EACTS News | April 2024

NEWS

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION FOR EACTS MEMBERS

NEW EACTS/ STS AORTIC GUIDELINES ISSUE

37

SPRING 2024

IN THIS ISSUE 2: Introducing the new EACTS brand

12: New Academy courses in 2024

4: Making EACTS membership work

16: FFF fellowship programme opens

6: Welcoming our new WiCTS Chair

19: Highlights from our journals

harder for you

9: Looking forward to the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting

for applications

EACTS NEWS

CORPORATE

better skills, better surgery, better outcomes for our patients.

EACTS ENTERS A NEW ERA…

We are delighted to announce a new vision for the Association: better skills, better surgery, better outcomes for our patients.

EACTS will deliver on this vision by supporting you, the global surgical cardiothoracic community with first-class education, cutting-edge learning opportunities, world-renowned journals and publications, and by championing pioneering research.

Hear more about EACTS’ new chapter from Patrick Myers, EACTS Secretary General.

Alongside our new vision, we are publishing a bold new five-year strategy that sets out the roadmap for the coming years, making our Association stronger and more resilient. EACTS has also launched a new brand, website and some new membership benefits.

EACTS is embracing the opportunity of this organisationchanging work and is excited about its positive impact for members, partners, industry, other stakeholders - and most of all, patients.

A new five-year strategy

Change is underway at EACTS – and nowhere is it more evident than in the Association’s new five-year strategy. Designed to ensure our Association supports the global cardiothoracic community to deliver better outcomes for patients, the strategy is built around five strategic goals:

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To be the best at what we do Continue the modernisation of EACTS, delivering a well governed, fully functioning and efficient Association.

2

To diversify our income Develop new sources of income, to avoid being dependent entirely on the Annual Meeting and to better control our costs.

3

To invest in research & innovation Establish a research support infrastructure for members to support a new Innovation Strategy.

4

To pioneer an information revolution Innovate EACTS’ publishing methods. Develop bespoke access to quality content for members.

5

To prepare the next generation of CT surgeons Define and adapt our services to equip the cardiothoracic surgeons of the future with the requisite, minimally invasive, robotic, new technology and transcatheter skills and opportunities.

“Our specialty is evolving.

Rapidly. Cardiothoracic care is changing right around the world. Our Association is dedicated to our members and supporting them to deliver better outcomes for patients. To do this effectively in this fast-changing world, it is our duty to adapt and change too. That imperative is even more important given that EACTS is one of the largest organisations meeting the needs of cardiothoracic teams.”

Patrick Myers, EACTS Secretary General

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A new brand and website To support our vision, we are excited to unveil a new brand and website that refresh the look of the Association and highlight EACTS’ relevance and commitment to the thoracic, cardiac and vascular communities.

The launch of the website represents the first part of the journey towards creating a one stop shop for information for the cardiothoracic surgical community. The website brings EACTS’ online presence up to date, making it easier for those working in the field to find the information they need, enabling them to further their knowledge and education to enhance their skills.

Take a look at the new website and brand in action here.

The launch of the website represents the first part of the journey towards creating a one stop shop for information for the cardiothoracic surgical community.

EACTS NEWS

CORPORATE

MAKING EACTS MEMBERSHIP WORK HARDER FOR YOU EACTS enjoys and is strengthened by a global membership – with members from more than 100 countries. To appeal to even more people within the cardiothoracic community and encourage more people to join EACTS, we are introducing new benefits for members, including:

Plus, coming soon: • Take part in our new mentorship programme offering valuable insights, advice, and career support for professionals working in cardiothoracic surgery.

• Providing the opportunity to apply for new fellowships.

• Access the new and improved Adult Cardiac Database to take advantage of advanced data tools and insights to help you continually improve outcomes for patients.

• Expanding education opportunities in thoracic surgery - and across our other domains.

• EACTS Innovation Hub, including the opportunity to access research advice and apply for research and innovation grants.

• Offering pre-trainees the chance to apply for bursaries to the Annual Meeting and join EACTS at a reduced rate.

• Student electives from 2025.

• Offering free access to our webinars.

• Widening our offer for allied health professionals by creating a new fellowship and offering membership at a reduced rate.

• Making it easier and better value for the cardiothoracic community in low and lower-middle income countries to access the many services we offer - so that they can improve outcomes for patients.

Our significantly enhanced membership offer has been developed following feedback from both members and nonmembers. Thank you to all who completed our surveys.

