As an organisation serving the cardiothoracic community, we are focused on supporting our members to achieve better outcomes for patients. We are therefore delighted to share our Annual Review, presenting a snapshot of the Association’s many highlights, and celebrating our key achievements in 2022 as we work to deliver this mission.
The Annual Review captures the hard work of all those who volunteer their time on the EACTS Council, domains, task forces and committees as well as our executive team whose unwavering commitment to EACTS has ensured we emerged from the pandemic as a stronger, more agile organisation. Our membership continues to grow as we support both our European members and those from further afield who are keen to be a part of the EACTS family. We have a global reach with members from over 100 countries including the Middle East, Asia and North and South America.
Through our world class Academy programme and renowned Annual Meeting, we provided surgical communities around the world with unrivalled opportunities to develop skills and knowledge and gain valuable hands-on experience to support the delivery of high-quality patient care. Our investment in new technology means we can now run many courses in a hybrid format, extending the reach of our high-quality education offer.
Patrick Myers, Secretary General, said, “Our achievements reflect a huge collective effort by EACTS staff and members, including those who volunteer their time to support our domains and committees. It is thanks to their hard work that we are able to deliver value to our members whilst continuing to equip the cardiothoracic community with everything we need to achieve better outcomes for our patients.”
Through our domains, committees and task forces EACTS members can play a critical role in driving forward our mission to achieve better outcomes for patients. We are pleased to offer our members the opportunity to join one of these important groups. All task forces are open to receiving applications; however, the domains/ task forces recruiting with vacancies from October 2023, are:
Domain positions
Congenital Domain
Thoracic Domain
Positions available include 3 members from across Europe and 1 from further afield.
Vascular Domain
Task Force positions
Acquired:
New Technology
Acquired Robotic Surgery
Mitral & Tricuspid
Over 3,900 active members located in more than 100 countries, including a 15% increase in women members
Almost 5,000 participants from 99 countries attended the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting
Over 1,000 delegates attended an Academy course
EACTS Council is the decision-making body of EACTS. Members of the EACTS Council have an active role in providing strategic direction to EACTS and setting overall policy and targets. Councillors serve a set term (normally of up to three years). We welcome applications for the following vacancies.
• Vice President
Thoracic:
Solitary Pulmonary Nodules
Vascular:
Aortic Dissection
Endovascular Aortic Repair
Connective Tissue Disease
Cerebral and Visceral Protection
Committee positions
Allied Health Professionals
For instructions to join, please click here
• Vascular Disease Domain Chair
• Thoracic Domain Chair-elect (for appointment to Council in October 2024)
• Congenital Domain Chair-elect (for appointment to Council in October 2024).
Nominations Open 1 July 2023
Nominations Close 4 August 2023
General Assembly Vote 6 October 2023
Over the past eight months the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee has run an inspiring webinar series focused on raising awareness and elevating the discussion around gender inequality in cardiothoracic surgery and equipping delegates with the necessary skills to become inclusive leaders. This well-received series, which concluded last month, featured dynamic debates across topics such as the impact of unconscious bias, the glass ceiling faced by women leaders working in male dominated fields and the value of building a support network as a path to inclusiveness.
Led by Jolanda Kluin, Chair of the Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Committee, the series welcomed esteemed speakers and panelists to share their experiences and learnings in order to empower surgeons and encourage inclusive workplace environments. On average each webinar attracted over 170 participants from around the world, with male surgeons making up almost a third of participants.
Discussions also examined the impact of exclusion on individuals, encouraging organisations to explore ways to eliminate unconscious bias, for example, by making improvements in areas such as onboarding, pay gaps and through daily interactions.
To support the leadership development of women cardiothoracic surgeons, the webinars also provided practical information and guidance from experts on areas such as strategic networking to help achieve both personal and organisational goals and the benefits of transformative communications to drive change.
Giuseppe
I have been involved with EACTS for a number of years, including as a member of the Thoracic Disease Domain for four years and as a member of EACTS Council. I am honoured to take up the position of Chair of the new Solitary Pulmonary Nodule (SPN) Task Force, which adds some powerful and fresh energy to the Thoracic Disease Domain.
