From the AATS

One of the primary features of the October issue of JTCVS is the topic of multiple arterial revascularization. This issue begins the study with an editorial and follows up with several articles on revascularization accompanied by commentaries. The next issue of Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery will continue to highlight this topic through commentaries written by the authors of the revascularization papers listed below. Each commentary will discuss the content, results, and implications of the other papers. Multiple arterial grafting may be the next frontier for cardiac surgery.

Editorial

Courtesy of Mosby

Coronary bypass: Is it time to take the next step—the routine use of the second arterial graft?

Michael E. Halkos and Robert A. Guyton

In this issue, 3 studies from highly experienced coronary centers lend further support for a multiarterial grafting strategy. Graft patency and even long-term survival may be improved by this strategy. The evidence, although not level A, is persuasive; a second arterial graft should become routine in most cases.

Acquired Cardiovascular Disease

Total arterial revascularization with internal thoracic and radial artery grafts in triple-vessel coronary artery disease is associated with improved survival

Brian F. Buxton, William Y. Shi, James Tatoulis, John A. Fuller, Alexander Rosalion, and Philip A. Hayward

Total arterial revascularization using internal thoracic and radial artery conduits was associated with improved late survival in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease compared with conventional single internal thoracic and saphenous vein grafts. This benefit may result in superior graft patency and protection of the native circulation.

▶ Buxton and colleagues from Australia reviewed over 6,000 isolated CABG patients with 3 vessel CAD over a 15 year period (1995-2010) and propensity matched 384 pairs of patients with either all arterial grafting vs. the use of one IMA and SVG. They found a highly significant survival advantage at 15 years in the total arterial revascularization group vs. the one IMA with SVG group (Kaplan Meier, following multivariable Cox regression, and after propensity matching). The authors concluded that, “total arterial revascularization should be encouraged in patients with a reasonable life expectancy”. Interestingly, only 36% of patients had use of bilateral IMA grafts, 97% of patients had at least one radial artery graft (52% had single radial grafts and 48% had bilateral grafts), and only 51% of RIMA grafts were used in-situ. The authors highlighted the potential benefit derived from use of the radial artery graft. This article is of particular interest because it involved a large number of patients (propensity matched) over a 15 year period, and it nicely demonstrated a highly significant benefit to long term survival when arterial grafting was utilized. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Total arterial revascularization: When will its time come?

Todd K. Rosengart

The long-term impact of diabetes on graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: A substudy of the multicenter Radial Artery Patency Study

Saswata Deb, Steve K. Singh, Fuad Moussa, Hideki Tsubota, Dai Une, Alex Kiss, George Tomlinson, Mehdi Afshar, Ryan Sless, Eric A. Cohen, Sam Radhakrishnan, James Dubbin, Leonard Schwartz, and Stephen E. Fremes on behalf of the Radial Artery Patency Study Investigators

Radial artery grafts compared with saphenous vein grafts were associated with a lower rate of late graft occlusion in diabetic patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Predictors against late graft occlusion included the use of radial arteries and high-grade target vessel stenosis. The type of conduit and late occlusion were influenced by diabetic status.

▶ Deb and colleagues from Toronto, Ottawa, and Texas Heart Institute reviewed patency rates in 269 low risk (<80 yrs, elective, EF>35%) isolated CABG patients (with 3 vessel CAD) from the Radial Artery Patency Study (each patient underwent randomization dictating use of radial artery or vein graft to separate territories). Patients underwent diagnostic angiography (N=234) or CT angio (N=35) at least 5 years postoperatively. New data presented are long term (>5 yr) patency in diabetics. The authors noted that the proportion of complete graft occlusion was significantly lower in radial artery grafts vs. saphenous grafts in diabetics; however, it was similar in non-diabetics. Interestingly, there was no difference in the occlusion rate of the IMA graft in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Multivariate modeling demonstrated female sex, smoking history, and elevated creatinine as increased risk factors for late graft occlusion; whereas use of the radial artery and high grade target stenosis (>90% vs. 70-89% stenosis) were protective. The authors concluded that the study supports the use of the radial artery as a second conduit is appropriate in diabetic patients. Using blinded angiographic follow-up, this study importantly supports the use of arterial grafting, and specifically the use of the radial artery, in diabetic patients. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Arterial grafting and the challenge of the patient with diabetes

Paul A. Kurlansky

Surgical revascularization techniques that minimize surgical risk and maximize late survival after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes mellitus

Sajjad Raza, Joseph F. Sabik III, Khalil Masabni, Ponnuthurai Ainkaran, Bruce W. Lytle, and Eugene H. Blackstone

BITA grafting with complete revascularization maximized long-term survival and is recommended for patients with diabetes undergoing surgical revascularization. It should be used in all patients with diabetes whose risk of DSWI is low and might be best avoided in obese diabetic women with diffuse atherosclerotic burden.

▶ Raza and colleagues from the Cleveland Clinic reviewed over 11,922 diabetic isolated CABG patients over a 39 year period (1972-2011) and attempted to identify patients that would derive the greatest survival benefit from an optimal surgical technique by evaluating 12 possible surgical combinations (no use of IMA, use of one IMA, use of 2 IMA grafts, incomplete revascularization, complete revascularization, off-pump, and on- pump CABG). After adjusting for patient characteristics, use of 2 IMA grafts was better than one IMA graft (21% lower late mortality), two IMA grafts was associated with more deep sternal wound infections (yet this had a small effect on survival), and complete revascularization was associated with lower late mortality (10%) compared to incomplete revascularization. Interestingly, additional risks for deep sternal wound infection included: female sex, medically treated diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, and higher BMI; and HgA1C was not. The authors concluded that the strategy with the best predicted survival was one including use of 2 IMA grafts, complete revascularization, and off-pump techniques. The worst strategy was one including no IMA grafts, incomplete revascularization, and on-pump techniques. They noted that the survival benefit associated with the best combination was largely due to the benefit of the use of 2 IMA grafts. This article importantly reinforces the known benefit to long term survival with the use of 2 IMA grafts over one in a very large cohort of diabetic patients. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Two internal thoracic arteries really are better

Andrea Carpenter

Readers who found these articles interesting may also like to read the following papers in recent and future issues of the JTCVS sister publications, Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

Seminars

▶ Discussion in Cardiothoracic Treatment and Care: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. John Puskas, Harold Lazar, Michael Mack, Joseph Sabik, David Taggart. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014 Spring; 26(1):75-94.