We are excited to introduce new benefits for existing members and we hope our expanded member benefits will encourage more people to join our Association.

Discover what else EACTS membership offers and become a member today here.

Membership fees: Type of membership

Price (annual)

Full active member

€250

Resident/trainee

€125

Pre-trainee*

€20

Industry

€250

Allied Health Professional

€50

People from Low and Lower-Middle income countries

€60

Senior member – no journal fee

Free

Journal only

€1,400

* Including medical student or pre-qualified Allied Health Professional. EJCTS will not be available for pre-trainees paying the reduced fee of €20.

The home for the global cardiothoracic surgical community

Go to our website for more details about our membership fees.

GUIDELINES

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AORTIC DISEASE GUIDELINES Described as the first truly holistic aortic guidelines, Martin Czerny, Chair of the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee, provides an overview of the recommendations and what they mean for surgeons and patients.

The new EACTS/STS guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic syndromes of the aortic organ are significant for the global medical community and will undoubtedly impact patient care around the world.

Initiated by EACTS Council in 2022, the guidelines have been developed in collaboration with STS. We are proud that their impact will be truly global. IACTS (Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons) and LACES (Latin American Association of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery) have endorsed the guidelines, and the recommendations have been aligned with the European Society of Cardiology’s (ESC) aortic guidelines, which will be published later this year.

Upgrading the aorta The guidelines include over 246 recommendations, providing support for specialists in aortic disease and clinicians involved in diagnosis, open surgical, endovascular, or hybrid treatment and surveillance.

One of the most significant recommendations is the upgrade of the aorta to organ level so it officially becomes the 24th organ of the human body. Traditionally, aortic diseases have been treated by either a cardiac (thoracic) or vascular surgeon (abdominal) and although there is some overlap there has never been a holistic view of the entire organ. In many instances, aortic disease is a disease of the entire aorta and should be viewed, interpreted and treated in the context of an organ.

Our understanding of the aortic organ is continually evolving, particularly with regards to its pathophysiology, timing for treatment and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Aortic disease has emerged as a specialty which will likely lead to the development of aortic centres with dedicated interdisciplinary aortic teams and centralised expertise and

New guidelines on the management of aortic disease were published in February.

knowledge. This approach will provide a comprehensive care model for patients and lead to better clinical outcomes.

Updated definitions and standards The new guidelines update definitions and redefine standards.

This includes the recommended use of the GERAADA score, the first web-based application that can effectively predict the 30-day mortality rate in patients surgically treated for acute type A aortic dissection. This data provides ER doctors with quantifiable information to share with patients and relatives, supporting a clear perspective regarding outcomes.

Another major leap was the redefinition of a common language in defining the degree of hypothermia during operations using lower body hypothermic circulatory arrest for organ protection in aortic surgery. This new definition will enable direct comparison between centres and treatment strategies in these scenarios and enable comparative studies worldwide for years to come.

There are several recommendations focused on diagnostics and imaging, with an emphasis on modality and measurement.

There are several recommendations focused on diagnostics and imaging, with an emphasis on modality and measurement. This includes assessing the patency and morphology of the circle of Willis in order to plan the selective antegrade brain perfusion strategy in aortic arch replacement.

Given the advancements over the past two decades, our current perspective and the future of aortic medicine, we are convinced that these guidelines provide a valuable platform.

They serve as an advisor and companion to physicians treating patients with aortic disease and lay the groundwork for future collaborative efforts among specialties and societies to grow and prosper together.

EACTS/STS guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic syndromes of the aortic organ

EACTS NEWS

COMMITTEES

WELCOMING A NEW WiCTS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Indu Deglurkar as the new Chair of the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee (WiCTS). She is a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales and has served on the WiCTS Committee since 2020.

It is a privilege and honour both personally and professionally to contribute to the development of the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee (WiCTS). Driving equality and diversity in cardiothoracic surgery is an enormous responsibility but it is also a great opportunity to shape and strengthen the committee.

I fully understand the challenges that women surgeons face and much work needs to be done to achieve gender equality and diversity in cardiothoracic surgery. I hope the experience gained through multiple leadership roles throughout my career and the views of the committee members will strategically drive the vision and further development of WiCTS. The WiCTS Committee has made positive progress, supporting initiatives in education, research and leadership development.

We are very pleased that the Francis Fontan Leadership Fellowship led by WiCTS is being launched in March.

