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Education

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Be part of the next STS Leadership Institute graduate class!
Event dates
Mar 21, 2024 – Jan 24, 2025
Location
Zoom, Chicago, and Los Angeles
How to manage an airway injury and other challenging cases
Date
7 p.m. E.T.
Demystify the Oral Board Exam with STS Prep
Event dates
Apr 16 – May 7, 2024
Location
Virtual

News & Media

The latest from the field of thoracic surgeryView All >

Abiomed is recalling the instructions for use of its Impella Left Sided Blood Pumps because the pump catheter may perforate (cut) the wall of the left ventricle in the heart. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall-- the most urgent type of recall-- where use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. 

The recalled devices include: 

  • US Available Product Names: Impella 2.5; Impella CP; Impella CP with SmartAssist; Impella 5.0; Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist ; Impella LD 
  • Product Codes:  See Recall Database Entry 
  • Distribution Dates: October 10, 2021 to October 10, 2023 

During operations, the recalled Impella device could cut through the wall of the left ventricle. Use of the pumps could cause left ventricle perforation or free wall rupture, hypertension, lack of blood flow, and death. The FDA stated that there have been 129 reported serious injuries, including 49 reports of death. 

Customers of Impella devices should have received an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter from Abiomed on December 27, 2023. The letter requested customers adhere to the following new and revised warnings: 

  • Carefully position the pump catheter during operative procedures 
  • Use imaging when advancing or torquing the pump catheter 
  • Use special care when inserting the pump catheter in patients with certain high-risk conditions or during active CPR 
  • Review the updated warnings in the device’s Instructions for Use 
  • Notify everyone at your facility who needs to be informed of this recall correction 
  • Notify any other facilities where the products have been forwarded the updated Instructions for Use  

If you have questions about this recall, contact Abiomed, Inc. at (978) 646-1400. To report a problem, complete the FDA reporting form

Mar 26, 2024
2 min read
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women's history month

Cardiothoracic surgery has historically been dominated by men. Yet the narrative of women in the specialty is one of groundbreaking achievements, perseverance, and resilience. 

4 min read
Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS
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changing jobs
Cardiothoracic surgeons often are faced with desirable opportunities to change institutions. Melanie Edwards, MD, a member of the STS Career Development Communications Task Force explains, it's important to take your time weighing the pros and cons. The worst thing you can do is get swept up in the moment and make a decision too quickly. 
4 min read
Melanie Edwards, MD
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STS News Banner
STS News, the Society’s quarterly magazine for members only, brings you the latest CT surgery news, research, stories, and more to help keep you in the know and connected to your peers.

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Member Voices

Joseph F. Sabik

Joseph F. Sabik III, MD

STS Second Vice President
It’s about making sure that patients get the right treatment, so they can have the best long-term outcomes.
Africa Wallace, MD

Africa F. Wallace, MD

DEI Workforce Member
Our roles as attendings, division chiefs, chairs, coaches, and mentors come with a larger responsibility.

Robert S.D. Higgins, MD

STS Past President
STS was the first place where I was welcomed to be part of like-minded surgeons focused on patients, who improved outcomes, and had a mission.