.7%, p = 0.613) or late (5-year survival: HR 1.05, 95%CI 0.23- 3.87, p = 0.945) outcomes.
Overall, we showed that early and late mortality was low in patients undergoing TAVR explant by experienced surgeons at high volume centers, highlighting the potential need to centralise care for this high risk and complex procedure.
valves.
Thank you to our social media ambassadors for the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting. Your efforts in highlighting the latest from Lisbon and keeping the conversation going before, during, and beyond #EACTS2024 have been invaluable.
Overall, we showed that early and late mortality was low in patients undergoing TAVR explant by experienced surgeons at high volume centers.
Figure 1: Double instrument technique to help explant TAVR
Figure 2: TAVR in TAVR explant and aortic valve replacement
FOCUS SESSION
Derrick Tam & Alfredo Trento Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Richard D. Mainwaring Stanford University School of Medicine
Auditorium 6 / 13:45 - 14:45
AVOIDING STENOSES IN THE PULMONARY ARTERIES IN SURGERY FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
HOW TO AVOID STENOSIS OF MAPCAs
Midline unifocalisation was developed by Dr. Frank Hanley for the treatment of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (PA/VSD/MAPCAs). This approach has been shown to have low surgical mortality, high success in achieving complete repair, and low right ventricular pressures. Implicit in achieving these results is the concept that the unifocalised MAPCAs are patent and free of stenosis in order to provide unobstructed pulmonary blood flow. The purpose of this talk will be to review strategies for avoiding stenosis of MAPCAs.
This talk is divided into three main sections: 1) Dissection techniques and tips, 2) Augmentation of stenotic MAPCAs, and 3) Unifocalisation strategies and techniques. The final portion of the talk will review our analysis of the fate of unifocalised MAPCAs. This analysis demonstrated that 75% of unifocalised MAPCAs were widely patent, 20% had some stenosis, and 5% were occluded. The majority of stenotic unifocalised MAPCAs can be resuscitated using either interventional catheter techniques, surgical repair, or a combination of both. The techniques that we have developed for surgical revision of unifocalised MAPCAs are summarised in this talk.
The majority of stenotic unifocalised MAPCAs can be resuscitated using either interventional catheter techniques, surgical repair, or a combination of both.
DON'T MISS...
Late Breaking Science: Coronary Artery Bypass
Grafting and Perioperative Care
15:15 - 16:15
Auditorium
Don't miss this late breaking science session which includes a presentation on 'personalised multimodal teleprehabilitation in elective cardiac surgery'. The manuscript for this late breaking trial has been accepted by JACC for simultaneous publication today.
This marks the first time a late breaking clinical trial presented at a cardiothoracic surgical meeting will be simultaneously published in a major cardiology journal!
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
All EACTS members welcome Friday 11 October 17:45-18:30 / Auditorium 2
FOCUS SESSION
THURSDAY 10 OCTOBER
Aortic
surgery in Marfans
FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER
and VSD surgery
Late breaking science: coronary artery bypass grafting and perioperative
ADVANCING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION
To stimulate “out-of-the-box” thinking EACTS has already organised two Innovation Summits in 2023 and 2024. Participants included cardiothoracic surgeons and highly recognised specialists from various scientific fields including engineering, computer science, biochemistry, genetics, physics and economics. The Summits facilitated an intensive exchange of ideas and enabled delegates to form new collaborations. These Innovation Summits marked the beginning of a new scientific format that enables individuals and interdisciplinary teams to work more intensively on key areas to improve the way we treat our patients.
The 2024 EACTS Innovation Summit included sessions on AI, robotic surgery, heart valves, extracorporeal circulation, single- and multi-organ repair and replacements, hibernation, lymphatics and glymphatics, and perioperative cellular protection. The very best abstracts are also being presented here in Lisbon.
Innovation Hub: embedding disruptive innovation
As part of our efforts to increase engagement in disruptive innovation, EACTS has established the Innovation Hub which serves as the umbrella for all of EACTS’ work on innovation. The Hub will enhance and intensify the application of upcoming innovations for improved cardiothoracic surgical treatments and support the creation of novel innovations by overseeing a peer network, research support and awarding new innovation grants.