We want to be a highly active task force and our long-term aims include writing position papers and clinical guidelines as well as organising surveys and trials. We are also supporting the Thoracic Disease Domain in the development of a thoracic surgery curriculum. Our first webinar on 7th September focuses
on VATS Segmentectomies and we are planning further webinars as part of the EACTS Academy programme. Members of the SPN Task Force include a core team of wellrespected and experienced colleagues in the field of thoracic surgery. The task force is open to every EACTS member who is keen to be involved. I consider the task force to have an important role as a ‘think tank’ and our members’ knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our work. As a new task force, we are keen for more members to join us, particularly less experienced surgeons. We have organised a meeting for all members during the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting, which will be an opportunity to further cement our plans.
Privé Ambroise Paré
This is an exciting time for thoracic surgery. Minimally invasive approaches using a robotic platform have proved to be a game changer in thoracic surgery for cancer treatment and patients’ recovery. The industry is delivering more products in this area, so it is important that we have the right pathways in place to ensure these innovations are adopted safely and effectively and that surgeons are able to maintain skills and knowledge.
Thoracic surgery is becoming more prominent within EACTS. For the first time we have a Vice President and future President who is a great woman surgeon pioneer in thoracic robotic surgery, my dear friend Franca Melfi from Pisa, Italy. The Thoracic Disease Domain, led by Richard Milton, has also developed a fantastic new programme of educational courses, including Techno-College at the EACTS Annual Meeting, which was well-received last year.
Given the advances in thoracic robotic surgery it appeared fundamental to have a dedicated robotic task force for thoracic surgery. It is the first task force within the thoracic domain, and it is a great honour to serve as the Chair of this group.
This is a great opportunity to collaborate with European colleagues who are all working towards the same goals and believe in the same strategy with regards to thoracic robotic surgery. We recognise the opportunities to learn from each other and avoid duplication.
The aims of the Thoracic Robotic Task Force are divided into three clear components: education, academic and industry.
We are already working on a number of educational initiatives including a new thoracic robotics fellowship as part of the Francis Fontan Fund. Young surgeons will be offered the chance to visit and learn from expert centres across Europe. Importantly,
as well as being able to observe robotic surgery in action, they will have an opportunity to perform surgery using a dual console. As part of our efforts to increase collaboration across Europe the task force will be joining the European Robotic School, a new programme initiated by the ESTS to provide a comprehensive pathway to train European junior surgeons in Robotic Thoracic Surgery.
The Thoracic Robotics Task Force is a great forum to establish multi centre scientific studies that will provide reliable data on robotic approaches.
Data are gold for improving our understanding and ultimately achieving better outcomes for our patients. As a task force we are keen to explore the development of a specific thoracic surgery robotics database.
Robotic surgery is constantly evolving so it is important that, as surgeons, we are aware of innovations in the field. An innovation survey, completed by industry, will help us stay aware of the latest developments in device technology as well as software such as 3D reconstruction.
Our preparations are also underway for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting. In addition to a dedicated session on robotic surgery we will also welcome senior surgeons to share their knowledge and expertise as part of the thoracic Techno-College. This year we will have a “robotic room” for test drive and simulation with intuitive Da vinci Xi systems and also the new endobronchial navigation system, Ion.
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about our work.
Task Force members
Marion Durand
Franca Melfi
Richard Milton
Ghada Shahin
Sasha Stamenkovic
Mohsen Ibrahim
In recent years EACTS has become much more than an organisation for surgeons. The importance and value of non-surgical roles such as advanced nurse practitioners, physical therapists and surgical care practitioners in improving patient outcomes is now widely recognised. The recently established Allied Health Professionals Committee demonstrates how these roles have become an integral part of EACTS. Richard Van Valen, Chair of the committee, and committee member, Cristina Ruizsegria, explain.
