Formerly the STS Coronary Conference, this event has a new name and is being completely redesigned to create a truly immersive, highly interactive, and dynamic educational experience.
At the center of this transformation is an entirely new presentation format. Each session will feature faculty experts moving freely and examining a topic together, with the goal of creating an environment built around conversation, interaction, and shared learning rather than formal lectures. The educational experience will be further amplified through extensive operative videos, cinematic surgical footage, live technical analysis, troubleshooting discussions, and direct audience participation throughout each session.
Sessions will focus on coronary surgery from the very fundamentals to advanced contemporary techniques. Whether discussing the perfect distal coronary anastomosis, conduit selection, graft configuration strategies, minimally invasive coronary surgery, robotic approaches, or complex intraoperative decision-making, the emphasis will remain practical, visual, and interactive.
In addition, attendees will rotate through dedicated hands-on workshops focused on practical technical skills and emerging technologies in coronary surgery, including:
- Coronary anastomosis training
- Robotic coronary surgery platforms
- Atrial fibrillation ablation technologies
- Transit-time flow measurement (TTFM)
- Echo assessment of distal targets and anastomoses
- Faculty-guided simulation and technical coaching
This combination of immersive discussion and practical hands-on learning is intended to redefine how coronary surgery education is delivered within STS.
In order to allow for a truly immersive and dynamic educational experience – one in which the distance between faculty and participants is eliminated – the number of available Academy spots will be limited. Register early to secure your spot!
"Getting Ready" Webinar
An interactive, case-based webinar will serve as a preview of the 2026 STS CABG Academy. Some of the Academy’s expert faculty will present learnings on the core themes of the event: coronary anastomosis technique, conduit selection and grafting strategy, minimally invasive and robotic CABG, and career development in academic coronary surgery. Learn more and register for free.
Abstract Submission
STS is now accepting scientific abstracts, surgical videos, and case presentations for consideration at the CABG Academy. The submission deadline is July 7, 2026. Learn more and submit your research.
Course Directors
Mario F. Gaudino, MD, PhD
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, NY, USA
David Glineur, MD, PhD
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
St. Johns, NL, Canada
Sigrid Sandner, MD
Medical University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Learning Objectives
At the end of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Discuss the latest advancements in coronary surgery techniques, including off-pump and on-pump CABG, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, and personalized grafting strategies.
- Compare and contrast various conduit selection methods and their impact on surgical outcomes in coronary revascularization.
- Apply strategies for managing high-risk patient populations in coronary surgery, incorporating advanced imaging and hybrid coronary revascularization techniques.
- Describe and demonstrate the various techniques in conduit harvesting.
- Describe and demonstrate the various master techniques in graft configuration.
Agenda
Pricing
Early bird rates are available through July 21, 2026. STS Members save even more!
| Category | Early Bird (through July 21, 2026) | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|
| STS Member - Surgeon/Physician | $950 | $1,100 |
| STS Member - Resident, Fellow, or Medical Student | $500 | $650 |
| STS Member - Allied Health | $350 | $500 |
| Non-Member - Surgeon/Physician | $1,150 | $1,300 |
| Non-Member - Resident, Fellow, or Medical Student | $650 | $800 |
| Non-Member - Allied Health | $500 | $650 |
| Industry Employee | $1,200 | $1,400 |
An STS Member ID (6 digits) is required to receive the discounted member rate. For help retrieving your STS Member ID, contact Member Services.
Cancelations
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons will issue a refund, minus a $100 administrative fee, for all cancelations received in writing by Sept. 3, 2026. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Housing
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Westin Chicago River North. The special STS group rate is $340, plus state and local taxes, and is guaranteed through Wednesday, Aug. 26, or until the group block is sold out. Guest rooms reserved after the cutoff date or when the room block is sold out are subject to hotel availability. Reserve online.
Industry Opportunities
Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with your audience, display your products and services, and help inspire the next generation of coronary surgeons. Exhibit space is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you secure your exhibit space, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase symposia, email blast communications, or support the meeting through an educational grant. View the prospectus.
Ethical MedTech Compliance
This course has been assessed by Ethical MedTech and is pre-cleared as compliant with the MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice and EFPIA Code of Practice.
