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On June 7-8, 2024, in Miami, more than 120 cardiothoracic surgeons and heart team members from around the world gathered for the third annual STS Coronary Conference. With a focus on the technical aspects of coronary surgery, attendees experienced case-based panel discussions, abstract sessions, practical tips and tricks, and interactive “How I Do It” video presentations featuring surgical techniques.

The two-day event covered a wide range of topics, including conduit selection and harvest, graft configuration, off- and on-pump CABG, and a stepwise approach to minimally invasive coronary surgery, from MIDCAB to advanced multivessel revascularization.

"Coronary surgery is a sub-specialty within cardiac surgery, so it’s important for future surgeons to be skilled in off-pump surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and traditional on-pump cross clamp surgical techniques,” said Chase Brown, MD, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, and a course presenter.  “Attendees were able to learn from experts leading the way in the field.”

"The most exciting things I learned about were the technical aspects of coronary sequential grafting," said cardiac surgery resident Dr. Kevin An from the University of Toronto. “It’s an area I’m interested in implementing into my practice.” 

Here's what a few other attendees said about the Coronary Conference:

• "I enjoyed the panel discussions at the end of each session – I learned as much from them as I did from each of the presentations."
• "So many great presentations. I think the 'How to Prevent AKI After CABG' presentation by Dr. Daniel Engleman may have been my favorite."
• "After attending the sessions, we will add certain changes in the steps for endoscopic harvesting of the saphenous vein, as well as measures to reduce and prevent sternal wound complications."
• "In the future, I would like to see more perioperative content and learn how to implant an Impella 5.5."
• "I really enjoyed the conference.  It was worth coming to the US from Brazil to take the course."
• "As a result of attending the conference, I would tend to perform MAG-TAG more often to more patients, use the skeletonization technique to decrease sternal wound infections, and practice the Y-T graft."

View all conference abstracts. 

Check out our event photo gallery.

The STS Workshop on Robotic Cardiac Surgery held May 9-10 in Peachtree Corners, Ga., offered 80 surgeons from across the country two days of hands-on team training for mitral valve repair, coronary bypass, and other surgery procedures in a cardiac robotics simulation environment.

Here are the top five benefits that surgeon attendees received from the experience:

1. Innovation: Attendees trained in robotic mitral valve procedures and robotic coronary revascularization using the latest techniques and technology. Multiple operating bays fitted with surgical robots allowed participants to sit at the console to control the robots.  

2. Training: The program offered a variety of educational activities for surgeons, including real-world simulations, case videos, faculty discussions, emphasized patient selection, perioperative management and postoperative care, and operative techniques.

3. Collaboration: The workshop was designed for both beginner robotic surgical teams who are looking for fundamental information and guidance on how to build a program, as well as advanced robotic surgical teams already practicing cardiac surgery robotics and are looking to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their program.  

4. Access to luminary experts in the field: The workshop was led by world-renowned robotic heart surgeons. The surgeons who served as faculty not only mastered the use of robotics in cardiac surgery, but they also helped define it. 

5. Networking: Robotic Cardiac Surgery Workshop attendees connected with surgeons from across the country who are on the cutting edge of robotic cardiac surgery. 

Feedback on the conference was overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few highlights:

• "The best presentation was the one on preoperative criteria and assessment for robotic mitral valve patients." 
• "The session content was helpful for those thinking about starting a robotic mitral valve program." 
• "The presentations given by early-stage faculty on difficult cases where they had to convert to open were very helpful." 
• "Dr. Joanna Chikwe's session on complications of mitral valve repairs was wonderful.  I loved this presentation."
• "The most valuable sessions were those that offered peer-to-peer interaction with the experienced surgeons, including the hands-on lab."
• "I think the courses being part lecture and part hands-on gave the background and data to support what we are doing in the lab.  Even more hands-on time would be great, as well."
   

In a bid to foster professional development and guidance for aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has unveiled a unique mentorship program tailored for medical students and residents.

The initiative, created with the Thoracic Surgery Medical Student Association (TSMA), aims to bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and the next generation of surgeons. It delves into the intricacies of cardiothoracic surgery and forms collaborative relationships between early careerists and students. The new program is an extension of the current STS mentorship program that matches trainees with senior surgeons. 

The newly introduced medical student and resident mentorship opportunity is set to personalize the way aspiring surgeons acquire training, career advice, and other essential insights. The goal is to connect medical students eager for guidance with cardiothoracic surgery residents and fellows and facilitate a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience. It is an expansion of the current STS mentorship program that matches trainees with senior surgeons.  

Under this program, medical students are empowered to seek mentorship from residents and fellows, gaining crucial insights into cardiothoracic surgery as a specialty. The mentorship extends beyond theoretical knowledge, offering practical guidance on residency programs, the interview process, rotations, and other aspects vital for navigating the field successfully. This hands-on approach provides aspiring surgeons with a comprehensive understanding of the demands and opportunities within the specialty, aiding them in making informed career decisions. 

Moreover, the program benefits residents and fellows too, giving them an opportunity to hone their mentorship skills while contributing to the development of future generations of cardiothoracic surgeons. By assuming the role of mentors, residents and fellows gain valuable leadership experience and the satisfaction of guiding and shaping the careers of aspiring professionals. Through this reciprocal relationship, both mentors and mentees contribute to the advancement of the field while fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.

Joseph Phillips, MD, thoracic surgeon, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and chair of the STS Mentorship Task Force, expressed confidence in the program's potential to significantly impact STS Medical Student and Resident/Fellow members. He emphasized the importance of mentorship in nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment conducive to professional growth.

“In a rapidly evolving field like cardiothoracic surgery, mentorship serves as a cornerstone for success, offering guidance, support, and inspiration to young surgeons as they embark on their professional journey,” said Dr. Phillips. “With this initiative, STS reaffirms its dedication to nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery.” 

It's just one more way STS is helping to cultivate a vibrant and resilient community of cardiothoracic surgeons poised to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.