I look forward to driving forward our agenda through new workstreams such as the development of a mentoring programme to support women surgeons early in their career, and coaching opportunities to help senior women surgeons succeed in leadership and executive roles.

Working together There is great value in collaboration. I would like to reach out to my counterparts in the United States and Australasia to exchange ideas and learn from their experiences.

EACTS has a growing number of women members, and I would like to engage directly with these members to highlight the professional opportunities offered by EACTS and the committee.

As such, one of my first goals is to work with EACTS Council and develop a bespoke database of women members, focus on growing this network by reaching out to all the European nations.

I fully understand the challenges that women surgeons face and much work needs to be done to achieve gender equality and diversity in cardiothoracic surgery.

There is strength and power in numbers. A larger network will give women surgeons a stronger voice and I hope, over a period of time, we can drive policy reforms that have been inherently discriminative and inequitable. I think EACTS Council can be a powerful driver for this change.

The members of the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee are a fantastic group of dynamic and talented women who have the passion to drive forward our agenda. Change will manifest itself, slowly but surely.

EUROPEAN SURGEONS IN THE US

Hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü and Miia L Lehtinen, chat with leading women surgeons, Dr Ourania Preventza, Dr Daniela Molena and Dr Joanna Chikwe, about their career journeys, what took them to the United States, and the difference in working cultures and practices between the US and Europe.

LISTEN NOW

COMMITTEES

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BE PART OF OUR FUTURE

EACTS members have a fantastic opportunity to contribute to our future, helping set the cardiothoracic surgery agenda and realising the EACTS vision; that with better skills and better surgery, we can deliver better patient outcomes.

Allied Health Professionals Committee

Don’t miss out on the new membership discounted rates for medical students and allied health professionals.

Join one of the leading groups for allied health professionals and play a critical role in shaping education opportunities for allied health professionals in the cardiothoracic community.

Residents’ Committee The Residents’ Committee is searching for two new European resident members, and one US member to join the committee, starting from October 2024. Two observer vacancies are also available.

Our member-led domains, task forces and committees work hard to ensure we are addressing the most prevalent and important topics in cardiothoracic surgery across all strands of our activities, including the Annual Meeting scientific programme, EACTS Academy and publications.

The Residents’ Committee provides an important and supportive platform for residents to exchange ideas, generate new initiatives and further opportunities to advance training and education for residents.

Join our domains and committees We encourage eligible members to apply for positions on the following domains and committees.

Pre-Trainee Committee Thoracic Disease Domain Three vacancies are open to join the Thoracic Disease Domain for a three-year term, starting in October 2024.

Two vacancies are open for the new Pre-Trainee Committee.

Recently established, this committee strives to inspire the future generation of cardiothoracic surgeons through education and collaboration.

Please submit your application via the EACTS User Area

Residents’ Corner Award The 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 is open to residents who have published a peerreviewed article within the last three years in the EACTS Residents’ Corner, EJCTS and ICVTS. Find out more and apply

EACTS NEWS

QUIP

THE UPDATED EACTS ADULT CARDIAC DATABASE Dr Edgar Daeter, Chair of the QUIP Committee Work is well underway to build the new platform with our tech partner based in The Netherlands. The EACTS Adult Cardiac Database will have significantly upgraded infrastructure and user design dashboard, which we hope hospitals, national societies and surgeons will find instrumental in their benchmarking and research of surgical outcomes on a European level.

Last year, a high proportion of people – both members and nonmembers - responding to our surveys highlighted a strong desire for more access to data. We are pleased to say that all EACTS members will be able to access the ACD to view data. We will keep you updated on how to access the new ACD, making this key EACTS member benefit a reality.

104th Annual Meeting April 27-30, 2024, Toronto, ON, Canada

We are pleased to say that all EACTS members will be able to access the ACD to view data.

