NEWS
THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION FOR EACTS MEMBERS
NEXT STOP: BARCELONA
Honour our History and Inspire our Future at the 40th EACTS Annual Meeting
ISSUE
47
AUTUMN 2026
IN THIS ISSUE 3: EACTS appoints a new Executive Director
6: Looking forward to the 40th EACTS Annual Meeting
4: Delivering child heart surgery in Asmara, Eritrea
12: Reviewers of the Year
5: A redesigned Innovation Summit
14: Celebrating our 40 under 40 16: In-person learning this Autumn
EACTS NEWS
MEMBERSHIP
GROWING OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY We are delighted to have received almost one thousand new member applications, spanning 99 different countries, to join our supportive and inclusive EACTS community. We look forward to ratifying their EACTS membership at the 40th EACTS Annual Meeting. Driving equity and diversity in cardiothoracic surgery has been a focus for EACTS with the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee supporting initiatives in education, research and leadership development. Women now represent a third of EACTS membership.
In addition to applications from across Europe, we welcome prospective new members from countries including Mauritius, Vietnam, Somalia and India. Our membership offer continues to attract health professionals from across the cardiothoracic community who share a common goal to achieve better skills, better surgery and better outcomes.
NEW APPLICANTS IN NUMBERS Gender of new applicants
69%
31%
Male
Female
WHY JOIN EACTS? Join our new members and unlock better skills, better surgery, and better patient outcomes. EACTS membership is open to everyone within the global cardiothoracic community, including medical students, residents, allied health professionals and industry representatives.
Specialty of new applicants Aortic Thoracic Scientist
Take advantage of exclusive member rates and connect with peers at EACTS events like the Annual Meeting.
Congenital Cardio-Vascular CardioThoracic Cardiologist Cardio Anaesthetist 0
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Category of new applicants
Access best-in-class resources, train with the EACTS Academy and learn new skills and techniques through the Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship.
How do I apply?
Trainee Member
Applying online is quick and easy, or come and talk to the Membership team at the EACTS booth during the 40th EACTS Annual Meeting.
Pre Trainee Industry Representative
Anyone who is yet to receive their member pin badge can also collect one at the EACTS booth.
Allied Health Member Active Member 0
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CORPORATE
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NEW EACTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED Commenting on her appointment, Ash said, "I am honoured and excited to be appointed Executive Director of EACTS. Having worked closely with our members, volunteers, Council and staff over the past five years, I have seen first-hand the extraordinary impact our community has on advancing cardiothoracic surgery and improving patient care around the world.
Ash Merrifield has been appointed as Executive Director of EACTS. She will work closely with Council, staff and volunteers to advance EACTS’ strategic priorities, strengthen the value we provide to our members, and reinforce the Association’s position as a leading voice in cardiothoracic surgery. Ash has been part of EACTS for several years, previously serving as Editorial Director, with responsibility for Publications and Clinical Practice Guidelines, Marketing and Digital Projects. During this time, she led several important initiatives, including the transition of the EACTS journals to a new publishing partner, the redevelopment of the EACTS website, the restructuring of the publications team, and the establishment of an in-house marketing function.
"EACTS has been a hugely important part of my professional life, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and talented team. I look forward to building on our strong foundations and working together with our members and partners to continue delivering excellence in education, research, clinical practice guidelines and member engagement for the global cardiothoracic community." Patrick Myers, EACTS Secretary General, said, "Following a competitive recruitment process, Council was particularly impressed by Ash’s vision for the future of EACTS, her deep understanding of the Association and its members, and her proven ability to lead complex projects and organisational change. We are confident that she has the leadership, experience and commitment to guide EACTS through its next phase of development."
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME
THE POWER OF DATA
The scientific programme at this year's Annual Meeting includes a strong focus on data and robotic surgery. Look out for the following sessions, all taking place on Thursday 8 October in rooms 131–132. The European Robotic Cardiac Surgery Database: Building a Platform for Evidence
EUROMACS and the evolving landscape of mechanical circulatory support
The robotic frontier: International practice, validated simulation & anatomy-based complexity
13.45 – 14.45
15.15 – 16.15
16.30 – 17.30
This session gives you the skills to interpret outcome data from large registries and real-world studies, evaluate the evidence supporting robotic approaches in coronary and mitral surgery, and understand the importance of European data collection initiatives in advancing the field. The session includes a presentation from J. Bonatti on the European Robotic Cardiac Surgery Database and how it is building a platform for evidence.
Learn how to evaluate predictors of adverse outcomes following left ventricular assist device explantation and implantation - including systemic infection and right ventricular failure - using contemporary registry and anatomical data. This session also covers how to compare the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation strategies in patients supported with left ventricular assist devices. By the end of this session, participants will understand how to interpret contemporary EUROMACS data and apply evidence-based insights to optimise patient selection, perioperative management, and long-term outcomes in mechanical circulatory support.
This session uses international survey findings to identify global challenges and opportunities in robotically assisted cardiac surgery. Learn how to evaluate the validity and training value of highfidelity robotic simulators for coronary bypass and mitral valve repair and understand the structure and purpose of a new pan-European database designed to standardise and advance robotic cardiac surgery data collection. Learn more about EACTS data initiatives
EACTS NEWS
OUTREACH
DELIVERING LIFE-CHANGING SURGERY IN ASMARA Earlier this year, the FFF Every Heartbeat Matters grants were awarded to four programmes working to improve outcomes for heart patients in underserved regions. Here Mi-Young Cho discusses how the grant will deliver lifesaving care for children in Asmara.