Innovation Committee: championing innovation
The Innovation Committee, chaired by Friedhelm Beyersdorf and Mark Hazekamp, brings together cardiothoracic surgeons and experts from outside our field to facilitate communication and support the development of new ideas and technologies that will ultimately benefit patients.
The new Innovation Committee is starting with a clear focus on six key areas:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and (Augmented) Virtual Reality in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Robotic-Assisted Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Heart Valves of the Future
• Extracorporeal Circulation (cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), extracorporeal life support (ECLS)), Singleand Multi-Organ Repair and Replacement
• Peri-Operative Cellular Protection
• Lymphatics and Glymphatics, and – separate from everything else - Wild Cards
To achieve practical results in these areas and support investigators and inventors, EACTS plans to establish a “how to start a startup” group. This group will foster innovative culture, harness cutting-edge technology, prioritise patient needs and promote experimentation with disruptive ideas that drive meaningful change.
Funding to support your research
We are excited that EACTS members will be able to apply for new innovation and research grants. Financial support will be backed by access to resources, expertise from a dedicated expert network with a strong emphasis on meeting patient needs. These awards will be introduced to support truly extraordinarily innovative projects, further encouraging groundbreaking advancements.
The power of disruption
Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Chair of the Innovation Committee, said, “We are currently experiencing a significant wave of advancements across various scientific fields, offering unprecedented opportunities to elevate our specialty. Disruptive technologies such as AI, synthetic biology, nanotechnology and robotics are poised to further revolutionise the field.
“By integrating emerging scientific innovations into clinical practice, cardiothoracic surgery is set to enter a transformative era, improving patient outcomes and expanding treatment possibilities for previously untreatable conditions and simultaneously reduce morbidity. Through the launch of these new initiatives EACTS is actively engaging with these developments to unlock the vast opportunities and improvements they offer for our patients.”
As part of our efforts to increase engagement in disruptive innovation, EACTS has established the Innovation Hub which serves as the umbrella for all of EACTS’ work on innovation.
ABSTRACT
Meindert Palmen
Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands
Robots in Mitral Valve Surgery
Robotic mitral valve repair is an innovative, minimally invasive surgical approach that combines unparalleled dexterity with 3D vision, allowing surgeons to perform minimally invasive mitral valve repair (also combined with atrial arrhythmia surgery and tricuspid valve repair) without compromising surgical technique, while reducing surgical trauma. In the short term and in a selected patient population, these benefits result in less blood loss, a lower risk of post-operative complications, shorter stays in hospital and faster recovery times compared with conventional surgery. When performed by an expert mitral
ABSTRACT
Rui J. Cerqueira Hospital São JoãoPorto, Portugal
Piezoelectric patch enriched with smart ultrasound-responsive nanocarriers for controlled drug release for myocardial regeneration
The REBORN project will aim to use smart and multifunctional biomaterials to deliver a new medical device in the form of a cardiac patch, to be applied to the heart in order to stimulate and support local heart tissue remodelling.
The piezoelectric patch will electromechanically couple with the heart and deliver anti- inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and cardiomyocyte proliferative factors on demand, with
surgeon, robotic mitral valve repair is safe and achieves similar repair rates and long term valve durability compared to both conventional and port-access mitral valve repair.
The initial learning curve for robotic mitral valve repair can be overcome through adherence to a tailored and team based training programme, the creation of a dedicated robotic team and by introducing proctoring. Importantly, EACTS has expressed its support for robotic cardiac surgery in Europe. This endorsement presents an opportunity for European cardiac surgeons to start or
revive their robotic programmes, fostering innovation, expanding our surgical armamentarium and improving current surgical practice. For the best results, we would have access to a training and proctoring programme, ideally endorsed by EACTS, for starting centres. In the long term, as technology continues to advance, robotic cardiac surgery may serve as a foundation and stepping stone for or future developments in the surgical treatment of valvular heart disease.
drug release triggered by ultrasonic (US) stimulation from outside the body.
Development of the device will be based on new smart multifunctional materials: electrospun piezoelectric fibres.
The core ambition of REBORN is to create a multifunctional and intelligent cardiac patch designed to prevent heart failure in patients who have survived an acute myocardial infarction.