▶ News and Views: Editorials on Multiple Arterial Grafting. Brian Buxton and Stephen Fremes (expected publication December 2014).

▶ News and Views: Role of PCI in the Treatment of Left Main Coronary Disease. A. P. Kappetein. (expected publication December 2014).

▶ State of the Art: Post-CABG antiplatelet therapy. Victor Ferraris (expected publication December 2014).

Operative Techniques

▶ Repair of Postinfarct Ventricular Septal Defect: Anterior Apical Ventricular Septal Defect. John Conte. Oper Tech Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Spring;19(1):96-114.

▶ Repair of Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defect: Posterior Inferior Ventricular Septal Defect.Thomas Gleason. Oper Tech Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Spring; 19(1):115-126

Upcoming Issues of JTCVS

The November issue of JTCVS will feature editorials, articles, and commentaries on graft patency and long-term survival with off-pump CABG, cerebral protection during congenital heart surgery, and the current status of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. December will include editorials, articles, and commentaries on cerebral protection during aortic surgery and CABG for poor LVF.

Articles in Press

Don’t forget to visit the Journal’s Articles in Press section at http://jtcvs.com/inpress. Articles appear online shortly after acceptance in their submitted format, which is replaced with the final formatted version once the authors have approved their proofs. Once an article goes online in the Articles in Press section it is indexed in Medline, fully searchable and citable before ever appearing in print. You can also sign up for the Articles in Press email alerts or RSS feed, much as you would sign up for an electronic table of contents alert for the print issue. Go to http://jtcvs.com/user/alerts/saveaipalert.

One of the primary features of the October issue of JTCVS is the topic of multiple arterial revascularization. This issue begins the study with an editorial and follows up with several articles on revascularization accompanied by commentaries. The next issue of Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery will continue to highlight this topic through commentaries written by the authors of the revascularization papers listed below. Each commentary will discuss the content, results, and implications of the other papers. Multiple arterial grafting may be the next frontier for cardiac surgery.

Editorial

Courtesy of Mosby

Coronary bypass: Is it time to take the next step—the routine use of the second arterial graft?

Michael E. Halkos and Robert A. Guyton

In this issue, 3 studies from highly experienced coronary centers lend further support for a multiarterial grafting strategy. Graft patency and even long-term survival may be improved by this strategy. The evidence, although not level A, is persuasive; a second arterial graft should become routine in most cases.

Acquired Cardiovascular Disease

Total arterial revascularization with internal thoracic and radial artery grafts in triple-vessel coronary artery disease is associated with improved survival

Brian F. Buxton, William Y. Shi, James Tatoulis, John A. Fuller, Alexander Rosalion, and Philip A. Hayward

Total arterial revascularization using internal thoracic and radial artery conduits was associated with improved late survival in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease compared with conventional single internal thoracic and saphenous vein grafts. This benefit may result in superior graft patency and protection of the native circulation.

▶ Buxton and colleagues from Australia reviewed over 6,000 isolated CABG patients with 3 vessel CAD over a 15 year period (1995-2010) and propensity matched 384 pairs of patients with either all arterial grafting vs. the use of one IMA and SVG. They found a highly significant survival advantage at 15 years in the total arterial revascularization group vs. the one IMA with SVG group (Kaplan Meier, following multivariable Cox regression, and after propensity matching). The authors concluded that, “total arterial revascularization should be encouraged in patients with a reasonable life expectancy”. Interestingly, only 36% of patients had use of bilateral IMA grafts, 97% of patients had at least one radial artery graft (52% had single radial grafts and 48% had bilateral grafts), and only 51% of RIMA grafts were used in-situ. The authors highlighted the potential benefit derived from use of the radial artery graft. This article is of particular interest because it involved a large number of patients (propensity matched) over a 15 year period, and it nicely demonstrated a highly significant benefit to long term survival when arterial grafting was utilized. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Total arterial revascularization: When will its time come?

Todd K. Rosengart

The long-term impact of diabetes on graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: A substudy of the multicenter Radial Artery Patency Study

Saswata Deb, Steve K. Singh, Fuad Moussa, Hideki Tsubota, Dai Une, Alex Kiss, George Tomlinson, Mehdi Afshar, Ryan Sless, Eric A. Cohen, Sam Radhakrishnan, James Dubbin, Leonard Schwartz, and Stephen E. Fremes on behalf of the Radial Artery Patency Study Investigators

Radial artery grafts compared with saphenous vein grafts were associated with a lower rate of late graft occlusion in diabetic patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Predictors against late graft occlusion included the use of radial arteries and high-grade target vessel stenosis. The type of conduit and late occlusion were influenced by diabetic status.

▶ Deb and colleagues from Toronto, Ottawa, and Texas Heart Institute reviewed patency rates in 269 low risk (<80 yrs, elective, EF>35%) isolated CABG patients (with 3 vessel CAD) from the Radial Artery Patency Study (each patient underwent randomization dictating use of radial artery or vein graft to separate territories). Patients underwent diagnostic angiography (N=234) or CT angio (N=35) at least 5 years postoperatively. New data presented are long term (>5 yr) patency in diabetics. The authors noted that the proportion of complete graft occlusion was significantly lower in radial artery grafts vs. saphenous grafts in diabetics; however, it was similar in non-diabetics. Interestingly, there was no difference in the occlusion rate of the IMA graft in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Multivariate modeling demonstrated female sex, smoking history, and elevated creatinine as increased risk factors for late graft occlusion; whereas use of the radial artery and high grade target stenosis (>90% vs. 70-89% stenosis) were protective. The authors concluded that the study supports the use of the radial artery as a second conduit is appropriate in diabetic patients. Using blinded angiographic follow-up, this study importantly supports the use of arterial grafting, and specifically the use of the radial artery, in diabetic patients. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Arterial grafting and the challenge of the patient with diabetes

Paul A. Kurlansky

Surgical revascularization techniques that minimize surgical risk and maximize late survival after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes mellitus

Sajjad Raza, Joseph F. Sabik III, Khalil Masabni, Ponnuthurai Ainkaran, Bruce W. Lytle, and Eugene H. Blackstone

BITA grafting with complete revascularization maximized long-term survival and is recommended for patients with diabetes undergoing surgical revascularization. It should be used in all patients with diabetes whose risk of DSWI is low and might be best avoided in obese diabetic women with diffuse atherosclerotic burden.