The Allied Health Professionals Committee provides an important platform to support knowledge sharing and create more opportunities for nurses and other allied health professionals (AHPs) who want to develop their careers and expand their knowledge and expertise.
We are already seeing more and more nurses trained at a high academic level, but the rate of development varies across Europe. For some nurses, financial constraints and language can be a barrier to career development, limiting education and networking opportunities. This is why we are keen to explore innovative and flexible ways to deliver education and training programmes in areas such as post op management, ECGs and ultrasounds.
The EACTS Annual Meeting provides a fantastic learning environment as well as creating opportunities to network and make lifelong connections. We all recognise that cardiothoracic surgery requires a team effort in order to deliver the best possible patient outcomes, so we would encourage more surgeons to offer their surgical, clinical and out-patients teams the opportunity to attend the Annual Meeting.
The AHP Committee is busy planning our sessions for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting which will explore, amongst other areas, the professional development of nurses, a current hot topic in nursing. These sessions are a fantastic platform to showcase the professionalism of allied health professionals and the quality of research work undertaken. AHPs have an opportunity to be part
of this year’s scientific programme by submitting an abstract for presentation. In addition, we know that there is some great work taking place across Europe and we would like to share these interesting projects with delegates at the Annual Meeting as part of our sessions.
We would like more AHPs to join our committee, particularly colleagues from across Europe who bring energy and a desire to support our work and raise the profile of allied health professionals across a pan-European platform. If you are interested in joining the Allied Health Professionals Committee please apply via the EACTS User Area
Nurses and Allied Health Professionals are invited to submit their abstracts for the dedicated Nurses and Allied Health Professional session at this year’s Annual Meeting. Allied Health abstract submissions are open until 31 July 2023.
Papers examining any part of the patient journey will be considered. These may include aspects of quality, clinical care, research, case studies or roles and workforce issues.
View more details on how to submit here
23-24 October | Leuven, Belgium
Running parallel with the hands-on sessions, experts will give inspiring presentations exploring the future of robotic surgery and new platforms that are on the horizon.
Wouter Oosterlinck continues, “We are delighted to bring together a respected and renowned group of experts from leading robotic centres around the world to share their knowledge and experience during this two-day course. During the live surgical cases on the first day, we will share tips and tricks as we cover stages such as installation and anesthesia, mammary harvesting with a robot, stabilisation and anastomoses.
Course Director and Chair of the Robotics Task Force, Wouter Oosterlinck, explains, “This level 2 course is perfect for surgeons with CABG or OPCAB experience who are keen to expand their knowledge in robotic procedures and work alongside a proctor in preparation to start up a robotics programme in their home centre. Attendees will gain an understanding of the flow and inclusion for MIDCAB and the circumstances when the procedure is not advisable. Working in small groups (one-to-one or two-to-one) course attendees will have an opportunity to perform challenging procedures on simulators for robotic controls including a beating heart anastomoses under the guidance of experts in the field as well as cadaver training for thoracotomy approach and stabilisation.
“This course not only offers a fantastic learning experience but also the opportunity to meet with proctors who are already performing robotic procedures and are able to provide support to attendees ready to take the next step in the surgical career.”
REGISTER NOW as space is limited!
Raising Standards through Education and Training
2-4 November
Copenhagen, Denmark
Registration is now open for the 7th EACTS Mechanical Circulatory Support Summit, a three-day event taking place in Copenhagen from 2-4 November 2023.
The EACTS MCS Summit is well-established as the major European meeting for surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, scientists and others working in the field of MCS. Last year over 200 delegates attended the Summit, with 96% of those who attended* saying that they would recommend the event to a colleague.
This year’s programme includes the latest developments in MCS, exploring novel concepts in temporary MCS and trends in post LVAD management to further improve patient outcomes. There will also be an update from industry on what’s in the pipeline regarding new devices in the medium and long-term.