The project, which began in January 2023, is funded by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency with a significant contribution of over €4 million and is set to run for 48 months. We have been able to produce the first prototypes of this device, and we are now testing its functionality in vitro and in vivo, in the pre-clinical setting. We are also exploring the scalability of the manufacturing process of the REBORN Patch.
The EACTS Innovation Summit 2025 invites surgeons, engineers, innovators, researchers, and scientists active in or even outside the field of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery to submit abstracts to the upcoming Innovation Summit 2025. Abstract submission openTuesday 15 October 2024.
Figure 1: Manual robotic controls located in the surgeons console
Figure 2: Overview of the robotic OR suite during robotic mitral valve repair
EXHIBITION FLOOR PLAN
Your guide to what's on
TUNE IN
Watch live and recorded content from this year's Annual Meeting on EACTS TV. Educational and entertaining, EACTS TV features compelling panel debates, Annual Meeting highlights and interviews with the world’s leading cardiothoracic surgeons.
FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER
09:15 - 09:30 On the Pulse: Exploring the Exhibition
09:30-09:50
10:00-10:20
10:30-10:55
11:00-11:15
11:15-12:15
The Daily Preview – Today at the Annual Meeting
Shaping the Future of Aortic Dissection: The Power of the Patient's Voice
Preview: The CT Surgery Resident Showdown
CT Surgery in LMICS
12:15-13:00
Florian Schoenhoff
Jürgen Hörer
Nabil Hussein
Cristina Ruizsegria
Catherine Fowler
Bob Harris
Juan Grau
Nabil Hussein
Patrick Myers
Richard Milton
Carlos Mestres
Charles Yankah
Emily Farkas
Live broadcast: Presidential Address Franca Melfi
CT Surgery Resident Showdown: Live European Final! Finalists:
• Marco Gemelli and Francesco Bertelli
- University of Padova
• Riccardo Orlandi and Giovanni Mattioni - University of Milan
• Joeri Van Puyvelde and Katrien Vandendriessche - University Hospitals Leuven
Juan Grau (host)
Richard Milton (host)
13:15-13:30 In focus with… Volkmar Falk – Incoming EACTS President Volkmar Falk
13:30-13:45 The Big Debate - Artificial Intelligence & Augmented Reality
14:45-15:10
Next month in Prague – Presentations of new pumps and Ideas from the world of MCS
15:15-16:15 Session broadcast: Highlights of the 2024 Innovation Summit – Part 2
16:15-16:30
The Big Debate - Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Guidelines
09:15 - 09:30 On the Pulse: Exploring the Exhibition Roy Sheppard
09:30-09:50 The Daily Preview – Today at the Annual Meeting Jeroen Bax
Richard Milton
10:00-10:15 Innovation in CT Surgery
Can GollmannTepeköylü Joe Bavaria Volkmar Falk
10:20-10:30 Previewing the 2025 Annual Meeting Volkmar Falk
Patrick Myers
10:35-10:55 EACTS Award Winners 2023 - One year on
11:00-12:30 Live broadcast: Trial Update Session
Debora Brascia Giuseppe Comentale
Justin Ren
12:30-13:20 Live broadcast: Keynote Lecture & Awards Ceremony R. J. Canessa Urta
LIVE FINAL
12:15 - 13:00
Two-person teams of residents will face off today in the final of the CT Resident Showdown. Visit the EACTS TV Studio and watch live as the teams compete in the ultimate test of cardiothoracic knowledge.
Finalists:
• Marco Gemelli and Francesco BertelliUniversity of Padova
• Riccardo Orlandi and Giovanni MattioniUniversity of Milan
• Joeri Van Puyvelde and Katrien Vandendriessche - University Hospitals Leuven
The winning team will go on to compete against the winning North American team at the STS Annual Meeting in 2025 where the CT Surgery Masters World Champions will be crowned. Find out more about this year’s contestants in a preview of the CT Residents Showdown on EACTS TV at 10.30.
1
THE INCIDENCE OF MAJOR BLEEDING AFTER CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING SURGERY CAN BE UP TO 52.9 %1
How
do you recognize patients at risk?