Mi-Young Cho, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Berlin Child heart surgery in Asmara, Eritrea What does the FFF Every Heartbeat Matters Grant mean to you? Receiving the FFF Every Heartbeat Matters Grant is a wonderful recognition for our entire team and our work in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, over the past two decades. Our team shares the same motivation: to give children who were less fortunate in the ‘lottery of birth’ a chance at a healthy life through corrective surgery. The project was founded and is led by Dr. Andreas Urban, who is not only the heart of this mission, but also my surgical ‘father’. Having grown from his student into a colleague working by his side, I am deeply proud to carry this work forward with him and to receive this wonderful grant – an achievement I share not only with him but with our whole team. In our team, hierarchy takes a back seat — everyone helps wherever help is needed, without looking at the clock or feeling ‘above’ any task. Many of us have worked together for over 20 years, which makes us a tight-knit community of like-minded people. It is an immense privilege for me to be part of this project. Beyond the humbling validation of our effort, the grant provides crucial financial support. We will use the money to buy essential medical equipment, single-use supplies, and pay for the necessary travel to keep our mission running. Why did you apply for a grant? Our surgical team has been travelling to Eritrea to perform congenital heart surgeries since November 2002. Our initial goal for International Operation Centre for Children Asmara (IOCCA) was to establish a fully independent local paediatric cardiac surgery unit, but the extreme complexity and specialisation of the field – and the high turnover of locally trained personnel – made this unfeasible. Instead, we
shifted to a highly effective visiting-team model where multiple international teams rotate throughout the year, delivering highprecision surgical care with outstanding clinical outcomes. To date, we have operated on more than 1,300 children, with an exceptionally low mortality rate of under 2%. The FFF Every Heartbeat Matters Grant is an incredible opportunity to support our ongoing Asmara initiative, helping us continue to deliver this life-changing surgery for children in Eritrea. How will the grant impact patient outcomes and the local community? The immediate impact is lifesaving care for children who would otherwise have no access to specialised paediatric cardiac surgery. To put this into perspective, years ago I performed a neonatal arterial switch operation in Asmara. Today, that patient is a thriving 12-year-old who goes to school and plays football. Beyond cardiac care, the broader IOCCA platform enables diverse surgical specialties – including paediatric surgery and neurosurgery – to provide care that would not exist locally, while also providing steady employment for local support staff. When we started working in Asmara in 2002, there was no local medical school. Today, a medical faculty exists, and medical students and surgical residents regularly join us in the operating room to observe and learn. Ultimately, the success of this project belongs to every single member of our team – the nurses, perfusionists, anaesthetists, cardiologists, intensivists and surgeons – whose dedication makes these outcomes possible. This grant honours Dr. Urban’s vision, the support of kinderherzen e.v., and the tireless commitment of our entire team to the children and community of Asmara.
INNOVATION
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INSPIRING INNOVATION EACTS continues to inspire the next generation of cardiothoracic surgery advancements through the EACTS Innovation Grant programme. Now in its third year, the programme supports early stage, pump-priming and ‘stimulation’ research, and innovation opportunities to secure better outcomes for patients.
A redesigned Innovation Summit
Innovations supported by the programme include a two-stage ventricular assist device for paediatric patients, a portable artificial lung and a novel artificial heart. Outlining the impact of the EACTS Innovation Grant on the development of an implantable left ventricular assist device, recent grant recipient Sarah Wollman from the Medical University of Vienna said, “The EACTS Innovation Grant is a huge honour and validation for our work so far. The grant allows us to build the next prototype and gives us the momentum to move towards preclinical testing.” The EACTS Innovation Committee is responsible for overseeing the grant application process and ensuring that the awarded grants support innovative research and projects in cardiothoracic surgery. The committee includes research, academic and industry experts who evaluate applications and make funding decisions.
The 5th EACTS Innovation Summit will take place from 2–4 April 2027 in Frankfurt, Germany. For the first time, the Innovation Summit will open for registrations, inviting EACTS members and the wider cardiothoracic community to explore cutting-edge developments and emerging concepts shaping the future of patient care. With a redesigned programme, the 2027 Innovation Summit will equip participants with the insights, connections and tools needed to accelerate ideas from concept to patient care. The programme will feature fast-paced elevator pitches, insightful panel sessions, inspiring keynote presentations and interactive demonstrations.
Applications for the EACTS Innovation Grant programme will reopen soon. Look out for more details.
EACTS Innovation Grant programme supports early stage, pump-priming and ‘stimulation’ research, and innovation opportunities to secure better outcomes for patients.
More details on registration and how you can get involved will be available soon. The evolution of the Summit reflects the increasing interest in innovation across the specialty. This year the meeting received more than 90 abstract submissions, demonstrating the depth of pioneering research by the global cardiothoracic community. Call for abstract and pitch submissions will open on 1 October. Find out more
The recipients of this year's EACTS Innovation Grants with Secretary General, Patrick Myers and Chairs of the Innovation Committee, Mark Hazekamp and Friedhelm Beyersdorf
INNOVATION SUMMIT
EACTS NEWS
ANNUAL MEETING
HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR PLACE?