▶ Raza and colleagues from the Cleveland Clinic reviewed over 11,922 diabetic isolated CABG patients over a 39 year period (1972-2011) and attempted to identify patients that would derive the greatest survival benefit from an optimal surgical technique by evaluating 12 possible surgical combinations (no use of IMA, use of one IMA, use of 2 IMA grafts, incomplete revascularization, complete revascularization, off-pump, and on- pump CABG). After adjusting for patient characteristics, use of 2 IMA grafts was better than one IMA graft (21% lower late mortality), two IMA grafts was associated with more deep sternal wound infections (yet this had a small effect on survival), and complete revascularization was associated with lower late mortality (10%) compared to incomplete revascularization. Interestingly, additional risks for deep sternal wound infection included: female sex, medically treated diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, and higher BMI; and HgA1C was not. The authors concluded that the strategy with the best predicted survival was one including use of 2 IMA grafts, complete revascularization, and off-pump techniques. The worst strategy was one including no IMA grafts, incomplete revascularization, and on-pump techniques. They noted that the survival benefit associated with the best combination was largely due to the benefit of the use of 2 IMA grafts. This article importantly reinforces the known benefit to long term survival with the use of 2 IMA grafts over one in a very large cohort of diabetic patients. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Two internal thoracic arteries really are better

Andrea Carpenter

Readers who found these articles interesting may also like to read the following papers in recent and future issues of the JTCVS sister publications, Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

Seminars

▶ Discussion in Cardiothoracic Treatment and Care: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. John Puskas, Harold Lazar, Michael Mack, Joseph Sabik, David Taggart. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014 Spring; 26(1):75-94.

▶ News and Views: Editorials on Multiple Arterial Grafting. Brian Buxton and Stephen Fremes (expected publication December 2014).

▶ News and Views: Role of PCI in the Treatment of Left Main Coronary Disease. A. P. Kappetein. (expected publication December 2014).

▶ State of the Art: Post-CABG antiplatelet therapy. Victor Ferraris (expected publication December 2014).

Operative Techniques

▶ Repair of Postinfarct Ventricular Septal Defect: Anterior Apical Ventricular Septal Defect. John Conte. Oper Tech Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Spring;19(1):96-114.

▶ Repair of Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defect: Posterior Inferior Ventricular Septal Defect.Thomas Gleason. Oper Tech Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Spring; 19(1):115-126

Upcoming Issues of JTCVS

The November issue of JTCVS will feature editorials, articles, and commentaries on graft patency and long-term survival with off-pump CABG, cerebral protection during congenital heart surgery, and the current status of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. December will include editorials, articles, and commentaries on cerebral protection during aortic surgery and CABG for poor LVF.

Articles in Press

Don’t forget to visit the Journal’s Articles in Press section at http://jtcvs.com/inpress. Articles appear online shortly after acceptance in their submitted format, which is replaced with the final formatted version once the authors have approved their proofs. Once an article goes online in the Articles in Press section it is indexed in Medline, fully searchable and citable before ever appearing in print. You can also sign up for the Articles in Press email alerts or RSS feed, much as you would sign up for an electronic table of contents alert for the print issue. Go to http://jtcvs.com/user/alerts/saveaipalert.

One of the primary features of the October issue of JTCVS is the topic of multiple arterial revascularization. This issue begins the study with an editorial and follows up with several articles on revascularization accompanied by commentaries. The next issue of Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery will continue to highlight this topic through commentaries written by the authors of the revascularization papers listed below. Each commentary will discuss the content, results, and implications of the other papers. Multiple arterial grafting may be the next frontier for cardiac surgery.

Editorial

Courtesy of Mosby

Coronary bypass: Is it time to take the next step—the routine use of the second arterial graft?

Michael E. Halkos and Robert A. Guyton

In this issue, 3 studies from highly experienced coronary centers lend further support for a multiarterial grafting strategy. Graft patency and even long-term survival may be improved by this strategy. The evidence, although not level A, is persuasive; a second arterial graft should become routine in most cases.

Acquired Cardiovascular Disease

Total arterial revascularization with internal thoracic and radial artery grafts in triple-vessel coronary artery disease is associated with improved survival

Brian F. Buxton, William Y. Shi, James Tatoulis, John A. Fuller, Alexander Rosalion, and Philip A. Hayward

Total arterial revascularization using internal thoracic and radial artery conduits was associated with improved late survival in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease compared with conventional single internal thoracic and saphenous vein grafts. This benefit may result in superior graft patency and protection of the native circulation.

▶ Buxton and colleagues from Australia reviewed over 6,000 isolated CABG patients with 3 vessel CAD over a 15 year period (1995-2010) and propensity matched 384 pairs of patients with either all arterial grafting vs. the use of one IMA and SVG. They found a highly significant survival advantage at 15 years in the total arterial revascularization group vs. the one IMA with SVG group (Kaplan Meier, following multivariable Cox regression, and after propensity matching). The authors concluded that, “total arterial revascularization should be encouraged in patients with a reasonable life expectancy”. Interestingly, only 36% of patients had use of bilateral IMA grafts, 97% of patients had at least one radial artery graft (52% had single radial grafts and 48% had bilateral grafts), and only 51% of RIMA grafts were used in-situ. The authors highlighted the potential benefit derived from use of the radial artery graft. This article is of particular interest because it involved a large number of patients (propensity matched) over a 15 year period, and it nicely demonstrated a highly significant benefit to long term survival when arterial grafting was utilized. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Total arterial revascularization: When will its time come?

Todd K. Rosengart

The long-term impact of diabetes on graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: A substudy of the multicenter Radial Artery Patency Study

Saswata Deb, Steve K. Singh, Fuad Moussa, Hideki Tsubota, Dai Une, Alex Kiss, George Tomlinson, Mehdi Afshar, Ryan Sless, Eric A. Cohen, Sam Radhakrishnan, James Dubbin, Leonard Schwartz, and Stephen E. Fremes on behalf of the Radial Artery Patency Study Investigators

Radial artery grafts compared with saphenous vein grafts were associated with a lower rate of late graft occlusion in diabetic patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Predictors against late graft occlusion included the use of radial arteries and high-grade target vessel stenosis. The type of conduit and late occlusion were influenced by diabetic status.