Delegates can expect practical, in-depth discussions with leaders in the field on all aspects of management of this difficult
30 November - 1 December
Leipzig, Germany
Returning to the EACTS Academy calendar in 2023, this popular two-day course features interactive lectures, live-in-abox videos and live surgical cases, focusing on the technical aspects of different minimally invasive procedures. Participants will gain insights into all the current and very latest minimally invasive procedures with contributions from surgeons, cardiologists, perfusionists and anesthesiologists.
Click here to find out more
patient cohort including biventricular failure and short term MCS. The casebased discussions will once again feature in the programme, including a session on creative solutions to complex cases.
Click here to register.
*Feedback from participants who completed the evaluation
For full submission details please click here .
Submission deadline: 22 September 2023
11-12 December
Newcastle, UK
During the intensive two-day course, our faculty of experienced surgeons will provide cardiothoracic surgeons in training with expert teaching and hands on cadaveric surgical training experience. Covering the surgical aspects of cardiopulmonary transplantation, participants will have the opportunity to implant left ventricular assist devices, practice cannulation for ECMO and gain practical experience of ex vivo lung perfusion.
REGISTER NOW as space is limited!
Click here to find out more.
This October the cardiothoracic community will come together to discover, educate and innovate at the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting in Vienna, Austria. With a packed scientific programme featuring the latest scientific insights and thought-provoking debates, the world’s largest cardiothoracic meeting offers unparalleled learning opportunities that are not to be missed!
“We have a first-class scientific programme in store that will include not to be missed abstract presentations, as well as engaging plenary sessions, Learning Labs, and stimulating panel-led debates with important figures within the fields of cardiothoracic and vascular science.”
Chair
“It’s been brilliant catching up with the rest of the Programme Committee and finalising the exciting scientific programme we have planned for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting. The standard of abstracts has been particularly high this year, with an impressive amount of first-class science having been submitted. Join us in Vienna and make sure you don’t miss out on hearing about the latest original research first-hand.”
Wednesday
Our popular Techno-College returns on Wednesday 4th October with two fascinating programmes featuring the latest techniques and emerging trends in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. With stimulating presentations, live surgeries and live in a box cases Techno-College is not to be missed.
Thoracic
• Lung volume reduction in severe pulmonary emphysema - a joint session with EABIP
• Robotic workshops are available at an additional fee on a first come first served basis
Acquired cardiac disease
• Live-in-a-box sessions including frozen elephant trunk surgery: a new graft to facilitate secondary aortic interventions
• Live surgery transmitted in 3D video including Endoscopic mitral valve repair with cryo ablation and holographic imaging Read more about the two Techno-College programmes on pages 14 and 15.
Thursday
• NEW President’s Choice opening session featuring leading abstract presentations selected across all EACTS domains
• CABG Academy
• Artificial intelligence in procedural planning and performance in transcatheter techniques
• The challenges of left AV valve repair in hearts with AVSD
• Honoured Guest Lecture
• Mitral valve intervention, challenges in 2023
• Perfusion in aortic surgery (EACTS/EBCP joint session)
• Heart transplant advancements
• Late breaking science
• Technical controversies in robotic surgery
• Escape the Coffin in 60 minutes
• Women in Cardiothoracic surgery
Friday 6 October
• EACTS-STS-AATS Joint Session - Transcatheter future
• Young Investigator Awards session
• Promoting Big Trials
• Breaking the Taboo
• Innovations in paediatric and congenital surgery
• ERS/EACTS/EACTAIC Joint Session
• Presidential Address
• Life and Advice from the Giants in Cardiac Surgery
• Watch and learn - Aortic Valve Repair techniques
• ESC/EACTS Joint Session: Bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy (BAVA) - where cardiology and cardiac surgery meet
• Controversies in sublobar resection
Saturday 7 October
• Guidelines and Trial Update sessions
• Coronary Surgery, From CPB to ERAS: How to improve my patients’ outcome
• Robotic assisted interventions, challenges in 2023
• Mitral endocarditis: get prepared to deal with it!