Meet us at booth no. 80 in hall X1 and learn more about it
LEARNING LABS
Hands-on guidance from the experts
Take advantage of the invaluable opportunity to train with some of the world’s best cardiothoracic surgeons at the EACTS Learning Lab. These specialist hands-on workshops are designed to advance your technical abilities and include wetlabs, drylabs, simulation and practical sessions. You will gain practical experience using the latest devices, practice on simulators and interact with expert faculty and industry proctors. EACTS Learning Lab sessions are available for just an additional €75 each. Spaces are limited and offered on a firstcome, first served basis. Don't miss out—book today to guarantee your opportunity.
EACTS LEARNING LAB SCHEDULE
Friday 11 October
09:00 – 11:00 Congenital – The Senning Procedure
09:00 – 11:00 Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
12:15 – 14:15 Mitral Valve
12:15 – 14:15 Endoscopic Dry Lab Training (Aortic)
15:00 – 17:00 Segmentectomy and Airway reconstruction
15:00 – 17:00 Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
Saturday 12 October
09:00 – 11:00 Transcatheter
09:00 – 11:00 Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
INDUSTRY LEARNING LABS
Join our industry partners to explore new technologies and try different techniques and approaches at this year’s industry learning labs.
Visit their booths in the Exhibition Hall to find out more.
ADVANCES IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATMENT
Awareness amongst surgeons of the importance of treating atrial fibrillation (AF) –either with concomitant surgery or as a standalone procedure – is still relatively low with only a small percentage of patients receiving this type of treatment.
Thorsten Hanke, Director of the Cardiac Surgery Clinic at the Asklepios Clinic HamburgHarburg, Germany, discusses how advancements in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and the introduction of the new ESC guidelines developed in collaboration with EACTS, for the management of atrial fibrillation could positively impact patient outcomes.
What are the main reasons for the under treatment of surgical AF in Europe, and what does this means for patients?
Atrial fibrillation clinically is not just a rhythm disorder or an endocardial cushion defect. It is clear from recent data that atrial fibrillation is a malignant disease that must be treated. It can have an enormous impact on a patient’s quality of life and health including increased risk of stroke, depression, dementia, heart failure and numerous readmissions to the hospital.
However, a large proportion of the surgical community does not see the necessity of treating atrial fibrillation in a cardiac surgery procedure. For example, in Germany only 17% of the patients being in AF are being treated concomitantly, despite being on the table in the operating room. Therefore, we are missing a big chance to improve patient outcomes significantly.
Treating AF has a huge impact on patient outcomes. Large registry data from Poland shows the survival benefits of treating patients who are in AF, irrespective of the procedure, whether it is mitral valve procedures, CABG or aortic valve procedures.
One of the largest RCT in cardiac surgery, the LAAOS III study, showed that if you close the left atrial appendage in patients with AF during heart surgery, which by the way is an obligatory part of the Maze procedure, there is a significant impact on stroke reduction and on systemic emboli.
In my view another reason for the under treatment of surgical AF is the low interest in electrosurgery. It is a fairly straightforward procedure, but the results are not immediate. Patient monitoring is required for at least three months and maybe even for a patient’s lifetime in order to assess the impact of the procedure.
How have advancements in therapies such as concomitant ablation and LAA exclusion impacted the treatment of AF patients?
There have been advances in techniques and devices that support surgeons in the treatment of AF and deliver better outcomes for patients.
The use of alternative energy forms, such as cryogenic and bipolar RF, have facilitated the procedure enormously. In larger registries, an AF ablation has shown to reduce mortality with no additional risk to the operation, even in patients with a reduced left heart function.
Different devices such as AtriClip have been specifically designed for the only purpose of excluding the LAA and are indicated to reduce the risk of stroke originated from the Left Atrial Appendage
There are new solutions on the market for treating AF, for example, the Encompass clamp used in the Boxx procedure. How are these devices supporting better patient outcomes?
The original Cox Maze 4 procedure is biatrial, creating lines with either cryo or RF energy. This is a time-consuming procedure which requires opening the heart. Adding another procedure during surgery could be a contributing factor to why some surgeons are reluctant to treat AF.
The introduction of the Encompass clamp has positively impacted the treatment of AF patients, enabling surgeons to create a box lesion without opening the left atrium. The box enables surgeons to isolate the pulmonary veins and the posterior wall, which is an important anatomical structure with respect to AF perpetuation, and thus delivers better outcomes for patients whilst making the procedure easier for surgeons. As a result, we have a very robust therapy that prevents a lot of atrial fibrillation in these patients.