▶ Deb and colleagues from Toronto, Ottawa, and Texas Heart Institute reviewed patency rates in 269 low risk (<80 yrs, elective, EF>35%) isolated CABG patients (with 3 vessel CAD) from the Radial Artery Patency Study (each patient underwent randomization dictating use of radial artery or vein graft to separate territories). Patients underwent diagnostic angiography (N=234) or CT angio (N=35) at least 5 years postoperatively. New data presented are long term (>5 yr) patency in diabetics. The authors noted that the proportion of complete graft occlusion was significantly lower in radial artery grafts vs. saphenous grafts in diabetics; however, it was similar in non-diabetics. Interestingly, there was no difference in the occlusion rate of the IMA graft in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Multivariate modeling demonstrated female sex, smoking history, and elevated creatinine as increased risk factors for late graft occlusion; whereas use of the radial artery and high grade target stenosis (>90% vs. 70-89% stenosis) were protective. The authors concluded that the study supports the use of the radial artery as a second conduit is appropriate in diabetic patients. Using blinded angiographic follow-up, this study importantly supports the use of arterial grafting, and specifically the use of the radial artery, in diabetic patients. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Arterial grafting and the challenge of the patient with diabetes

Paul A. Kurlansky

Surgical revascularization techniques that minimize surgical risk and maximize late survival after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes mellitus

Sajjad Raza, Joseph F. Sabik III, Khalil Masabni, Ponnuthurai Ainkaran, Bruce W. Lytle, and Eugene H. Blackstone

BITA grafting with complete revascularization maximized long-term survival and is recommended for patients with diabetes undergoing surgical revascularization. It should be used in all patients with diabetes whose risk of DSWI is low and might be best avoided in obese diabetic women with diffuse atherosclerotic burden.

▶ Raza and colleagues from the Cleveland Clinic reviewed over 11,922 diabetic isolated CABG patients over a 39 year period (1972-2011) and attempted to identify patients that would derive the greatest survival benefit from an optimal surgical technique by evaluating 12 possible surgical combinations (no use of IMA, use of one IMA, use of 2 IMA grafts, incomplete revascularization, complete revascularization, off-pump, and on- pump CABG). After adjusting for patient characteristics, use of 2 IMA grafts was better than one IMA graft (21% lower late mortality), two IMA grafts was associated with more deep sternal wound infections (yet this had a small effect on survival), and complete revascularization was associated with lower late mortality (10%) compared to incomplete revascularization. Interestingly, additional risks for deep sternal wound infection included: female sex, medically treated diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease, prior myocardial infarction, and higher BMI; and HgA1C was not. The authors concluded that the strategy with the best predicted survival was one including use of 2 IMA grafts, complete revascularization, and off-pump techniques. The worst strategy was one including no IMA grafts, incomplete revascularization, and on-pump techniques. They noted that the survival benefit associated with the best combination was largely due to the benefit of the use of 2 IMA grafts. This article importantly reinforces the known benefit to long term survival with the use of 2 IMA grafts over one in a very large cohort of diabetic patients. [Summary and Comment by Dr. Jennifer Lawton, associate medical editor, Thoracic Surgery News].

Editorial Commentary in JTCVS: Two internal thoracic arteries really are better

Andrea Carpenter

Readers who found these articles interesting may also like to read the following papers in recent and future issues of the JTCVS sister publications, Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

Seminars

▶ Discussion in Cardiothoracic Treatment and Care: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. John Puskas, Harold Lazar, Michael Mack, Joseph Sabik, David Taggart. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014 Spring; 26(1):75-94.

▶ News and Views: Editorials on Multiple Arterial Grafting. Brian Buxton and Stephen Fremes (expected publication December 2014).

▶ News and Views: Role of PCI in the Treatment of Left Main Coronary Disease. A. P. Kappetein. (expected publication December 2014).

▶ State of the Art: Post-CABG antiplatelet therapy. Victor Ferraris (expected publication December 2014).

Operative Techniques

▶ Repair of Postinfarct Ventricular Septal Defect: Anterior Apical Ventricular Septal Defect. John Conte. Oper Tech Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Spring;19(1):96-114.

▶ Repair of Postinfarction Ventricular Septal Defect: Posterior Inferior Ventricular Septal Defect.Thomas Gleason. Oper Tech Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Spring; 19(1):115-126

Upcoming Issues of JTCVS

The November issue of JTCVS will feature editorials, articles, and commentaries on graft patency and long-term survival with off-pump CABG, cerebral protection during congenital heart surgery, and the current status of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. December will include editorials, articles, and commentaries on cerebral protection during aortic surgery and CABG for poor LVF.

Articles in Press

Don’t forget to visit the Journal’s Articles in Press section at http://jtcvs.com/inpress. Articles appear online shortly after acceptance in their submitted format, which is replaced with the final formatted version once the authors have approved their proofs. Once an article goes online in the Articles in Press section it is indexed in Medline, fully searchable and citable before ever appearing in print. You can also sign up for the Articles in Press email alerts or RSS feed, much as you would sign up for an electronic table of contents alert for the print issue. Go to http://jtcvs.com/user/alerts/saveaipalert.

The AATS Member for a Day Program, sponsored by the AATS Graham Foundation, provides an opportunity for medical students, general surgery residents, and I-6 cardiothoracic residents to accompany an AATS Member Mentor during portions of the 2015 AATS Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA from April 25th – 29th.

Program Goals:

Offer insight into specialty of cardiothoracic surgery.

Provide an opportunity to network and build relationships within the cardiothoracic surgical community.

Up to 30 North American medical students, general surgery residents, and I-6 cardiothoracic residents will be selected to participate in this program.

Successful applicants will receive:

Complimentary hotel accommodations for a minimum of three and a maximum of four nights in an AATS Annual Meeting occupied hotel.

A $500 stipend to help offset travel costs.

An additional $250 stipend to offset the cost of meals.

Deadline: Friday, January 2, 2015

For more information and application, visit http://aats.org/Association/Member-for-a-day.cgi.

The AATS Member for a Day Program, sponsored by the AATS Graham Foundation, provides an opportunity for medical students, general surgery residents, and I-6 cardiothoracic residents to accompany an AATS Member Mentor during portions of the 2015 AATS Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA from April 25th – 29th.

Program Goals:

Offer insight into specialty of cardiothoracic surgery.

Provide an opportunity to network and build relationships within the cardiothoracic surgical community.

Up to 30 North American medical students, general surgery residents, and I-6 cardiothoracic residents will be selected to participate in this program.

Successful applicants will receive:

Complimentary hotel accommodations for a minimum of three and a maximum of four nights in an AATS Annual Meeting occupied hotel.

A $500 stipend to help offset travel costs.

An additional $250 stipend to offset the cost of meals.

Deadline: Friday, January 2, 2015

For more information and application, visit http://aats.org/Association/Member-for-a-day.cgi.