• The “Borderline Left Ventricle”
• Allied Health sessions
• Paediatric Perfusion (Joint EACTS/EBCP session)
• Awards and Closing keynote
We are delighted to present a number of insightful plenary sessions including the prestigious Presidential Address and Honoured Guest Lecture. This year delegates and industry partners are also invited to attend our new closing plenary session, taking place on Saturday 7 October.
Thursday - Honoured Guest
Friday - Presidential Address ‘The Death of Dogma is the Birth of Reality (Immanuel Kant)’
Saturday - Trial Update session, EACTS Awards & Keynote Closing Lecture
Our extended EACTS Learning Lab in the Exhibition Hall will offer handson training sessions throughout the Annual Meeting. Delivered by some of the world’s most experienced and expert surgeons, these deepdive workshops will include wetlabs, drylabs, simulation and other small practical sessions, offering attendees with an invaluable opportunity to learn from the best.
THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER
09:00 - 11:00
Learning Lab – Aortic Valve Repair
Mitral Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
12:15 - 14:15
Learning Lab – TEVAR
Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
15:00 - 17:00
Learning Lab – TAVI/TMVI
Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER
09:00 - 11:00
Learning Lab - Mitral
Aortic Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
12:15 - 14:15
Learning Lab - Thoracic
15:00 - 17:00
Learning Lab - Coronary
Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER
09:00 - 11:00
Learning Lab – Congenital: How to deal with complex LVOTO
Endoscopic Dry Lab Training
The Annual Meeting is a great environment for Residents to come together to learn and network with peers and experts from around the world. The Residents’ Committee has planned an exciting programme designed to support residents wherever they are in their career.
This lively interactive session will discuss a complex case, with the audience voting on each step of the treatment. More details will be announced soon.
We’re teaming up with the GTSRA to deliver a session on optimising education and training worldwide. A real chance to share knowledge on a global scale.
This session is always the best attended resident’s session. As surgeons we can be reluctant in presenting, discussing cases that went wrong, however these are usually the cases where we learn the most from! In this session, residents will present a nightmare cardiothoracic surgery case highlighting
the key events. This will be followed up by the expert operating surgeon who will reflect on the case and point out the areas where things went wrong and how these could be mitigated in the future. The floor will be open to the audience to discuss the case in detail in a friendly, supportive environment. There will be two cardiac cases and a single thoracic case presented.
Focusing on the surgeon-scientist this session aims to provide insight into how to start-up and complete high level scientific research, whilst working as a clinician. Invited speakers with a wealth of research background will share their experiences of performing good scientific research, the highs and the lows and give a insight into developing a clinical trial from an idea. Following these key note presentations the winner of the Residents Corner Award will be invited to present their scientific paper.
Join fellow Residents for a relaxed lunch. An opportunity to share common interests and discuss key issues. Please make a note in your calendar to sign up on arrival on site at the Austria Centre on Thursday 5 October.
Sign up your team to take part in the CT Surgery Resident Showdown. Two-person teams of residents will face off against one another in a test of knowledge across five cardiothoracic surgery categories:
• Cardiac
• Congenital
• Thoracic
• History of the specialty
• And decision making
The competition will start with semi-final rounds at the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting and the STS Annual Meeting in November. The winning European and North American teams
will then compete for the championship title during the STS Annual Meeting in January 2024.
Click here for further information.
The EACTS TV studio will be back for 2023, bringing you more in-depth analysis of key sessions and debate and reactions from panelists.
Professionally moderated and produced, it will cover a mixture of live and recorded content including:
• Selected prime session content broadcast in real time
• Key opinion leaders interactive panel sessions and debates
• Daily highlight broadcasts
• Interviews with keynote faculty and special guests
The EACTS TV channel will be streamed to both our in-person and online audiences.
The EACTS Annual Meeting attracts the best and most innovative product and service providers from the cardiothoracic industry.
Our popular commercial exhibition is an opportunity to meet face to face with providers – giving you a first look at the cutting-edge products hitting the market. Click here to learn more the industry led satellite sessions. An extensive programme of training will also be offered by our industry partners in their learning labs in the Exhibition Hall.