EACTS/STS/LACES

LATIN AMERICA

Cardiovascular Surger y Conference Buenos Aires, Argentina • December 5-7, 2024

The Structural Heart Scientific Session: AATS/EACTS Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) 0730-0930 EDT | Metro Toronto Convention Center, Room 715AB. Moderators: Kendra Grubb, Emory university Patrick Myers, CHUV Panelists: Michael Borger, University of Leipzig Frederick Chen, Boston Medical Center Gry Dahle, Oslo University Hospital

View the AATS programme

Programme Committee: Chair: Rafael Sádaba (Pamplona, Spain), Rui M.S. Almeida (Cascavel, Brazil), Joseph E Bavaria (Philadelphia, USA), Filip P.A. Casselman (Aalst, Belgium), Victor Dayan (Montevideo, Uruguay), José Luis Javier Ferrari (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Stephanie Fuller (Philadelphia, USA), Lorenzo Galletti (Rome, Italy), Vadim Kotowicz (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Patrick Myers, (Lausanne, Switzerland), José Luis Pomar (Barcelona, Spain), Ourania Preventza (Houston, USA), Nestor Sandoval (Bogota, Columbia), Pablo F Ruda Vega (Ohio, USA), Vinod H Thourani (Atlanta, USA), Juan P Umaña (Florida, USA)

www.cardiovascularsurgeryconference.org

ANNUAL MEETING

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THE 38TH EACTS ANNUAL MEETING

NAVIGATING

NEW HORIZONS Innovate, Discover, Educate

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 9 – 12 October 2024

A FULL DAY OF INNOVATION

Register today to secure your place alongside the world’s leading members of the cardiac and thoracic surgical community at the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting. Join us in Lisbon on a journey of discovery as we navigate the latest innovations, research and emerging trends.

Don’t delay! Our early-bird fees are available until 1 July 2024. In addition to three days of high-quality science on offer over 11 concurrent sessions, registration fees include access to the Exhibition, EACTS TV and Video-on-Demand Library. Delegates can also join the full day Techno-College programme on Wednesday for a separate registration fee.

There’s something for everyone at the largest global meeting for the cardiothoracic community: • Learn more about new research that could lead to better patient outcomes in your home centre.

• Support your career development by building important connections with peers from around the world.

• Gain hands-on experience of the latest techniques and test drive new technology under the guidance of experts in the field.

• Take part in stimulating debates and hear different perspectives.

• Meet industry leaders at our popular exhibition and discover new-to-market innovations.

Kicking-off the Annual Meeting is our popular Techno-College.

Split into two streams – adult cardiac and thoracic – TechnoCollege is a showcase of pioneering technologies and new techniques, demonstrated by global experts.

Taking place on Wednesday 9 October, entry to TechnoCollege is a stand-alone cost.

Don’t just take our word....here’s what past delegates say about the EACTS Annual Meeting.

“The EACTS Annual Meeting is special. I found new inspiration and new ways to improve cardiac surgery in my centre.”

Giuseppe Paone, Italy

"I really enjoyed meeting colleagues from different countries and having the opportunity to exchange research and discuss future projects.”

Najla Sadat, Germany

Franca Melfi, EACTS President, explains why the EACTS Annual Meeting is a must-attend event.

We look forward to sharing more details soon.

Sign up today to receive regular updates about the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting.

“[The EACTS Annual Meeting] ...is an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with surgeons from all around the world, including some of the giants from cardiothoracic surgery.”

Mateo Marin-Cuartas, Germany

ANNUAL MEETING EACTS NEWS

THE 38TH EACTS ANNUAL MEETING

NAVIGATING

NEW HORIZONS Innovate, Discover, Educate

REGISTRATION FEES

€500 Early

EACTS Member*

Trainee/Allied Health/Low Income Country#

Non-Member

Annual Meeting Fee

Annual Meeting Fee

Annual Meeting Fee

€600 Online

€700 Onsite

Techno College – Adult Cardiac** €250 Early

€360 Online

€460 Onsite

Techno College – Thoracic** €120 Early

€150

Online

€180

Onsite

€290

€220 Early

€390

Online

Onsite

Techno College – Adult Cardiac** €180

€120 Early

€240

Online

Onsite

Techno College – Thoracic** €70

€60

Early

€80

Online

Onsite

€1020 Early

€1200 Online

€1400 Onsite

Techno College – Adult Cardiac** €550 Early

€660 Online

€760 Onsite

Techno College – Thoracic** €160 Early

€190

Online

Video-on-Demand***

Video-on-Demand***

Video-on-Demand***

€150

€50

€250

€235 Onsite

*To qualify for the discounted member registration fees, EACTS membership fees must have been settled in full. All other participants must register as non-members. **Techno-College is a separate fee to the Annual Meeting – you should choose either Adult Cardiac or Thoracic – you will only have access to the sessions purchased. ***Video-on-Demand is not a live stream. # This category is for Trainee / Allied Health / Technicians / Perfusionists / Students / Nurse & Physician Assistants and participants from Low Income Countries

REGISTER NOW TO SECURE THE BEST RATE 1 July 2024 - Early registration fee deadline.