The AATS Member for a Day Program, sponsored by the AATS Graham Foundation, provides an opportunity for medical students, general surgery residents, and I-6 cardiothoracic residents to accompany an AATS Member Mentor during portions of the 2015 AATS Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA from April 25th – 29th.

Program Goals:

Offer insight into specialty of cardiothoracic surgery.

Provide an opportunity to network and build relationships within the cardiothoracic surgical community.

Up to 30 North American medical students, general surgery residents, and I-6 cardiothoracic residents will be selected to participate in this program.

Successful applicants will receive:

Complimentary hotel accommodations for a minimum of three and a maximum of four nights in an AATS Annual Meeting occupied hotel.

A $500 stipend to help offset travel costs.

An additional $250 stipend to offset the cost of meals.

Deadline: Friday, January 2, 2015

For more information and application, visit http://aats.org/Association/Member-for-a-day.cgi.

AATS Week will bring together renowned international scientists and clinicians for seven days of intensive instruction and state-of the art information on the latest in the field.

Submissions are now open for abstracts and videos for the 2015 Mitral Conclave and Annual Meeting.

Note: The abstract deadline for the Annual Meeting is October 14th.

2015 Mitral Conclave

April 23-24, New York, NY

Deadline: Sunday, January 4, 2015, 11:59 pm, ESTCategories

Degenerative Valve Disease

Mitral Regurgitation in Heart Failure

Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral Valve Endocarditis

Congenital Mitral Valve Disease

Other Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral Repair Techniques & Strategies

Mitral Valve Replacement

Long Term Outcomes

Atrial Fibrillation in Mitral Valve Disease

Tricuspid Valve Diseases

Tricuspid Valve Repair

Mitral & Tricuspid Valve Reoperations

Mitral Annular Calcification, Abscess, or Disruption

Imaging of Mitral Valve Disease

Challenging Clinical Cases

Minimally Invasive & Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Therapies

Mitral Valve Modeling

From Bench to Bedside: Mitral Valve Research

Instructions: Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/mitral/call-for-abstracts.cgi.

Program Director:

David H. Adams

Program Committee:

Anelechi C. Anyanwu

Tirone E. David

Pedro J. del Nido

Gilles D. Dreyfus

Volkmar Falk

Rakesh M. Suri

Hugo K.I. Vanermen

Francis C. Wells

95th Annual Meeting

April 25-29, Seattle, WA

Deadline: Tuesday, October 14, 2014, 11:59 pm, EDT

Presentation TypesAbstracts

Regular Session (Plenary and Simultaneous Sessions)

Laboratory Research Fora (Cardiac Surgery and General Thoracic Surgery)

Emerging Technologies and Techniques Forum

C. Walton Lillehei Resident Forum

Videos

Case Videos (for display in the AATS Learning Center located in the Exhibit Hall)

Categories/Regular Session Abstracts

Adult Cardiac

Congenital

General Thoracic

Perioperative Care

Categories/Case Videos

Adult Cardiac

Congenital

General Thoracic

Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/annualmeeting/Abstract-Submission.cgi.

Waiver of mandatory manuscript submission for publication in JTCVS may be requested at the time of submission.

AATS Week will bring together renowned international scientists and clinicians for seven days of intensive instruction and state-of the art information on the latest in the field.

Submissions are now open for abstracts and videos for the 2015 Mitral Conclave and Annual Meeting.

Note: The abstract deadline for the Annual Meeting is October 14th.

2015 Mitral Conclave

April 23-24, New York, NY

Deadline: Sunday, January 4, 2015, 11:59 pm, ESTCategories

Degenerative Valve Disease

Mitral Regurgitation in Heart Failure

Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral Valve Endocarditis

Congenital Mitral Valve Disease

Other Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral Repair Techniques & Strategies

Mitral Valve Replacement

Long Term Outcomes

Atrial Fibrillation in Mitral Valve Disease

Tricuspid Valve Diseases

Tricuspid Valve Repair

Mitral & Tricuspid Valve Reoperations

Mitral Annular Calcification, Abscess, or Disruption

Imaging of Mitral Valve Disease

Challenging Clinical Cases

Minimally Invasive & Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Therapies

Mitral Valve Modeling

From Bench to Bedside: Mitral Valve Research

Instructions: Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/mitral/call-for-abstracts.cgi.

Program Director:

David H. Adams

Program Committee:

Anelechi C. Anyanwu

Tirone E. David

Pedro J. del Nido

Gilles D. Dreyfus

Volkmar Falk

Rakesh M. Suri

Hugo K.I. Vanermen

Francis C. Wells

95th Annual Meeting

April 25-29, Seattle, WA

Deadline: Tuesday, October 14, 2014, 11:59 pm, EDT

Presentation TypesAbstracts

Regular Session (Plenary and Simultaneous Sessions)

Laboratory Research Fora (Cardiac Surgery and General Thoracic Surgery)

Emerging Technologies and Techniques Forum

C. Walton Lillehei Resident Forum

Videos

Case Videos (for display in the AATS Learning Center located in the Exhibit Hall)

Categories/Regular Session Abstracts

Adult Cardiac

Congenital

General Thoracic

Perioperative Care

Categories/Case Videos

Adult Cardiac

Congenital

General Thoracic

Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/annualmeeting/Abstract-Submission.cgi.

Waiver of mandatory manuscript submission for publication in JTCVS may be requested at the time of submission.

AATS Week will bring together renowned international scientists and clinicians for seven days of intensive instruction and state-of the art information on the latest in the field.

Submissions are now open for abstracts and videos for the 2015 Mitral Conclave and Annual Meeting.

Note: The abstract deadline for the Annual Meeting is October 14th.

2015 Mitral Conclave

April 23-24, New York, NY

Deadline: Sunday, January 4, 2015, 11:59 pm, ESTCategories

Degenerative Valve Disease

Mitral Regurgitation in Heart Failure

Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral Valve Endocarditis

Congenital Mitral Valve Disease

Other Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral Repair Techniques & Strategies

Mitral Valve Replacement

Long Term Outcomes

Atrial Fibrillation in Mitral Valve Disease

Tricuspid Valve Diseases

Tricuspid Valve Repair

Mitral & Tricuspid Valve Reoperations

Mitral Annular Calcification, Abscess, or Disruption

Imaging of Mitral Valve Disease

Challenging Clinical Cases

Minimally Invasive & Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Therapies

Mitral Valve Modeling

From Bench to Bedside: Mitral Valve Research

Instructions: Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/mitral/call-for-abstracts.cgi.