The Encompass clamp used in the Boxx procedure has a success rate of approximately 70% and more or, alternatively, other RF clamps can be used to create a box lesion to perform the ABC technique.
The 2024 ESC guidelines recommend closing the left atrial appendage during concomitant surgery. This is set out as a class 1B indication. So, closing the LAA, for example, with a clip in order to complete the BOXX procedure to treat AF and prevent a stroke. The Encompass clamp is a fast and easy technique one can use during this procedure. With no further need to open the left atrium, the threshold for treatment has been set lower.
The 2024 ESC guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation, developed in collaboration with EACTS, introduced several new approaches and treatment. How will these recommendations change the landscape for surgeons treating AF?
New to the 2024 guidelines, the concomitant surgical ablation is a class 1a indication for mitral procedures and 2a for non-mitral procedure.
With this, the 2024 guidelines include a class 1B indication to close the left atrial appendage during concomitant surgery especially in patients with atrial fibrillation. This is a huge step for AF patient safety and something we are very proud of. For patients being in persistent AF, there now is a 2a A indication to treat atrial fibrillation as a first step therapy. When performing hybrid AF procedures, the electrophysiologists are now able to work hand in hand with the surgeon and being able to control the surgical procedures in the following EP ablation assessment. Thus, the outcome of surgical AF ablation will increase.
formation in the left atrial appendage before skin incision. (1 C). I'm quite convinced this is already commonplace but it emphasises the importance of LAA surveillance before surgery, and this is supported by the Class 1C indication. I am hopeful that referring physicians and cardiologist will now require the surgeons to insist on the additional treatment of AF in light of the convincing data and recommendations outlined in the guidelines.
AtriClip® Flex•V
Isolator ® Synergy™ EnCompass® Clamp
Thorsten Hanke is also the Chair of the EACTS Arrythmia Task Force.
UPCOMING COURSES 2024
Robotics Revascularisation Training 28 – 29 October, Leuven, Belgium
EACTS Emerging Leaders Masterclass: Leading Effectively with Impact & Insight 26 – 27 November, Windsor, UK
Atrial Fibrillation Webinar II: From Theory to Praxis 28 November, Online
EACTS/STS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference 5 – 7 December, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: PEA and the New Kids on the Block 11 December, Online
EACTS/Intuitive Discovery Course 16 December, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
EACTS ACADEMY
For over a decade, the EACTS Academy has proudly been at the forefront of global cardiothoracic surgical education, delivering high-quality training to empower surgeons and cardiothoracic teams. Our education offer continues to go from strength to strength with an ever-increasing number of courses available for all levels of experience.
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
In June 2025, surgeons with an interest in aortic diseases will come together in the beautiful city of Prague for three days of education, discussion and networking at the 3rd EACTS Aortic Forum.
The highly anticipated programme features some of the most important and influential voices in the field of aortic surgery. Highlights include sessions devoted to the pathology of the aortic root with a special focus on the latest advances in aortic valve repair and in the Ross Operation, as well as discussions on the pathology of the ascending aorta and arch, in its acute or chronic forms.
Ruggero De Paulis, Aortic Forum Taskforce Chairman said, “The recent EACTS/STS Guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic syndromes of the “aortic organ” have recently highlighted the importance of these pathologies for an extremely large group of patients. Interactive sessions will guarantee a lively discussion and interaction with the whole faculty as we explore topics such as the current controversies for the best treatment of each individual aortic pathology. We are proud to offer this exciting opportunity to our members and colleagues across the world. We look forward to seeing you in Prague next year.”
What past attendees say about the Aortic Forum
“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!”
ROBOTICS REVASCULARISATION TRAINING
28 – 29 October | Leuven, Belgium
This two-day course balances live stream surgeries, simulators for robotic controls and cadaver training & interactive lectures.
Attendees will have an opportunity to perform challenging procedures on simulators for robotic controls including a beating heart anastomoses under the guidance of experts in the field as well as cadaver training for thoracotomy approach and stabilisation.
Running parallel with the hands-on sessions, experts will give inspiring presentations exploring the the next steps for revascularisation procedures and what is needed to get TECAB in Europe.