2 July – 7 October 2024 - Late registration fees apply for online registrations.

8 July 2024 - Early registration fees must be paid by this date, or they will be cancelled.

PRESENT YOUR WORK ON A GLOBAL STAGE The EACTS Annual Meeting offers a fantastic global platform to showcase your research and science to peers and leaders across the cardiothoracic community.

Presenting an abstract as part of our world-class scientific programme is a great opportunity to gain valuable feedback, advance your work and benefit your professional development.

Volkmar Falk, Vice-President of EACTS recalls giving his first international presentation at an EACTS Annual Meeting over 30 years ago, “The presentation not only provided a great platform to develop my career in cardiothoracic surgery but also stimulated my interest in EACTS as a professional “home base”.

Submit your abstract by 30 April.

Guidelines on submitting your abstract

18 September 2024 - All registrations after this date must be paid in full by credit card – no exceptions will be possible.

Cancellations after this date will not receive a refund.

8 – 12 October 2024 - Onsite registration fees apply for those registering in-person in Lisbon.

Emily Pan, presenter of the best acquired cardiac abstract for the President’s Choice session “The abstract submission process was very smooth.

The concept of having few slides as an abstract is innovative, efficient and more presentable as you can add many figures. Presenting my research at the Annual Meeting allowed me to reach a large and diverse audience full of experts around the world. Discussions and perspectives during and after the presentation provided valuable insights to our study and also significantly benefited my future work and career. I highly recommend everyone to submit and present at the EACTS meeting.”

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Young Investigator Award

Exhibition and Industry Learning Labs

Applications for the 2024 Young Investigator Award are now open until 30 April 2024. This Award recognises excellence in topics of clinical or experimental research across the fields of thoracic surgery, cardiac surgery and congenital heart disease presented by young investigators at the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting.

The Exhibition brings together delegates and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, share ideas and demonstrate new-tomarket technology in a bustling, energetic environment.

Final selection is based on the following criteria: a) abstract review

Training opportunities within industry booths include wet and dry lab workshops and other tailored practical hands-on sessions allowing delegates to gain hands-on experience with new products and techniques.

b) manuscript review c) on-site presentation Abstracts initially shortlisted after abstract review who have not submitted a manuscript to the EJCTS by the deadline of 1 September will not be considered for the Award and will not be eligible to submit an abstract for two years.

Apply today

EACTS/AATS Foundation Academic Excellence Award Applications for the EACTS/AATS Foundation Academic Excellence Award are now open. The deadline for abstract submissions and applications is 31 July 2024. This Award has been designed for researchers to encourage them to present their most promising and innovative projects. It is an initiative of two prominent cardiothoracic societies and reflects the importance the two societies place on innovation and research.

Apply today

WORKING WITH OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS As the largest global event for the cardiothoracic community, the EACTS Annual Meeting attracts several thousand delegates from across the world, including leading cardiothoracic surgeons, physicians, residents and allied health professionals.

From our large bustling Exhibition to our programme of satellite symposia, we work with our industry partners to offer a range of opportunities. Visit our website to find out more.

What our industry partners say about the EACTS Annual Meeting.

“I’ve been at the EACTS Annual Meeting over the past few years, and the amount of traffic is overwhelmingly positive. There is energy and excitement from surgeons who come, learn and inspire each other and network. I have conversations with physicians about what we can do to partner and help them with patient care, not only today, but lifetime management and what we are bringing to cardiac surgery to align with their needs.”

Ai Phi Hahn, Abbott “The Medtronic Innovation Academy Lab is 60 square metres dedicated to education, demonstrating our commitment to facilitating the distribution of knowledge. Young surgeons can come to our lab and have access to simulators or take part in a wet lab session. Sometimes they don’t have access to patients, so this is a way for them to practice before treating a real patient.”

Silvia Scalia, Medtronic Hear more from our industry partners

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BUILDING KNOWLEDGE IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

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L 1

Attendees of the popular Fundamentals in Valvular Heart Disease course, taking place from 16 -19 April, will now have the opportunity to learn more about atrial fibrillation (AF), with new content added to the course programme.

In addition to covering all aspects of valvular heart disease including the aetiology, assessment and indications for aortic valve intervention, the comprehensive Level 1 course includes a half-day session on atrial fibrillation surgery with an emphasis on left atrial appendage closure.