The 40th EACTS Annual Meeting in Barcelona will be a special meeting, bringing together the global cardiothoracic community to Honour our History and Inspire our Future. With just a few weeks to go there is still time to book your place. We hope to see you there. The comprehensive scientific programme features the very latest science, research and innovation designed to advance your knowledge, skills and decision-making. Developed by the four EACTS domains and associated committees and task forces, you can expect four days of stimulating discussion and debate, expert analysis and practical tips to take back to your home centre.
Choose from over 400 abstract, focus and plenary sessions and tailor your own schedule via the EACTS app, helping you achieve your personal objectives and professional goals.
Register Now
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Be inspired by our fantastic keynote speakers who will share their perspectives on issues facing the cardiothoracic field and beyond, offering expert insights and ideas to support your own professional growth.
HONOURED GUEST
Thursday 8 October | 11.15 – 12.00
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
The next frontier in cardiovascular calcification: Expanding opportunities beyond valve replacement through target discovery
Friday 9 October | 11.15 – 12.00
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are
Elena Aikawa
Rafael Sádaba
An internationally recognised leader in cardiovascular biology, Elena Aikawa is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Naoki Miwa Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). Her research has been at the forefront of uncovering inflammation-driven mechanisms of cardiovascular calcification, including the seminal discovery of calcifying extracellular vesicles as initiators of microcalcification. Through her role as Co-Chair of the Women in Cardiovascular Medicine Committee at BWH she is committed to advancing the careers of women in science and medicine and fostering the next generation of leaders in cardiovascular research.
#40YearsofEACTS
Do not miss the 40th Presidential Address by Rafael Sádaba. Rafael Sádaba is Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the Navarra University Hospital and Associate Professor of Surgery at the Public University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. He is also Area Coordinator (Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases) at the Health Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA). He has been a member of EACTS since 1999, holding several different positions including Chair of the Education Committee. He served as EACTS Secretary General from 2021-2022 and became EACTS President in 2025.
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SATURDAY KEYNOTE
Saturday 10 October | 12.45 – 13.15 Anyone can be trained Toni Nadal Toni Nadal is a Spanish tennis coach who coached Rafa Nadal for 27 years, achieving one of the most successful records in the history of the international tennis circuit.
Alongside his role as ambassador of the Rafa Nadal Academy, Tony Nadal delivers talks on topics including adversity management, self-demand and resilience, as well as the importance of not looking for excuses, overvaluing success or magnifying defeat.
EACTS COMMITTEES
Open to all, the EACTS Committees have developed fascinating sessions focused on key issues facing the cardiothoracic community and driving discussions around patient cases. WOMEN IN CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY COMMITTEE
NURSES AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Thursday 8 October
10.00 – 11.00
10.00 – 11.00 When Complexity meets Precision: Extreme Cases, Strategic & Skilled Leadership
RESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE Thursday 8 October 15.15 – 16.15 Residents cardiothoracic debate Friday 9 October
Saturday 10 October Nursing and allied health professionals in cardiothoracic surgery Discussion of the key aspects of patient recovery, including physical, emotional and social factors, and review of alternatives to conventional care models. 11.15 – 12.45 Abstract session – Nursing and allied health professionals Presentation of selected abstracts by allied health professionals
15.15 – 16.15 EACTS – ESC: Patient preference vs patient benefit: Who decides and how to treat complex chronic coronary syndromes and severe aortic stenosis? EACTS – EBCP: Under pressure: When blood meets mechanics Friday 9 October 10.00 – 11.00 EACTS – EBCP: From the hype to practice: Making AI work in cardiac surgery EACTS – ERS: Unanswered questions in pleural disease management EACTS – EACTAIC: Challenges in monitoring and transfusion management in neonatal cardiac surgery 13.45 – 14.45
Residents’ session – Nightmares
JOINT SESSIONS
Cardiac and thoracic nightmare cases examined with expert discussion
We are delighted to host a number of joint sessions with other global societies.
EACTS – EACTAIC joint session: Haemostasis and fast-track recovery: From bleeding control to early extubation pathways
13.45 – 14.45
Thursday 8 October
15.15 – 16.15
10.00 – 11.00
Escape the Coffin Complex case discussion with the audience voting on each step of the treatment. A lively, interactive session.
10.00 – 11.00 EACTS – EAPCI: Treatment decisions in multivessel disease EACTS – AEPC joint session on Fontan failure
EACTS – STS joint session: Management of the aortic root in patients with CHD
EACTS NEWS
ANNUAL MEETING
Here’s a snapshot of what else you can look forward to at this year’s EACTS Annual Meeting. Record number of satellite symposia
Learning Labs
This year the satellite symposia programme is bigger than ever with 23 sessions taking place. Organised by our industry partners, these sessions offer a deep-dive into specific topics, treatments or technologies.
Our popular Learning Labs offer a fantastic opportunity to experience specialist techniques under the instruction and guidance of the world’s most experienced surgeons. Get hands-on across wetlabs, drylabs, simulation and other small practical sessions including the popular left-handed learning lab designed to train left-handed residents in the fundamental techniques of coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement.