This level 2 course is perfect for surgeons who are keen to expand their knowledge in robotic procedures and work alongside a proctor in preparation to start up a robotics programme in their home centre.
"The Robotic Revascularisation Training course is an excellent (if not vital) preparation before performing surgery on an actual patient. It taught us the important steps for robotic midcab, from docking up to the harvest of the IMA. The course provided us with a close to the real thing simulation, in which you can learn and "make mistakes" in a very safe environment. It showed us the little things to avoid to prepare for a safe and successful surgery.
"We will soon be launching our robotic cardiac surgery programme in the Philippines. The course has given us confidence the we can perform the surgery safely."
Ramir Pablo and Marvin Martinez past course participants
AORTIC VALVE REPAIR: A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH
An EACTS technical course on aortic valve repair March 19-21, 2025 | Paris, France
Course Director; La Pitié Salpétrière Sorbonne University Hospital, Paris, France
This Level 3 EACTS course offers attendees a deep dive into a standardised and reproducible approach to aortic valve repair. This will include the rationale, physiological sizing and insertion techniques for incorporating an external aortic annuloplasty ring as part of any repair procedure. The course covers in-depth training of aortic valve repair from valvesparing root replacement (for root aneurysms) to isolated aortic valve repair (for isolated aortic insufficiency).
• Repair techniques for tricuspid, bicuspid and unicuspid valves covered in step-by-step detail.
• how to repair different valve morphologies and aortic phenotypes through s combination of technical lectures combined with 4 full live surgeries and further pre-recorded live-in-a-box video sessions on different lesion sets
• lectures on echocardiographic assessment of the aortic valve and root, evidence for aortic valve repair, guidelines and indications, repair in aortic dissections, paediatric aortic valve repair, and alternatives to repair including the Ross procedure will be covered by an esteemed international faculty.
The programme will also include a ‘failure session’, in which attendees will discuss cases all the way from echo analysis to surgical repair, learning how to identify predictors of repair failure as well as the bailout techniques available to them when such situations arise. Lectures on how to set up a new aortic valve repair programme will also be given.
The 3rd day of the course will provide wet lab training, allowing attendees to practice what they have learned on cadaveric hearts within the historical laboratory of anatomy in Paris, du Fer à Moulin. There will be an international faculty to supervise, support and provide hands-on teaching during this session. Who is this course aimed at?
Cardiac surgeons and echocardiographers (cardiologists and anaesthetists) who are willing to start, or are already part of, a valve-sparing aortic root replacement and aortic valve repair programme. Advanced residents interested in the field of valve repair are also welcomed.
EMMANUEL LANSAC
E-POSTERS
SATURDAY OCTOBER - MODERATED E-POSTERS
09:30 - 10:00
Thoracic Disease
Congenital Disease
Vascular Disease
SATELLITE SYMPOSIA
Join experts as they discuss the latest clinical data, current and future approaches to patient care and much more in a wide range of satellite sessions hosted by industry.
SS 24
These sponsored programmes do not form part of the official Annual Meeting scientific programme.
FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER
TIME ROOM
12:15 - 13:30
12:15 - 13:30
12:15 - 13:30
12:15 - 13:30
12:15 - 13:30
12:15 - 13:30
Advancing Cardiac Surgery: Integrating Innovation and Patient-Centric Care in the next decade
Auditorium 8 (Interactive-RR)
Reconsidering current approaches to valve and LVAD therapies Auditorium 3+4 (Interactive)
Hybrid Technologies: Many ways to simplify the arch with the Gold Standard Room 5A, Pav 5
Reshaping Heart Recovery: Impella's Role in Improved Outcomes Auditorium 6
New frontiers in mitral valve replacement Auditorium 7
Structural Heart Innovation | Science, Clinical Experience & Landmark RCT Auditorium 2 DOWNLOAD THE EACTS APP HERE
DESIGNING THE FUTURE INNOVATE, DISCOVER, EDUCATE
THE 39TH EACTS ANNUAL MEETING 8 - 11 October 2025 • Copenhagen, Denmark
Join us next year in Copenhagen for the 39th EACTS Annual Meeting. For 2025 you can expect robust debate and discussion led by global experts, the latest technological advances on display and an opportunity to share knowledge and socialise with your peers from around the world.