During the atrial fibrillation hands-on session, in-person attendees will learn how to perform the Cox Maze 4 procedure using bipolar RF energy and cryoablation.

Fundamentals in Valvular Heart Disease Incl AFib 16-19 April 2024

Aaron Ranasinghe, Course Director and Director of the EACTS Academy, said, “We felt that it was important for trainees to be introduced to the concepts and techniques of atrial fibrillation ablation surgery as this procedure is commonly performed during heart valve procedures. The course will introduce residents to the evidence and guidelines for AF ablation surgery as well as offering them hands-on experience in performing this procedure.”

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UPCOMING COURSE

Windsor, UK and online

Thorsten Hanke, Course Director and Chair of Arrhythmia Task Force, said, “The vast majority of patients with atrial fibrillation do not get treated during cardiac surgery. By including AF as part of this fundamentals course we hope to reinforce the necessity and importance of treating this condition concomitantly during surgery.”

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EACTS NEWS

EDUCATION

The comprehensive Level 1 course includes a half-day session on atrial fibrillation surgery with an emphasis on left atrial appendage closure.

Register for the EACTS Arrhythmia Course 20-21 June | Warsaw, Poland Develop a comprehensive overview on the hybrid management of complex arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias.

Don’t miss out on the reduced fee for Polish attendees.

register at eacts.org

EACTS ARRHYTHMIA COURSE 20-21 June 2024, Warsaw, Poland

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L 2

Course Directors

This EACTS Arrhythmia Course will provide an interdisciplinary and comprehensive overview on the hybrid management of complex arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias. Several hybrid procedures and approaches will be presented by experts and Electrophysiology-HeartTeams for wide spectrum of atrial fibrillation, transvenous lead extraction and management of complex cases and complications.

Special sessions will be provided for cardiac sympathetic denervation and SN sparing ablation procedure and live surgical cases and live-in-a-box cases will lead to moderated discussions on all aspects of modern hybrid technologies and approaches.

Thorsten Hanke

Mariusz Kowalewski

Sebastian Stec

Piotr Suwalski

Highlights include: • EACTS/EHRA joint sessions: ‘Data and techniques in stand-alone AF ablation’ 'Heart team in non-AF and neuromodulation' • Keynote lecture by Dr James Cox: ‘From napkin to a golden standard therapy of atrial fibrillation’ • Live-in-a-box film festival

Reduced fee for Polish attendees Register now, don't miss out

8th EACTS Mechanical Circulatory Support Summit 7-9 November 2024 | Prague, Czech Republic Interactive lectures, live-in-a-box cases, keynote presentations

SAVE THE DATE

EACTS NEWS

EDUCATION

NEW FOR 2024

An exciting new addition to the Academy programme in 2024 provides the tools to become an effective surgical investigator

Juan Grau, Chair of the Translational Research and Surgical Science Task Force, explains.

Translational science encourages conversations between clinical and basic scientists, supporting the transfer of knowledge and observations.

Translational science, although common in some parts of medicine such as oncology, is still quite new in cardiovascular surgery. However, with some prominent programmes setting up translational science divisions it is likely to become more established in our specialty.

In addition, the European Research Council (ERC) will also share valuable insights into how grant applications are reviewed.

The course has been designed with practicality in mind so delegates will have an opportunity to write a grant application which will be analysed and scored using ERC criteria.

This is a positive move. Translational science encourages conversations between clinical and basic scientists, supporting the transfer of knowledge and observations. Such an approach involves looking at a problem and providing a multi-disciplinary solution.

Inspiring science

At present, a move into translational science can be challenging. This is why the Translational Research and Surgical Science taskforce has worked with the EACTS Academy programme to introduce a new comprehensive twoday course which explores the pathways available to becoming a translational scientist and provides the necessary tools for a successful career.

The course ‘How to become a successful surgical investigator’ provides advice on how to access grant opportunities from around the world and shares the knowledge of how to develop a strong proposal from scientists who consistently receive grant funding.

As scientists, it is important that we can communicate our scientific data clearly and concisely, so we inspire and motivate our audience. As such, we will provide guidance on presenting and interpreting statistics.

We will also explore how to work with and develop partnerships with industry. This includes how to get your research into clinical practice and advice about protecting intellectual property.