DEADLINES: Early: up to and including 1 Jul 2023 / Late: 2 Jul – 7 Oct 2023 / Onsite: 3
* This category is for EACTS Members. Those with a completed EACTS membership application may also register within this category. ** Techno-College is a separate fee to the Annual Meeting – you will need to select either Adult Cardiac or Thoracic which will give you access to that specific session of your choosing.
Sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest updates and news on the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting
Richard Milton, Chair of the Thoracic Disease Domain, outlines what delegates can expect from the thoracic programme at this year’s Techno-College.
The Thoracic Disease Domain has planned an exciting TechnoCollege programme at the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting, that not only covers a broad spectrum of topical issues but also caters to different skills and knowledge levels.
We’re also doing things a little differently this year. We not only have a fantastic full day programme focusing on the surgical and endoscopic management of emphysema in one session, and chest wall surgery in the other, but we are also running a robotics workshop in parallel to the main thoracic programme.
Supported by Intuitive, the robotic workshop is a unique opportunity for delegates to gain exposure to the Da Vinci technology as well as the Ion platform, which is an innovative way of performing robotically-assisted bronchoscopic lung biopsies. Delegates will also be shown how to make the most of the Intuitive Digital app if they wish.
This workshop is suitable for any delegates irrespective of their prior robotic experience. For those who are less familiar with robotic technology there will be an opportunity to practice basic robotic skills and robotic suturing. There is an additional small
cost to take part in this workshop, which is well worth it and reflects its great value.
Lung volume reduction surgery has not featured in the programme for several years. This aspect to our practice is certainly becoming more prevalent, and this year we’re delighted to be running this morning session jointly with the European Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (EABIP). Case presentations will be followed by a focus on the surgical and various bronchoscopic techniques that we have available.
This Techno-College will be a great forum to discuss all aspects of management with the faculty, consisting of pulmonologists and surgeons vastly experienced in this area. It is a privilege to work jointly with EABIP and we look forward to strengthening this relationship over the coming months and years with joint education events and more.
In the afternoon we will cover a broad spectrum of chest wall pathology including surgery for chest wall and sternal tumours, surgical correction of pectus carinatum and excavatum and rib fixation and chest wall stabilisation following trauma.
We’re thrilled to offer delegates a wide range of learning opportunities at this year’s Techno-College, making it a programme to remember, and on behalf of the Thoracic Domain, we hope to see you there.
Jörg Kempfert, a member of the New Technology Task Force, previews the cardiovascular programme at this year’s Techno-College.
We are delighted to kick off the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting with an inspiring full day Techno-College programme showcasing the latest innovations in cardiovascular surgery. Through live cases transmitted in 3D video and live-in-a-box presentations we will address the emerging topics in patient care as well as some of the prevalent issues facing cardiac surgeons today.
This year’s Techno-College will have a clear emphasis on new surgical techniques and innovative tools and devices to be used in surgical procedures. This includes live surgery demonstrations of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, focusing on a new technique in annulus enlargement and endoscopic mitral valve repair with cryoablation which will showcase a new holographic imaging technique. For the first time, all the live surgery will be transmitted from the German Heart Centre in Berlin.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to view an endoscopic mitral valve replacement procedure using a brand new prothesis and automatic suturing device. In this case the endoscope will be controlled with a robotic camera arm.
The packed cardiovascular programme also includes a number of live-in-a-box presentations, highlighting interesting techniques for TAVI device explantation and a new frozen elephant graft for aortic arch replacement.
Jörg Kempfert New Technology Task Force
Techno-College is a great forum to learn more about new devices and this year’s programme includes presentations on a new laser assisted distal coronary artery connector device and as well as new devices for transcatheter mitral and tricuspid replacement.
We are always looking at new ways to improve the experience for delegates and this year we have invited a procedural analyst to join each session to provide a structured explanation of the technical details and key features of the latest techniques and devices showcased throughout the day. This is an exciting addition which we are confident will enhance the educational experience for delegates.
This year’s Techno-College will have a clear emphasis on new surgical techniques and innovative tools and devices to be used in surgical procedures.