Program Director:

David H. Adams

Program Committee:

Anelechi C. Anyanwu

Tirone E. David

Pedro J. del Nido

Gilles D. Dreyfus

Volkmar Falk

Rakesh M. Suri

Hugo K.I. Vanermen

Francis C. Wells

95th Annual Meeting

April 25-29, Seattle, WA

Deadline: Tuesday, October 14, 2014, 11:59 pm, EDT

Presentation TypesAbstracts

Regular Session (Plenary and Simultaneous Sessions)

Laboratory Research Fora (Cardiac Surgery and General Thoracic Surgery)

Emerging Technologies and Techniques Forum

C. Walton Lillehei Resident Forum

Videos

Case Videos (for display in the AATS Learning Center located in the Exhibit Hall)

Categories/Regular Session Abstracts

Adult Cardiac

Congenital

General Thoracic

Perioperative Care

Categories/Case Videos

Adult Cardiac

Congenital

General Thoracic

Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/annualmeeting/Abstract-Submission.cgi.

Waiver of mandatory manuscript submission for publication in JTCVS may be requested at the time of submission.

Mark your calendar to join cardiothoracic surgeons from around the world for a five-day program of state-of-the-art presentations by renowned experts. Attendees will enhance their knowledge and skills in a wide-range of subjects including general and specialized cardiac surgery, emerging technologies, congenital heart disease, critical care and aortic/endovascular.

AATS 95th Annual Meeting

April 25 – 29, 2015

Washington State Convention Center

Seattle, WA, USA

President & Annual Meeting Chair

Pedro J. del Nido

Annual Meeting Co-Chairs

David H. Adams

Yolonda L. Colson

AATS is excited to be hosting its Annual Meeting in Seattle for the first time. This vibrant city combines sophisticated urbanity with the unpretentious natural surroundings of the Pacific Northwest. Nicknamed the “Emerald City” for its lush evergreen forests, Seattle has something for everyone — culture, entertainment, shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities. And Seattle is the home of great coffee, which can be purchased from carts on every corner.

The meeting site — the recently renovated Washington State Convention Center — is located in the heart of downtown. Within walking distance is Seattle’s famous Space Needle, where visitors can view the city, Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainer, the waters of Elliott Bay and surrounding forests from the 520-foot observation deck. Other attractions nearby are the Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, water tours and ferries. Visitors and Seattleites enjoy Seattle’s lively downtown, great shopping, wonderful restaurants, espresso carts on every corner, and thriving community full of live theatre and museums.

Don’t Miss the Saturday Course and Sunday Symposia including:

Saturday, April 25th

Adult Cardiac Skills: How I Would Like My Operation Done

Congenital Heart Disease Skills: Dealing with Challenging Conditions –Pearls and Pitfalls

General Thoracic Skills: Implementing Innovation: What Future Leaders Need to Know

Allied Health Personnel Symposium: Advancing the Team Based Care Management Model in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Therapies for End-Stage Thoracic Organ Failure with an Emphasis on ECMO, MCS and Transplant

Sunday, April 26th

AATS/STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Symposium: Decision Making in Adult Cardiac Surgery

AATS/STS Congenital Heart Disease Symposium: Unsettled and Unanswered Questions in Congenital Heart Surgery

AATS/STS General Thoracic Surgery Symposium: The Evolving Role of Thoracic Surgeons

View full Saturday and Sunday programs online

Visit www.aats.org/annualmeeting.

Saturday and Sunday Registration Covers All Courses/Symposia for the Day

When you register for the Saturday course or Sunday symposia, you will be able to attend any of the courses or symposia taking place on that day.

Registration and Housing for the Annual Meeting will open in December.

For more information, please visit www.aats.org/annualmeeting.

Mark your calendar to join cardiothoracic surgeons from around the world for a five-day program of state-of-the-art presentations by renowned experts. Attendees will enhance their knowledge and skills in a wide-range of subjects including general and specialized cardiac surgery, emerging technologies, congenital heart disease, critical care and aortic/endovascular.

AATS 95th Annual Meeting

April 25 – 29, 2015

Washington State Convention Center

Seattle, WA, USA

President & Annual Meeting Chair

Pedro J. del Nido

Annual Meeting Co-Chairs

David H. Adams

Yolonda L. Colson

AATS is excited to be hosting its Annual Meeting in Seattle for the first time. This vibrant city combines sophisticated urbanity with the unpretentious natural surroundings of the Pacific Northwest. Nicknamed the “Emerald City” for its lush evergreen forests, Seattle has something for everyone — culture, entertainment, shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities. And Seattle is the home of great coffee, which can be purchased from carts on every corner.

The meeting site — the recently renovated Washington State Convention Center — is located in the heart of downtown. Within walking distance is Seattle’s famous Space Needle, where visitors can view the city, Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainer, the waters of Elliott Bay and surrounding forests from the 520-foot observation deck. Other attractions nearby are the Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, water tours and ferries. Visitors and Seattleites enjoy Seattle’s lively downtown, great shopping, wonderful restaurants, espresso carts on every corner, and thriving community full of live theatre and museums.

Don’t Miss the Saturday Course and Sunday Symposia including:

Saturday, April 25th

Adult Cardiac Skills: How I Would Like My Operation Done

Congenital Heart Disease Skills: Dealing with Challenging Conditions –Pearls and Pitfalls

General Thoracic Skills: Implementing Innovation: What Future Leaders Need to Know

Allied Health Personnel Symposium: Advancing the Team Based Care Management Model in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Therapies for End-Stage Thoracic Organ Failure with an Emphasis on ECMO, MCS and Transplant

Sunday, April 26th

AATS/STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Symposium: Decision Making in Adult Cardiac Surgery

AATS/STS Congenital Heart Disease Symposium: Unsettled and Unanswered Questions in Congenital Heart Surgery

AATS/STS General Thoracic Surgery Symposium: The Evolving Role of Thoracic Surgeons

View full Saturday and Sunday programs online

Visit www.aats.org/annualmeeting.

Saturday and Sunday Registration Covers All Courses/Symposia for the Day

When you register for the Saturday course or Sunday symposia, you will be able to attend any of the courses or symposia taking place on that day.

Registration and Housing for the Annual Meeting will open in December.

For more information, please visit www.aats.org/annualmeeting.

Mark your calendar to join cardiothoracic surgeons from around the world for a five-day program of state-of-the-art presentations by renowned experts. Attendees will enhance their knowledge and skills in a wide-range of subjects including general and specialized cardiac surgery, emerging technologies, congenital heart disease, critical care and aortic/endovascular.