Find out more
A sold-out exhibition Your Annual Meeting registration includes access to the worldclass exhibition, with over 100 stands featuring the leading names and innovators in cardiothoracic industry. A vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, visit the Exhibition to connect with industry leaders and experts from around the world, discover new-to-market technology and explore solutions that have the potential to transform patient outcomes.
With limited spaces available we strongly recommend booking in advance. Find out more
e-Posters Access over 400 e-Posters, including 6 moderated e-Poster sessions, for more high-quality and emerging scientific research.
Thank you to our industry partners for their support
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NEW IN 2026!
Look out for some exciting new additions to this year’s Annual Meeting: • Real-time audio translation or transcripts will be available for all sessions in the main plenary hall. Available in over 60 languages, this service can be accessed on personal devices via QR code. Bring your headphones if you would like to access audio.
The magic of Barcelona
• Take a break in the networking area at the back of the exhibition hall. Try out the foosball table, make new connections and have fun.
From its rich cultural heritage, the beautiful beaches and inspiring culinary scene, Barcelona has much to offer visitors. We hope you find time to explore the capital of Catalonia during your time at the Annual Meeting.
• Download the EACTS app to keep up to date with what’s happening at the Annual Meeting, bookmark unmissable key sessions and tune into EACTS TV. This year take part in a new scavenger hunt, available only via the app. Look out for further details.
Techno-College
The EACTS Annual Meeting has been held in Barcelona five times and there are many good reasons why we keep coming back to this beautiful city.
Barcelona highlights Well-known for its iconic architecture, particularly the work of Antoni Gaudí, a visit to Barcelona is not complete without a visit to Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló and Park Güell. Other architectural highlights include the Gothic Quarter and the modernist buildings of the Eixample district.
This year a new thoracic Cryoanalgesia and Rib Fixation workshop is available which will explore this innovative technique for managing postoperative pain in thoracic surgery.
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to one of the many bustling markets or world-class museums. The Picasso museum features over 4,000 works by the famous artist and is one of the most visited museums in Barcelona. Other museums to visit include the Fundació Joan Miró, a modern art museum honoring the life and work of the Spanish artist Joan Miró, the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) which showcases Catalan art.
Find out more
Eating out
Wednesday 7 October
Register for Techno-College and preview the technologies and innovative techniques that will impact daily practice in the future. Two programme streams – cardiovascular and thoracic surgery – are available for a separate fee.
Honouring our History EACTS History Wall
Visit the EACTS History Wall to learn more about how the Association has developed over the past 40 years, featuring a collection of photos, videos, articles, profiles of founders and key members. EACTS 40th Anniversary Evening Join us on Friday 9 October for a very special 40th Anniversary Evening as we celebrate four decades of excellence, innovation and collaboration. This memorable occasion will bring together colleagues – past and present – from across the global cardiothoracic community for an evening of dining and entertainment. The celebration will take place at the spectacular Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona. Book your place today
A visit to Barcelona is not complete without sampling the local cuisine. Catalan staples to try include Pa amb tomàquet, Bombas and Esmorzar de forquilla. As well as enjoying the many tapas bars, vibrant food markets such as La Boqueria have dozens of stalls offering fresh produce, seafood and tapas. There’s no shortage of good food and drink.
Getting around Travelling around Barcelona is quick and easy thanks to a good transport system that includes an extensive metro network, a wide range of bus routes and a tram service. For a different mode of transport try the Montjuïc Cable Car, which offers fantastic views over Barcelona. The Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB) is located in the heart of the Diagonal Mar district, just 6 kilometres from Barcelona’s historic city centre and only 22 kilometers from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport.
EACTS NEWS
COLLABORATION
Register today for the 7th EACTS/STS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference Registration is now open for the 7th EACTS/STS/LACES Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference. Explore the latest developments and best practice in coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, thoracic aortic disease and atrial fibrillation alongside a leading international faculty. Take a look at the fantastic scientific programme, which features over 40 sessions including:
There has been a fantastic response to the call for abstracts with over 200 abstracts submitted for consideration.
• Invited lectures and keynote presentations • Original scientific abstracts in oral and e-Poster sessions • Technical videos related to procedural expertise, trials and quality outcomes sessions • Interactive panel discussions • A programme of ‘hands-on’ skills workshops
Find out more and register
THE INAUGURAL AFRICAN CARDIO-THORACIC CONFERENCE Cape Town | 4 – 6 September 2026 The programme included plenary sessions with key invited speakers, surgical techniques, abstracts, handson simulation models, rheumatic mitral valve repair and modified Bentall procedure. Key topics included strengthening health systems, sustainable approaches and education and training.
The inaugural African Cardio-Thoracic Conference took place in Cape Town earlier this month, attracting over 250 delegates from more than 30 countries. Jointly organised by EACTS, the STS and the CSIA, in association with the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of South Africa, the Conference brought leading international and regional clinicians, fellows, and registrars together to explore appropriate clinical approaches in cardio-thoracic techniques in Africa.
Over 80 scholars benefited from the Global Cardiac Surgery Scholars programme, which recognises and supports surgeons and teams who are expanding access to cardiac surgical care in low- and lower-middle-income countries. With thanks to EACTS, CSIA, the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, CTSNet and Edwards Lifesciences for their support.
PUBLICATIONS
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PUBLICATIONS
Our world-renowned, high-quality publications are trusted within the cardiothoracic surgical community for advancing knowledge, disseminating best practice and promoting research excellence.