The prestigious Francis Fontan Fund has added three new fellowships to the 2023-24 programme. Sixteen fellowships are now available in total and some of these offer several places.
The opportunity to develop key skills and gain experience working alongside some of the leading surgeons in their field has helped build the reputation of the programme, leading to a considerable rise in applications in 2022. Past fellows frequently cite the value of taking part in the programme highlighting the positive impact on patient care in their home institutions and the long-term relationships established with both peers and experts around the world.
NEW Adult Congenital Heart Disease
This fellowship provides the selected Fellow with the opportunity to obtain both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills within the full spectrum of Adult Congenital Heart Disease, including all treatment modalities for congenital aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency and (neo-) aortic root aneurysm.
This fellowship will take place within the Centrum voor Aangeboren Hartafwijkingen Amsterdam Leiden (CAHAL) which is a renowned high-volume centre that has developed from a successful 25-year partnership between two university hospitals in Leiden and Amsterdam.
“The Francis Fontan Fund provides an invaluable opportunity for surgeons to expand their knowledge and skills and learn from some of the renowned experts in cardiothoracic surgery, gaining vital experience which will benefit patients in their home centres and support career development. We are therefore delighted to continue growing our investment in the fellowship programme to offer more fellowships and more opportunities for EACTS members.”
Applications for the FFF 202324 programme open on 1st July 2023. More details about the programme and how to apply can be found here
NEW Thoracic and Minimally Invasive Surgery (China)
This 12-month fellowship programme aims to provide an unprecedented opportunity for young thoracic surgeons to improve their understanding in diagnosis and treatment in thoracic oncology and to master state-of-the-art skills in surgical management focusing on minimally invasive approaches at the Shanghai Chest Hospital, a super-high-volume centre.
NEW Robotic Surgery – Thoracic
Young surgeons will be offered the chance to visit and learn from expert centres across Europe. Importantly, as well as being able to observe robotic surgery in action, they will have an opportunity to perform surgery using a dual console.
The following fellowships are also available through the Francis Fontan Fund.
• Advanced Postoperative Care
• Aortic Root and Valve Repair
• Atrial Fibrillation
• International Travelling: TSF/FFF Fellowship
• International Travelling: TSF/FFF with LACES
• International Travelling : Quality & Outcomes with MSTCVS
• MICS CABG
• OPCAB
• OPCAB Extended
• Robotic Surgery – Cardiac
• UCL Masters, Clinical Trials & Statistics (applications closed)
• Ukrainian Support Programme
• VATS
“The Francis Fontan Fellowship programme offers the best opportunity for surgeons to extend their knowledge and share experiences with colleagues. To visit centres of excellence around the globe and have the ability to discuss surgical approaches is both unique and invaluable.
“I have developed long lasting friendships and relationships that I’m confident will provide support and advice throughout my career. I would encourage all surgeons to seize the opportunity to take part in the fellowship programme and experience the work of centres around the world.”
“Taking part in the Francis Fontan Fund Fellowship in Barcelona, under the supervision of Dr. Eduard Quintana, has been invaluable, providing high-quality specialty training as well as introducing me to new technologies, like robotic surgery.
“For a trainee resident like me, it’s a perfect setting to see the whole of cardiac surgery whilst being mentored and trained by specialists. I will take this knowledge back to my clinic in Ukraine to help other residents who are in need of education and training.”
“The Atrial Fibrillation Fellowship has truly changed the way I see and practice heart surgery. I have acquired knowledge that allows me to have new notions of indications for AF ablation and new surgical techniques to achieve the goals I set for myself and my patients.
“I am confident that the knowledge that I have acquired as part of this Fellowship will increase my centre’s experience in treating Atrial Fibrillation. The ability to perform different procedures will help to increase the spectrum of patients who can be treated and undoubtedly improve overall outcomes.”
“I am privileged to be part of the Fellowship programme. In my mind however, this is just the beginning of an educational process which will enable me to become ‘expert’ in the field of OPCAB.