AATS 95th Annual Meeting

April 25 – 29, 2015

Washington State Convention Center

Seattle, WA, USA

President & Annual Meeting Chair

Pedro J. del Nido

Annual Meeting Co-Chairs

David H. Adams

Yolonda L. Colson

AATS is excited to be hosting its Annual Meeting in Seattle for the first time. This vibrant city combines sophisticated urbanity with the unpretentious natural surroundings of the Pacific Northwest. Nicknamed the “Emerald City” for its lush evergreen forests, Seattle has something for everyone — culture, entertainment, shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities. And Seattle is the home of great coffee, which can be purchased from carts on every corner.

The meeting site — the recently renovated Washington State Convention Center — is located in the heart of downtown. Within walking distance is Seattle’s famous Space Needle, where visitors can view the city, Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainer, the waters of Elliott Bay and surrounding forests from the 520-foot observation deck. Other attractions nearby are the Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, water tours and ferries. Visitors and Seattleites enjoy Seattle’s lively downtown, great shopping, wonderful restaurants, espresso carts on every corner, and thriving community full of live theatre and museums.

Don’t Miss the Saturday Course and Sunday Symposia including:

Saturday, April 25th

Adult Cardiac Skills: How I Would Like My Operation Done

Congenital Heart Disease Skills: Dealing with Challenging Conditions –Pearls and Pitfalls

General Thoracic Skills: Implementing Innovation: What Future Leaders Need to Know

Allied Health Personnel Symposium: Advancing the Team Based Care Management Model in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Therapies for End-Stage Thoracic Organ Failure with an Emphasis on ECMO, MCS and Transplant

Sunday, April 26th

AATS/STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Symposium: Decision Making in Adult Cardiac Surgery

AATS/STS Congenital Heart Disease Symposium: Unsettled and Unanswered Questions in Congenital Heart Surgery

AATS/STS General Thoracic Surgery Symposium: The Evolving Role of Thoracic Surgeons

View full Saturday and Sunday programs online

Visit www.aats.org/annualmeeting.

Saturday and Sunday Registration Covers All Courses/Symposia for the Day

When you register for the Saturday course or Sunday symposia, you will be able to attend any of the courses or symposia taking place on that day.

Registration and Housing for the Annual Meeting will open in December.

For more information, please visit www.aats.org/annualmeeting.

Allied health care professionals are invited to submit an abstract for the 2015 AATS Allied Health Poster Competition.

95th AATS Annual Meeting

April 25-29, 2015

Seattle, WA

Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 11:59 pm, EST

Purpose: Present research findings and share new and innovative ideas for successful approaches in the management of cardiothoracic patients.

Abstract Categories

Clinical research

Quality improvement

Innovative projects

Submissions can be related to all areas of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Findings that were previously presented at a national or international meeting may be submitted.

Instructions: Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/annualmeeting/Poster-Competition.cgi.

Allied health care professionals are invited to submit an abstract for the 2015 AATS Allied Health Poster Competition.

95th AATS Annual Meeting

April 25-29, 2015

Seattle, WA

Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 11:59 pm, EST

Purpose: Present research findings and share new and innovative ideas for successful approaches in the management of cardiothoracic patients.

Abstract Categories

Clinical research

Quality improvement

Innovative projects

Submissions can be related to all areas of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Findings that were previously presented at a national or international meeting may be submitted.

Instructions: Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/annualmeeting/Poster-Competition.cgi.

Allied health care professionals are invited to submit an abstract for the 2015 AATS Allied Health Poster Competition.

95th AATS Annual Meeting

April 25-29, 2015

Seattle, WA

Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 11:59 pm, EST

Purpose: Present research findings and share new and innovative ideas for successful approaches in the management of cardiothoracic patients.

Abstract Categories

Clinical research

Quality improvement

Innovative projects

Submissions can be related to all areas of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Findings that were previously presented at a national or international meeting may be submitted.

Instructions: Complete instructions can be found at http://aats.org/annualmeeting/Poster-Competition.cgi.

The 2015 Grant Writing Workshop, organized by the AATS Scientific Affairs and Government Relations Committee, will offer a better understanding of the complexities of grant preparation and submission, as well as techniques for writing top quality submissions. This full-day program is for academic cardiothoracic surgeons on all levels.

March 6, 2015

Doubletree Bethesda, Bethesda, MD (nine miles from Washington, DC)

Course Directors

David R. Jones, Memorial Sloan-Kettering

Y. Joseph Woo, Stanford University

Workshop Elements

Attendees will hear presentations and interact with well-known cardiothoracic surgery leaders and NIH staff through a didactic session, interactive panel discussions and a mock study session.

By the end of the program, they will have learned how to:

• Create Career Development and Training Grants.

• Analyze Outcomes Research and Clinical Research Networks.

• Assess the Structure and Components of a Grant.

• Identify Extramural Program and Funding Opportunities — NCI and NHLBI.

• Become a NIH investigator.

The workshop program, registration and housing information are available at www.aats.org/EducationTraining/Grantsmanship/workshop.cgi.

Application deadline: February 10, 2015

The 2015 Grant Writing Workshop, organized by the AATS Scientific Affairs and Government Relations Committee, will offer a better understanding of the complexities of grant preparation and submission, as well as techniques for writing top quality submissions. This full-day program is for academic cardiothoracic surgeons on all levels.

March 6, 2015

Doubletree Bethesda, Bethesda, MD (nine miles from Washington, DC)

Course Directors

David R. Jones, Memorial Sloan-Kettering

Y. Joseph Woo, Stanford University

Workshop Elements

Attendees will hear presentations and interact with well-known cardiothoracic surgery leaders and NIH staff through a didactic session, interactive panel discussions and a mock study session.

By the end of the program, they will have learned how to:

• Create Career Development and Training Grants.

• Analyze Outcomes Research and Clinical Research Networks.

• Assess the Structure and Components of a Grant.

• Identify Extramural Program and Funding Opportunities — NCI and NHLBI.

• Become a NIH investigator.

The workshop program, registration and housing information are available at www.aats.org/EducationTraining/Grantsmanship/workshop.cgi.

Application deadline: February 10, 2015

The 2015 Grant Writing Workshop, organized by the AATS Scientific Affairs and Government Relations Committee, will offer a better understanding of the complexities of grant preparation and submission, as well as techniques for writing top quality submissions. This full-day program is for academic cardiothoracic surgeons on all levels.

