Presented Sept. 17–19 in Chicago, the 2026 STS CABG Academy—hosted by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons—delivered an immersive educational experience for cardiothoracic surgeons and team members focused on skills development, practical learning, and collaboration in coronary revascularization.
Formerly known as the STS Coronary Conference, the program moved beyond traditional lectures to emphasize dynamic, conversation-driven sessions. Expert faculty explored critical topics through operative videos, cinematic surgical footage, live technical analysis, and troubleshooting discussions, creating an interactive environment that encouraged audience participation and shared learning.
The three-day conference featured hands-on workshops, abstract presentations, and sessions covering advanced grafting strategies, minimally invasive and robotic coronary surgery, conduit selection, hybrid revascularization, and the surgical management of concomitant atrial fibrillation and high-risk patients.
One of the highlights of the event was the Anastomosis Challenge, a three-phase competition testing participants’ knowledge, technical skills, and ability to interpret transit-time flow measurements. The challenge culminated with the CABG Academy Finalists Showdown and an awards ceremony recognizing top performances in the competition and poster presentations.
Experiences like these are central to the STS CABG Academy. Throughout the meeting, attendees gained practical skills, learned directly from experienced surgeons, and built connections with colleagues and faculty that can extend beyond the conference.
Through hands-on learning, close interaction with expert faculty, and innovative educational formats, the program provided participants with practical tools and techniques to enhance coronary surgery practice.