It takes energy and discipline to prepare a grant application and, as the course teaches, it cannot be done alone. Through this course we want to encourage greater collaborative working by creating a new support network that provides guidance and advice. Working as part of a team and bringing together the knowledge from basic science and clinical teams is critical to achieving a successful outcome.

How to become a successful Surgical Investigator: Tools & Techniques 10-11 June 2024 Windsor, UK

UPCOMING COURSE

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2024

UPCOMING COURSES Fundamentals in Thoracic Surgery: Part 1

10 -12 April, Windsor, UK

Fundamentals in Valvular Heart Disease Incl AFib

16 -19 April, Windsor, UK

Next Generation Webinar: Is Cardiothoracic Surgery for You? A Day in the Life of a Cardiothoracic Resident

25 April, Online

Case Corner – Emergencies and urgent operations in congenital surgery

25 April, Online

Endoscopic Port-Access Mitral Valve Repair Drylab Training

16 -17 May, Maastricht, the Netherlands

Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease Webinar

23 May, Online

Next Generation Webinar: Why is the Aortic Valve so Important?

30 May, Online

Case Corner – Scientific Edition: The Surgeon and The Scientist

30 May, Online

The Thoracic Hybrid Theatre Webinar

5 June, Online

How to become a successful Surgical Investigator: Tools & Techniques

10 – 11 June, Windsor, UK

Fundamentals in Congenital Heart Disease Webinar 3: Thoracic Arteries & Veins and TGA & DORV

12 June, Online

EACTS Arrhythmia Course

20-21 June, Warsaw, Poland

For the most up-to-date course details visit www.eacts.org Courses and dates subject to change

EACTS NEWS

FELLOWSHIPS

ELEVATING SURGICAL CAREERS Applications are now open for the 2024 Francis Fontan Fund (FFF) leadership and research fellowships.

With over 10 fellowships available to EACTS members, the FFF offers exciting opportunities to develop new skills and enhance knowledge in specific areas of cardiothoracic surgery, working with experts in some of the most prestigious institutions around the world.

The fellowship programme supports surgeons and allied health professionals who are looking to advance their careers. The knowledge and expertise gained from our fellowship opportunities enable fellows to provide specialist skills and procedures to their patients back in their home hospital, once the fellowship is complete.

Two exciting new fellowships have been added to the 2024 FFF programme, supporting the development of women surgeons and allied health professionals.

Applications are open until 1 May 2024.

LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIPS Leadership Fellowships enable candidates to attend specialist courses and a placement in a clinic specialising in a specific area of cardiothoracic surgery such as atrial fibrillation, congenital heart disease, robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery.

RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS Research Fellowships offer experienced cardiothoracic surgeons a placement in cardiothoracic research including a unique, career-enhancing training opportunity with one of the world’s leading quality improvement teams in Ann Arbor, Michigan and studying Statistics in the context of clinical trials by completing the MSc Statistics for Clinical Trials at University College London

Dimitrios Magouliotis past fellow of the Quality and Outcomes with MSTCVS Fellowship

“I never thought that the Quality and Outcomes with MSTCVS Fellowship would be such a great life-changing experience. I expanded my academic and clinical horizons and developed critical skills in areas such as data analysis and clinical audit. I have already used this experience to initiate a quality improvement audit in my home centre which led to the implementation of new protocols which already have had a positive impact on patient care.

“My career has significantly benefited from this fellowship. I have built important relationships that have led to collaborations on research projects that I hope will soon be published.

“For anyone considering applying for this fellowship I would say do not think twice. It is a unique experience that will change the way you view modern cardiac surgery and patient care.”

Hear from Peter Licht, lead surgeon for the VATS in General Thoracic Surgery Fellowship

For anyone considering applying for this fellowship I would say do not think twice.

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Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery

PROMOTING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN SURGEONS

This fantastic new fellowship has been created by the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery (WiCTS) Committee to encourage and promote leadership development opportunities for women surgeons.

Two successful recipients will shadow three accomplished female leaders in centres across Europe and take part in strategic planning and leadership meetings to widen perspectives and gain an in-depth understanding of cardiothoracic surgical leadership.

The Travelling Leadership Fellowship for Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery In partnership with AtriCure

Indu Deglurkar, Chair of the WiCTS Committee, said, “The number of women surgeons in leadership roles is very low across Europe. Unlike other fellowships which support the development of surgical skills this new fellowship will give women surgeons the critical skills and confidence to take on leadership roles early in their careers.”