Editor’s Choice
Latest articles/ videos
EJCTS
EJCTS
EACTS/STS/AATS Guidelines on temporary mechanical circulatory support in adult cardiac surgery
Robotic Coronary Revascularization: Current Evidence, Training, and Future Directions
Evgenij V Potapov, Glenn Whitman, Ranjit John et al
Yazan N AlJamal, Husam H Balkhy
ICVTS
ICVTS
Nabil Hussein, Tristan Ramcharan, Joseph George et al
Anders Karl Hjärpe, Anders Jeppsson, Lukas Lannemyr et al
MMCTS Tutorial
MMCTS Tutorial
Truncal valve repair combined with right atrial appendage valved right ventricular-to-pulmonary connection in truncus arteriosus type II with single coronary artery
Robotic radical thymectomy using the Hugo RAS system – a step-by-step right thoracic approach
The Ross Operation in Children – What Is the Long-Term Fate of the Autograft?
Sameh M. Said, Ahmed Wahbam, Yasin Essa et al
Haematocrit During Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Risk for Acute Kidney Injury: An Observational Single-Centre Study
Ananthakrishnan Balakrishnan, Naveena AN Kumar, Akhil Palod et al
MMCTS Case Report Endoscopic mitral valve replacement in extensive mitral annular calcification with a posterior pericardial patch Carolina Orlandi, Ghazi Elshafie, Joseph Zacharias et al
Test your knowledge MMCTS Quiz is now live. Test your knowledge with our interactive quizzes as you watch MMCTS tutorials and case reports.
EACTS NEWS
PUBLICATIONS
REVIEWER OF THE YEAR
2025
REVIEWERS
REVIEWERS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Congratulations to our 2025 Reviewers of the Year, selected by the Editors-in-Chief for EJCTS and ICVTS.
Invited reviewers have an important role in reviewing the manuscripts submitted to EACTS journals, ensuring the originality, significance and validity of the material presented. The Reviewer of the Year recognises this work, awarding the top reviewer from each journal.
2025 Reviewer of the Year for EJCTS “I am deeply grateful to the Editorial Board of EJCTS and truly honoured to have been awarded Reviewer of the Year 2025. I see this recognition as a reflection of my strong interest in medical science and my commitment to the peer-review process.
Alex Fourdrain
"At a time of increasing misinformation and an evergrowing volume of medical publications, I believe it is essential for the cardiothoracic surgical community to work collectively to maintain and further strengthen the quality and integrity of peer review at EJCTS. Rigorous peer review remains a cornerstone of scientific progress and a collective responsibility.
"I would encourage younger EACTS members to become involved in peer review, as it is an excellent way to stay at the forefront of their field while broadening their knowledge through exposure to less familiar topics. I would equally encourage more experienced members to remain engaged, as reviewing helps keep our minds sharp and challenge our own views. "Finally, I would like to thank my medical, surgical, and research colleagues, my mentors, and my family and friends, whose support gives me the privilege to pursue my work with curiosity, enthusiasm, and the constant ambition to do my best.”
2025 Reviewer of the Year for ICVTS
Arnaldo Dimagli
“I am deeply honoured to be named ICVTS Reviewer of the Year. Peer review is an essential part of scientific progress and has been an invaluable opportunity to engage critically with new research while contributing to the quality of our literature. I am grateful to the Editors and EACTS for this recognition, and I look forward to continuing this work as a member of the ICVTS Editorial Board."
Aortic surgery in revolution: full fix for all with frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique? As hybrid aortic surgery continues to advance, the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique is playing an increasingly important role in treating complex aortic disease. In the latest episode of A Cut Above, Martin Czerny and Jennifer Chung discuss when to use FET, how to plan the procedure, and the key technical decisions that influence outcomes. Blending practical surgical tips with the latest evidence and guideline recommendations, this episode explores patient selection, operative strategy and the future of aortic arch repair, offering valuable insights for surgeons looking to adopt or refine this evolving technique.
LISTEN NOW
2,485 submissions were received by EJCTS last year from 77 countries worldwide. 663 manuscripts were submitted to ICVTS from 61 countries.
GUIDELINES WEBINAR
WEBINAR
EACTS Expert Consensus Document on protected cardiac surgery: pre-emptive use of tMCS in adult cardiac surgery patients at high risk for perioperative LCOS Join the expert authors behind the EACTS Expert Consensus Document on protected cardiac surgery as they explore the role of pre-emptive temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) in adult cardiac surgery patients at high risk of perioperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) — from identifying high-risk patients and selecting appropriate support strategies, to timing, patient selection, practical considerations, and the evidence shaping this evolving approach to protected cardiac surgery.
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40TH EACTS ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER 13.45 – 14.45
15.15 – 16.15
EACTS – MMCTS video session: When complexity meets minimally invasive surgery
European perspectives on training in robotic cardiac surgery: Learning from expert practice
A video abstract session exploring how to overcome the challenges of thoracoscopic and robotic cases.
Learn more about the EACTS Expert Consensus Document on Robotic Cardiac Surgery: Minimum Standards for Programme Implementation, Training and Quality Assurance, developed in collaboration with EACTAIC and EBCP.
FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 15.15 – 16.00 Live podcast recording – Then vs Now: 40 Years of Heart Surgery Join hosts Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü & Miia Lehtinen and speakers Ernst Wolner, Marko Turina, Jose Luis Pomar, Rafael Sádaba for a live podcast reflecting on how cardiac surgery has evolved over the past four decades and exploring EACTS' role in shaping the specialty.
15.15 – 16.15 Managing the left subclavian artery in aortic arch repair – The most important technical question in aortic arch surgery? Understand the importance of LSA revascularisation during open and endovascular aortic arch repair and get an overview of the 2026 EACTS expert consensus document for management of the left subclavian artery during open and endovascular aortic arch repair. 16.30 – 17.30
Join us at the EACTS Annual Meeting to learn more about the latest Guidelines and EACTS Expert Consensus Statements (ECS) during the following sessions. FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 10.00 – 11.00 "Ooops, I did it again!" – how to manage iatrogenic dissection Explore the highlights from the 2026 EACTS expert consensus document for the treatment of iatrogenic dissection. 13.45 – 14.45
2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines session Four recently published guidelines will be presented in this highly anticipated session with discussions around the impact of these new recommendations on daily practice. • 2026 ESC Management of Heart Failure Guidelines, endorsed by EACTS, presented by Roberto Lorusso • 5th Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction, endorsed by EACTS, presented by Milan Milojevic • ESC/EACTS Heart team, presented by Patrick Myers • ESC Cardiac rehabilitation guideline, presented by Simon Sundermann
SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER
2026 EACTS Expert Consensus Documents
10.00 – 11.00
Examine EACTS Expert Consensus Documents published this year including
Endovascular repair in Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease – do as much nothing as possible or pushing the limits?
• EACTS Aortic Valve Repair and Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Learn about the natural history of aortic disease and the consequences of proximal surgery on the long-term prognosis of patients presenting with acute dissection with highlights from the 2026 EACTS expert consensus document for endovascular repair in HTAD.
• EACTS Robotic Cardiac Surgery Minimum Standards for Programme Implementation, Training and Quality Assurance • ESC/EACTS Ventricular free-wall rupture, ventricular pseudoaneurysm, and papillary muscle rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction • EACTS Civil Aviation Following Cardiothoracic Surgery and Transcatheter Procedures
EACTS NEWS
CORPORATE
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 40 UNDER 40 To celebrate #40YearsofEACTS we are recognising the future leaders of cardiothoracic surgery. Our 40 under 40 initiative highlights inspiring EACTS members under the age of 40, who demonstrate a commitment to cardiothoracic surgery and our mission to improve patient outcomes. • Andrea Amabile, Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA • Beatrice Bacchi, Fellow in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and transcatheter procedures, University of Toronto, Canada • Branislav Bezák, Cardiac Surgeon and Senior Lecturer, University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic • Can Gollmann-Tepeköylü, Associate Professor, Deputy Director, Program Director Heart Failure Program, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria • Defne Gunes Ergi, Cardiovascular Surgeon, Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Turkey • Edoardo Zancanaro, Cardiac Surgeon, San Raffaele Hospital, Italy • Eric Vinck, Attending Cardiac Surgeon, Country Clinic, Colombia • Felix Nägele, Consultant, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
Mateo Marin-Cuartas "It is a privilege to be part of the EACTS 40 Under 40 list alongside an outstanding group of young cardiothoracic surgeons from around the world who are committed to advancing our specialty and represent the next generation of leaders whose contributions are advancing patient care, driving scientific innovation and inspiring colleagues across the global cardiothoracic community."
"I am deeply honoured and sincerely humbled to be included in the EACTS 40 Under 40 initiative. From early in my training, Branislav EACTS has been the organisation that most Bezák profoundly influenced my development. Attending EACTS Annual Meetings and educational courses provided not only exceptional knowledge and practical skills, but also a clear understanding that truly impactful change in our specialty can only be achieved through the collective expertise, openness, and shared purpose of the EACTS community." • Gowthanan Santhirakumaran, Thoracic Surgery Senior Resident, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, UK
• Maria Nucera, Junior Attending Cardiac Surgeon, University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland
• Jules R Olsthoorn, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Isala Zwolle, The Netherlands
• Maroua Eid, Adult Cardiac Surgery Fellow, University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec, Canada
• Justin Ren, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia • Kai Ma, Attending Surgeon, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, China • Kan Chan Siang, Deputy Head of Department & Head of Thoracic Surgery Unit, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Hospital Sultan Idris Shah, Malaysia
• Massimo Baudo, Research Professor, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, USA • Mateo Marin-Cuartas, Staff Cardiac Surgeon, Leipzig Heart Center, Germany • Maximilian Kreibich, Deputy Head of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Centre University Freiburg, Germany
• Laura Rings, Consultant, Heart Alliance Zurich-St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Miia Lehtinen, Attending Surgeon, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
• Leila Louise Benhassen, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
• Monica Mittal, Senior Clinical Fellow Cardiac Surgery, King’s College University Hospital, UK
• Leo Winter-Pölzl, Resident, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria • Luca Koechlin, Consultant, Heart Alliance Zurich-St. Gallen, Switzerland • Luca Zanella, PhD Candidate, University Hospital of Bologna, Italy, Cardiac Surgery Fellow, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, Canada
• Mustafa Mert Ozgur, Associate Professor in Cardiac Surgery, Kosuyolu High Specialisation Education and Research Hospital, Turkey • Nabil Hussein, Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident, Great Ormond Street, UK
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Beatrice Bacchi “As EACTS celebrates its 40th anniversary, I am honoured to have been selected as one of the EACTS 40 Under 40. Receiving this recognition at this point in my career makes it especially meaningful. As I close an unforgettable chapter of training and prepare for new challenges ahead, it feels like the perfect reminder of how far I have come – and how much there is still to learn. “That is perhaps what I value most about cardiac surgery. It is a field that demands continuous learning, curiosity, resilience, and teamwork. Being recognised by EACTS at this stage of my career reinforces my commitment to continue learning, improving, and contributing to the future of our specialty.”
