The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS) recently co-hosted the inaugural Aortic Summit 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. This international event brought together leading experts in the field to discuss advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic aortic lesions, including endovascular approaches.

The summit was designed to cater to a diverse audience, including cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, CT residents, perfusionists, and ICU and OR nurses. 

The comprehensive three-day program covered a wide range of topics, including root, arch, descending aorta, TEVAR, dissection, and hybrid procedures. Participants had the opportunity to learn from experts, network with colleagues, and gain valuable insights into the latest techniques and technologies.

"The sessions delved into the latest developments through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops," said Yutaka Okita, MD, Congress President for the STS-ASCVTS Aortic Summit 2024. "The event featured a number of eminent speakers from all over the world, who shared their expertise and achievements with attendees.”

Dec 4, 2024
1 min read

On October 25-26, 2024, more than 230 members of perioperative and critical care teams from around the world gathered in Philadelphia for the 2024 Perioperative & Critical Care Conference. The conference focused on the latest techniques and management strategies in cardiovascular and thoracic critical care, as well as enhanced recovery after surgery. Participants gained valuable insights and practical strategies aimed at optimizing patient care and improving outcomes. 

The two-day event covered a wide range of topics, including fundamentals of waveforms and monitoring, goal-directed hemodynamic therapy and AKI prevention, ECMO fundamentals, improving communication in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit, and vasoplegia management. 

Here's what a few attendees said about the Perioperative & Critical Care Conference:

  •  "In the ECMO session, we not only saw the latest in technology and innovation, but also learned techniques that will help us treat our patients and get them out of the hospital in better condition,” Dr. Jeremiah Hayanga, West Virginia University Health System
  • "The conference was well-paced and engaging. The speakers were captivating, and the discussions were thought-provoking. The two days flew by!"
  • "The STS team did a fantastic job with the logistics of this large-scale conference. The recordings and slides will be a great way to review the material and share it with colleagues.”
  • "The conference was informative and highlighted areas where we can improve our practices. I appreciate the multidisciplinary focus, which is essential for optimal patient care."
  •  "As an APP, I truly enjoyed the conference and felt that the presentation and topics aligned well with my role. I look forward to attending again next year."

Check out our event photo gallery

Dec 4, 2024
2 min read
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International surgeons

It is time to reconsider the management of Aortic valve Disease (AVD) across the world. In South Asian and Sub-Saharan African nations, in low-income countries, AVD is treated with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Patients receive mechanical valves. The population is younger than in high-income countries and the disease is different, mostly of rheumatic origin. 

4 min read
A. Sampath Kumar, MD

CHICAGO, IL – October 17, 2024 – The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) announces the release of two new risk calculators to inform physician-patient decision-making in thoracic surgery. Engineered using contemporary data from the STS General Thoracic Surgery Database, these interactive tools provide surgeons with accurate, preoperative risk estimations for outcomes of esophagectomy for cancer and pulmonary resection for lung cancer. 

Oct 23, 2024

Overview

ProHealth Heart and Vascular Care in Waukesha, Wis., embarked on a multidisciplinary initiative to reduce ventilation times for isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting patients at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. The goals: Reduce the risk of patient harm associated with mechanical ventilation and achieve significant improvements in teamwork and safety culture.

CHICAGO April 26, 2024  The expanding use of transcatheter technologies has changed the landscape in the treatment of valvular disease in adult cardiac patients, with valve surgery rapidly shifting to more complex interventions frequently involving other concomitant procedures.

Apr 26, 2024