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EMPOWERING NURSES AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Nurses and Allied Health Professionals Fellowship In partnership with AtriCure This unique fellowship offers nurses and allied health professionals a fantastic opportunity to experience new ways of working and explore advanced practice roles at a European centre of excellence specialising in cardiac and/ or thoracic surgery.

During the three-week placement, the successful fellow will acquire new skills and knowledge and examine best practice in areas such as research, patient safety and innovation. The impact of this experience will be far-reaching, not only supporting professional development but contributing to better patient care in home centres and beyond.

Richard van Valen, Chair of the Allied Health Professionals Committee, said, “This new fellowship is unlike any other fellowship currently available to nurses and allied health professionals across Europe. It offers an invaluable opportunity to build a solid foundation, develop a supportive network and grow as a professional. We will provide guidance throughout the fellowship and tailor the experience to ensure it meets the successful recipient’s professional goals.”

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EACTS NEWS

CORPORATE

IN MEMORY OF TORKEL ÅBERG EACTS is saddened by the passing of Professor Torkel Åberg who played an important role in the development of EACTS, serving as EACTS Secretary-General from 1992-2003 and EACTS President from 2004-05. We are profoundly grateful for Professor Åberg’s service to our Association.

Throughout his career as a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Professor Åberg showed a strong interest in improving results for patients through organisational change and quality development.

Commenting on his time as EACTS Secretary-General, Professor Åberg said, “I realised that my foremost task was to encourage other people to contribute and to give them credit for their work. This helped many people grow in their roles. Sometimes the emotional support of EACTS was enough to give an individual the energy to finalise his project. This was fantastic.”

Professor Torkel Åberg

PUBLICATIONS

Streamlined Submission Requirements in EJCTS, JTCVS, and The Annals The Editors of EJCTS, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (JTCVS) recognise the value of a streamlined and consistent submission process.

The new submission standards include:

To provide a simplified experience for our authors, we have harmonised our submission requirements for full-length original research articles. The newly aligned standards will make it easier to resubmit to a different journal, if needed and reduce confusion and save time for busy authors.

• 40 reference maximum

Additionally, strict adherence to AMA style will make it easier for our authors to use reference management tools such as EndNote, Zotero, and Mendeley.

• 4,500 word count maximum (this includes all elements of the manuscript) • Maximum combined limit of 7 figures and tables • Strict adherence to the AMA Manual of Style for citations • No limit to the number of videos an author can submit

PUBLICATIONS

19

HIGHLIGHTS FROM EJCTS, ICVTS AND MMCTS Editor’s Choice

MMCTS Tutorial

EJCTS

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive multivessel coronary bypass surgery

Revisiting aortic valve prosthesis choice in patients younger than 50 years: 10 years results of the AUTHEARTVISIT study

Gökhan Arslanhan, Zeynep Sıla Özcan, Şahin Şenay et al

Denise Traxler, Pavla Krotka, Berthold Reichardt at al

MMCTS Case Report

ICVTS

Striving for physiologic coaptation: An experimental and innovative approach towards designing and implanting aortic neo-leaflets

Noninvasive 3D-CT simulation versus glue injection to localize small pulmonary nodules prior to anatomical segmentectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Mehar Bijral, Mannat Rana, Ignacio Guillermo Berra et al

Linhai Fu, Wenbin Wu, Alisherjon Oblokulov et al

Recent guidelines Latest articles / videos: EJCTS Which extent of surgical resection thoracic surgeons would choose if they were diagnosed with an early-stage lung cancer: a European survey

EACTS/STS guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic syndromes of the aortic organ EACTS expert consensus statement on perioperative myocardial infarction after cardiac surgery

Alessandro Brunelli, Herbert Decaluwe, Michel Gonzalez et al ICVTS Outcomes after surgical revascularization in diabetic patients Martin Misfeld, Sigrid Sandner, Etem Caliskan

End of story for aortic valve surgery?

Filip Casselman and Sabine Bleiziffer discuss the oftencontroversial aortic valve, including key insight into current clinical practices and how these approaches are developing.

THE 38TH EACTS ANNUAL MEETING

NAVIGATING

NEW HORIZONS Innovate, Discover, Educate 9 - 12 OCTOBER 2024 · LISBON, PORTUGAL Join us in Lisbon, Portugal for the 38th EACTS Annual Meeting. This year 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.

More information at www.eacts.org

Better skills, better surgery, better patient outcomes