• Nayyerani Reza, Cardiovascular Surgery Resident, Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Romania
• Soi Avgeridou, Congenital Heart Surgery Fellow, German Heart Center Munich, Germany
• Nazlı Melis Coşkun, Resident Doctor, Hacettepe University, Turkey
• Tulio Caldonazo, Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow, Jena University Hospital, Germany
• Paul Philipp Heinisch, Senior Attending Congenital Cardiac Surgery, European Pediatric Heart Center EKHZ Munich, Germany • Polina Danchenko, Junior Consultant Surgeon, Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ukraine • Rui João Gonçalves Cerqueira, Cardiac Surgeon; Assistant Professor of Surgery and Physiology, São João University Hospital, Portugal • Sleiman Sebastian Aboul-Hassan, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Zbigniew Religa Heart Center “Medinet”; Assistant Professor, University of Zielona Gora, Poland
• Vadim Petru Irimie, Senior Surgeon, Campus Bad Neustadt Rhön Klinikum AG, Germany • Valentina Mescola, Adult Cardiac Surgeon, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Spain • Viktória Bognár, Cardiac Surgery Resident, Gottsegen National Cardiovascular Center, Hungary • Vinci Naruka, Cardiac Surgery Senior Resident, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, UK • Volodymyr Demianenko, Cardiac Surgeon, Klinikum Fulda, Germany
“I am honoured to have been selected as one of the contributors to the #EACTS40Under40 initiative, This recognition is a reminder that none of us grow Maroua Eid alone. I am deeply grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and friends within the EACTS community who believed in me, challenged me, and gave me opportunities to contribute. For early-career cardiac surgeons, EACTS is much more than a professional society—it is a place to learn, collaborate, and grow.” Meet the awardees
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Past Presidents’ Celebration in May
EACTS Past Presidents came together earlier this year and, alongside key figures in EACTS, reflected on our history, discussed the future of the specialty and explored the surgeon of the future.
EACTS NEWS
ACADEMY
PLAN YOUR AUTUMN LEARNING Surgical Management of Congenital Aortic Valve Disease and Aortopathies 4-5 November | Rome, Italy
Course Director: Lorenzo Galletti
Establishing the right pathway The level 3 Surgical Management of Congenital Aortic Valve Disease and Aortopathies course takes place in the historic city of Rome in November. This two-day course addresses the full surgical spectrum of congenital aortic valve disease and aortopathies, from the critically ill neonate to the young adult with congenital heart disease. Course Director Lorenzo Galletti explains more about the programme. Managing the aortic valve in children requires careful decisionmaking. As surgeons, we must identify the right treatment for each individual patient while also being prepared to manage complex issues, difficult cases and potential complications. Every decision has important long-term consequences for the child’s life and follow-up procedures. There is no definitive lifelong solution when managing aortic valve disease in children so it is critical to establish the right pathway. This is a judgment that requires not just knowledge, but also the skills, competence and ability to make the right decisions. The programme for the Surgical Management of Congenital Aortic Valve Disease and Aortopathies course is structured around decision-making and long-term evidence. The highly interactive format includes decision labs with live audience polling, failure analysis cases presented by faculty, head-to-head debates and a closing crossfire where expert disagreement is deliberately surfaced and explored.
The programme will explore: • Indication and technique for repair for aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation across different ages • The correct use of the Ross procedure during the different ages of the patient, featuring a live-in-a-box case • The management of complications • Special situations and the conversations we tend to avoid with young ACHD patients, with a focus on aortic valve endocarditis in children and failed Ross. Decision labs The decision labs will explore special clinical situations, including: • The management of a newborn with aortic valve disease that is not suitable for repair while preserving biventricular circulation. • A patient and a newborn with aortic valve stenosis, in which a number of different technical approaches may be considered. • A case of poor aortic valve regurgitation. Participants will decide the right pathway for each patient. Who will benefit from attending this course? This level 3 course is designed for experienced paediatric surgeons who want to expand their expertise in managing aortic valve disease throughout a patient's lifetime. Cardiac surgeons who treat younger adults with congenital heart disease and who require specialised long-term management will also benefit from this course. These patients have very different needs from older adults and treatment strategies that must be adapted for each patient. Participants can expect challenging case discussion, high levels of interaction and live-in-a-box procedures. Register today Find out more and register
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10TH EACTS MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT SUMMIT 19 – 21 November | Amsterdam, The Netherlands For 10 years, the MCS Summit has brought together surgeons, cardiologists, perfusionists and nurses for high-quality learning and expert-led discussions around Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS). We look forward to the 10th EACTS Mechanical Circulatory Support Summit on 19 – 21 November. Taking place in Amsterdam, the two-and-a-half-day programme has been developed by experts in the field and covers the whole spectrum of acute and chronic heart failure from conventional heart failure therapy, heart failure in congenital heart disease and alternative therapies. It is designed not only for experienced healthcare professionals but also for those who are relatively new to MCS and want to make improvements in their daily practice. A highly interactive meeting, the opportunity to engage with very experienced surgeons who have contributed to the field for years is not to be missed. The pros and cons debate is a chance for delegates to join discussions around different treatment strategies across areas such as temporary MCS and cardiogenic shock. Looking to the future The Summit supports the advancement of Mechanical Circulatory Support with sessions exploring AI-Enhanced virtual reality training for ECLS use and alternative therapies in heart failure including 3D-printed hearts and xenotransplantation.
