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."
In this first episode of Thinking Thoracic, podcast host Dr. Erin Gillaspie talks with Dr. Wade Iams about notable takeaways on key clinical trials presented at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer and how these findings will help shape the thoracic surgery landscape. They share proactive steps on enhancing relationships within a multidisciplinary lung cancer care team and improving handoffs between specialties like surgery, medical oncology, and radiation.
As Lung Cancer Awareness Month begins, it’s important to reflect on the significant efforts made by STS over the past year to advocate for improved lung cancer outcomes and raise awareness. Key initiatives have included:
Zoom credentials will be shared with registrants closer to the event date.
Join STS-PAC Chair Keith S. Naunheim, MD, and STS Council on Health Policy and Relationships Chair Joseph C. Cleveland Jr., MD, for a conversation about the outcome of the 2024 election and how it will affect cardiothoracic surgeons, their practices, and their patients.
Dr. Steven Gerndt is a cardiothoracic surgeon, speaker, and leadership mentor who developed the concept “Civilitas,” a system-wide cultural transformation focused on psychological safety and fostering of leadership by example. In this episode, Dr. Gerndt talks about his work dedicated to helping organizations and people navigate personal crises through counseling, affirmation, and empathy. He emphasizes the critical importance of allowing people in crisis to be heard.
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.
STS podcasts feature conversations with member surgeons and expert influencers that shine a light on the most pressing issues and opportunities in CT surgery, leadership and surgeon wellness. Discover new ideas. Hear different perspectives, Find connections.
Thank you to our 2024 STS-PAC Contributors January 1 to October 9, 2024
Platinum Level ($2,500-$5,000)
Vinay Badhwar, MD
Joseph Bavaria, MD
Edward Bove, MD
Joanna Chikwe, MD
Joseph Cleveland Jr., MD
Anthony L. Estrera, MD
Robert Headrick, MD
Dawn Hui, MD
Karen Kim, MD
Samuel Kim, MD
Thomas MacGillivray, MD
Cullen Morris, MD
Wilson Szeto, MD
Jess Thompson III, MD
Vinod Thourani, MD
Eric Vallieres, MD
Congress recently passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through Dec. 20, providing a reprieve before another potential budget showdown. Despite the urgency of keeping the government running, significant progress has been made on key STS advocacy priorities in the House of Representatives.
More than 100 cardiothoracic surgeons, fellows, residents, and advanced practice providers participated in the 2024 STS Mastering Valve Surgery Workshop in Chicago on Sept 20-21. The two-day event included lectures, case-based presentations, and breakout sessions focused on mastering modern-day valve surgery, including open and transcatheter procedures for aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves.
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Attendees participate in a hands-on aortic valve surgery session.
"This workshop stands out for its unique blend of theoretical instruction and practical hands-on training, covering both surgical and transcatheter techniques for all valve types," said co-course director Tsuyoshi Kaneko, MD, of Washington University in St. Louis. "The active participation and insightful questions from both domestic and international attendees highlighted the course's relevance and impact."
Attendees honed their skills through small-group, hands-on experiences in wet lab settings to learn the latest in advanced valve techniques (aortic root enlargement, Ross Procedure, minimally invasive valve surgery), transcatheter therapies, and atrial fibrillation.
"I'm pleased that the valve surgery courses encompassed both traditional surgical techniques and emerging transcatheter procedures," said co-course director Katherine Harrington, MD, of Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas. “To remain at the forefront of the latest technologies in the field, we must continually update our knowledge and ensure our outcomes are exceptional, fostering collaboration with structural heart experts."
Here's what a few attendees said about the Valve Surgery Workshop:
"I enjoyed the panel discussions at the end of each session and found the small-group wet labs extremely helpful.” — Alex Wang, physician assistant, Johns Hopkins Health System
"The best sessions were aortic root enlargement by Dr. Yang, mitral valve surgery by Dr. Badhwar, and TAVR explant by Dr. Kaneko."
"Overall, it was a valuable experience to interact with experts and directly view the pig heart. The catheter-based procedure simulators were also helpful for learning."
"Great courses and discussion topics, exemplary faculty, and I enjoyed the hands-on sessions."
"Moving forward, I will adopt the aortic root enlargement technique as explained by Dr. Yang, the mitral valve replacement technique of Dr. Badhwar, and the Ross Procedure technique detailed by Dr. El-Hamamsy. I also intend to incorporate the maze and atrial clip procedures more frequently into my practice."