“Professor Sousa Uva and I have already discussed the next phase of my progression in this field. I have no doubt being part of the Francis Fontan Fellowship programme will lay strong foundations for my future career and training once I complete my surgical programme.”
Past fellows frequently cite the value of taking part in the programme highlighting the positive impact on patient care in their home institutions.
Congratulations to our Reviewers of the Year 2022, 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 reviewers from each journal.
“I feel very honoured. As one of the reviewers, I have tried to accept all invitations to review papers, to be unbiased as well as scientific, and to return my comments to the Editors as soon as possible.”
Over 2,300 submissions were received by EJCTS last year from over 60 countries worldwide.
“It has been a privilege to have served as a reviewer for Interdisciplinary CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery. My journey as a reviewer so far has been enlightening and extremely satisfactory. The entire process of how a manuscript moves from submission to a final decision for publication or not is quite fascinating. I feel accomplished to realise that I have played a small but significant role in shaping up peadiatric cardiac surgical literature that will remain a permanent reference for the way the specialty will be practiced. The insights of my co-reviewers and the editors of the journal have been invaluable in determining the sort of reviewer I aspire to be and have contributed in no small measure to my growth as a reviewer. I thank the journal for providing me with this rewarding opportunity.”
Over 700 manuscripts were submitted to ICVTS from over 50 countries worldwide.
EJCTS
The modified frozen elephant trunk may outperform limited and extended-classic repair in acute type I dissection
Eric E Roselli, Benjamin Kramer, Emidio Germano et al
Results and insights after 413 TAVI procedures performed by cardiac surgeons on their own
Pietro Giorgio Malvindi, Paolo Berretta, Filippo Capestro et al
Clipless skeletonized internal mammary artery harvesting with harmonic technology
Zivojin S. Jonjev, Aleksandar M. Milosavljevic, Novica Kalinic & Adam Adam
Since the introduction of the mammary artery harvesting procedure, electrocautery has been used as a standard method of care. However, mammary artery spasm, subadventitial haematoma and mammary artery damage due to clips dispositioning or high thermal energy injury have been recorded. To achieve a perfect mammary artery graft, we propose the usage of a high-frequency ultrasound device, usually recognized as a harmonic scalpel. It reduces thermal-related injuries, the use of clips and the risk of mammary artery spasm and/or dissection.
Repair of infectious thoracoabdominal aneurysm and coeliacomesentric trunk with removal of endovascular graft
Vasiliki Gregory, Rahim Hirani, Kathleen Harwood, Ameesh Isath, David Spielvogel & Suguru Ohira
Infectious aneurysm of the thoracic or abdominal aorta is a rare clinical condition. We present the case of a 72-year-old female with an infectious thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with a coeliacomesenteric trunk requiring open repair following endovascular therapy. Following removal of the endovascular graft, the thoracoabdominal aorta was repaired using cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermia. The common trunk of the superior mesenteric artery and the coeliac artery was then reconstructed, which included endarterectomy of the super mesenteric artery to create a cuff for an anastomosis. This case demonstrates the challenges associated with the endovascular repair of a condition with an infectious aetiology and highlights the necessity of open repair in complex cases with aberrant vascular anatomy.
EJCTS
Consensus on technical procedures for simulation-based training in thoracic surgery: an international needs assessment
Tamim Ahmad Haidari, Leizl Joy Nayahangan, Flemming Bjerrum et al
ICVTS
Symptomatic late saphenous vein graft failure in coronary artery bypass surgery
Mikael Janiec, Axel Dimberg, Rickard P F Lindblom
Join our host, Miia L Lehtinen, as she speaks to Stephen Clark, Chair of The European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS), Edu Quintana, Secretary, EBCTS and Yvonne Hurst, expert in examination science/ educational advisor to EBCTS, about the history of the EBCTS, what the exam is like, why it’s important and how it supports the mission to ensure high standards for cardiothoracic surgeons.
www.eacts.org/resources/a-cut-abovepodcast/