Colleagues from industry will also share the latest innovations in MCS, including new devices and the latest ideas. In addition to some lively debates and discussions, the final day features case-based presentations in which heart failure specialists including cardiologists and cardiac surgeons discuss how they have managed complications in heart failure surgery. Past delegates have praised the MCS Summit, with 96 per cent* describing the meeting as a good investment. Register now Original science The MCS Summit offers a fantastic platform to showcase original science. Submissions for the Abstract Poster Session are now open. Find out more. Submission will close Sunday 4 October 23:59 BST *of attendees who completed the evaluation
Forward-thinking education Tune in this Autumn for the new EACTS Innovation Webinar series, in which leading experts explore emerging technologies and new frontiers in cardiothoracic surgery. Each session aims to showcase cutting-edge developments in robotics, perioperative protection and heart valve technologies. Guided by international faculty, the series delivers rigorous, forward-thinking education to support continuous improvement in surgical practice. Free to EACTS members, this series is aimed at all skill levels.
The future of robotic surgery 20 October | 18.00 – 20.00 (CEST) This interactive webinar explores the future of robotic surgery with presentations on connector technology and the management of rhythm surgery. Perioperative cellular protection and single- and multi-organ repair 11 November | 18.00 – 20.00 (CET) The five most promising strategies to improve perioperative outcomes, including myocardial patches and RNA-based therapeutics, will be explored during a rapid-fire session in this two-hour webinar. Heart valve of the future 8 December | 18.00 – 20.00 (CET) This webinar examines how to start an aortic valve-sparing programme and explores the road to a new prosthetic heart valve.
EACTS NEWS
ACADEMY
2026
UPCOMING COURSES Innovation Webinar 1: The future of robotic surgery
20 October, Online
Thoracic Disease Webinar: Fundamentals of AI and showcasing solutions
21 October, Online
Surgical Management of Congenital Aortic Valve Disease and Aortopathies
4 – 5 November, Rome, Italy
Giants in Aortic Surgery: How I learnt it, how I did it, and how I taught it
5 November, Online
Innovation Webinar 2: Perioperative cellular protection and single-and multi-organ repair
11 November, Online
Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons Club Annual Meeting in collaboration with EACTS
12-14 November, Milan, Italy
Mitral Surgical Techniques Webinar: It all starts with the access
17 November, Online
10th EACTS Mechanical Circulatory Support Summit
19 – 21 November, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Thoracic Webinar 5: Robotic thoracic surgery beyond lung resection
25 November, Online
Aortic Webinar 4: LSA management in TEVAR
3 December, Online
EACTS/STS/LACES 7th Latin America Cardiovascular Surgery Conference
3-5 December, Santiago, Chile
Innovation Webinar 3: Heart valve of the future
8 December, Online
For the most up-to-date course details visit www.eacts.org Courses and dates subject to change
FELLOWSHIPS
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FFF FELLOWSHIPS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING Francis Fontan Fellowship Friday 9 October | 13.45 – 14.45
Atrial Fibrillation Fellowship
Learn more about the Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship programme at the 40th EACTS Annual Meeting. Recent fellowship recipients will share their experiences and discuss how the programme has advanced their surgical education.
OPCAB Extended Fellowship
in partnership with Medtronic
Max Wacker
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) Fellowship Juan Esteban De Villarreal Soto
EBCTS DON’T MISS THE EBCTS EXAMINATIONS SESSION AT THE 40TH EACTS ANNUAL MEETING Thursday 8 October | 13.45 – 14.45
in partnership with AtriCure
Cesar Augusto Piedra Calle and Grazia Santoro
Travelling Leadership Fellowship for Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Agunda Chekhoeva and Anna Lena Emrich
Robotic Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Joshua Goldblatt
This practical session offers a rare chance to see the examination process from the inside, covering how questions are written and standards are set, what “good” answers look like, and how the Board balances fairness with the need to protect patients through robust standards. For those preparing to sit MEBCTS or FEBCTS, the mock questions and marking discussion will be invaluable. For trainers and programme directors, this session offers clarity on the Board’s expectations. This is an opportunity to understand how European cardiothoracic surgery continues to raise and harmonise professional standards.
T H E 4 0 T H E AC T S A N N UA L M E E T I N G
HONOURING OUR HISTORY, INSPIRING OUR FUTURE
I N N O VA T E , D I S C O V E R , E D U C A T E
20 26
Barcelona Spain 7-10 October
YEARS