March 6, 2015

Doubletree Bethesda, Bethesda, MD (nine miles from Washington, DC)

Course Directors

David R. Jones, Memorial Sloan-Kettering

Y. Joseph Woo, Stanford University

Workshop Elements

Attendees will hear presentations and interact with well-known cardiothoracic surgery leaders and NIH staff through a didactic session, interactive panel discussions and a mock study session.

By the end of the program, they will have learned how to:

• Create Career Development and Training Grants.

• Analyze Outcomes Research and Clinical Research Networks.

• Assess the Structure and Components of a Grant.

• Identify Extramural Program and Funding Opportunities — NCI and NHLBI.

• Become a NIH investigator.

The workshop program, registration and housing information are available at www.aats.org/EducationTraining/Grantsmanship/workshop.cgi.

Application deadline: February 10, 2015

The AATS Graham Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are available for the inaugural Edwards Lifesciences Advanced Treatments of Valve Disease Fellowship.

Purpose

The Fellowship is aimed at providing a young cardiothoracic surgeon with the educational opportunity to spend between three months (minimum) to one year studying clinical techniques at a host institution. The program focus is on enhancing the fellow’s expertise in advanced treatments of valve disease.

Fellowship Grant

A selected fellow will receive $25,000 to help defray related travel and living expenses incurred at the host institution.

Applicants should:

Hold a current academic or hospital appointment.

Be within the first five (5) years of post-CT training.

Meet all necessary criteria (license, visa, etc) for travel to and from the host medical center.

For more information and to submit an application, visit http://aatsgrahamfoundation.org/fellowship-Edwards-Lifesciences.cgi.

Deadline: Saturday, November 1, 2014, 11:59 pm, EST

The AATS Graham Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are available for the inaugural Edwards Lifesciences Advanced Treatments of Valve Disease Fellowship.

Purpose

The Fellowship is aimed at providing a young cardiothoracic surgeon with the educational opportunity to spend between three months (minimum) to one year studying clinical techniques at a host institution. The program focus is on enhancing the fellow’s expertise in advanced treatments of valve disease.

Fellowship Grant

A selected fellow will receive $25,000 to help defray related travel and living expenses incurred at the host institution.

Applicants should:

Hold a current academic or hospital appointment.

Be within the first five (5) years of post-CT training.

Meet all necessary criteria (license, visa, etc) for travel to and from the host medical center.

For more information and to submit an application, visit http://aatsgrahamfoundation.org/fellowship-Edwards-Lifesciences.cgi.

Deadline: Saturday, November 1, 2014, 11:59 pm, EST

The AATS Graham Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are available for the inaugural Edwards Lifesciences Advanced Treatments of Valve Disease Fellowship.

Purpose

The Fellowship is aimed at providing a young cardiothoracic surgeon with the educational opportunity to spend between three months (minimum) to one year studying clinical techniques at a host institution. The program focus is on enhancing the fellow’s expertise in advanced treatments of valve disease.

Fellowship Grant

A selected fellow will receive $25,000 to help defray related travel and living expenses incurred at the host institution.

Applicants should:

Hold a current academic or hospital appointment.

Be within the first five (5) years of post-CT training.

Meet all necessary criteria (license, visa, etc) for travel to and from the host medical center.

For more information and to submit an application, visit http://aatsgrahamfoundation.org/fellowship-Edwards-Lifesciences.cgi.

Deadline: Saturday, November 1, 2014, 11:59 pm, EST

Friday, April 24, 2015

Seattle, WA

The 2015 AATS Leadership Academy is an intensive, didactic, interactive program for up to 20 surgeons who have demonstrated significant promise as prospective future division/department

chiefs or have recently assumed that role.

Program Goal

The goal of the program is to provide participants with the administrative, interpersonal, mentoring and negotiating skills necessary to successfully serve as a division chief. It also provides attendees with the opportunity to network with renowned leaders in thoracic surgery, who potentially may become personal mentors after the Academy’s conclusion.

Prerequisites

Applicants must have achieved the following qualifications:

Rank of associate professor.

Active/successful practice as a clinical surgeon.

Evidence of leadership ability in local and/or state/regional institution.

Proof of academic productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at regional or national scientific meetings

Funded research (preferable but not essential).

Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2014, 11:59 pm EST

For more information and application: Visit http://aats.org/Association/news/AATS-Academy.cgi.

Selection: The Leadership Academy Committee will review applications. Selected participants will be notified no later than February 5, 2015.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Seattle, WA

The 2015 AATS Leadership Academy is an intensive, didactic, interactive program for up to 20 surgeons who have demonstrated significant promise as prospective future division/department

chiefs or have recently assumed that role.

Program Goal

The goal of the program is to provide participants with the administrative, interpersonal, mentoring and negotiating skills necessary to successfully serve as a division chief. It also provides attendees with the opportunity to network with renowned leaders in thoracic surgery, who potentially may become personal mentors after the Academy’s conclusion.

Prerequisites

Applicants must have achieved the following qualifications:

Rank of associate professor.

Active/successful practice as a clinical surgeon.

Evidence of leadership ability in local and/or state/regional institution.

Proof of academic productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at regional or national scientific meetings

Funded research (preferable but not essential).

Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2014, 11:59 pm EST

For more information and application: Visit http://aats.org/Association/news/AATS-Academy.cgi.

Selection: The Leadership Academy Committee will review applications. Selected participants will be notified no later than February 5, 2015.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Seattle, WA

The 2015 AATS Leadership Academy is an intensive, didactic, interactive program for up to 20 surgeons who have demonstrated significant promise as prospective future division/department

chiefs or have recently assumed that role.

Program Goal

The goal of the program is to provide participants with the administrative, interpersonal, mentoring and negotiating skills necessary to successfully serve as a division chief. It also provides attendees with the opportunity to network with renowned leaders in thoracic surgery, who potentially may become personal mentors after the Academy’s conclusion.

Prerequisites

Applicants must have achieved the following qualifications:

Rank of associate professor.

Active/successful practice as a clinical surgeon.

Evidence of leadership ability in local and/or state/regional institution.

Proof of academic productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at regional or national scientific meetings

Funded research (preferable but not essential).

Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2014, 11:59 pm EST

For more information and application: Visit http://aats.org/Association/news/AATS-Academy.cgi.

Selection: The Leadership Academy Committee will review applications. Selected participants will be notified no later than February 5, 2015.

Submit a resident for participation to the AATS Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Poster Competition funded by the AATS Graham Foundation. Winners will represent their institutions by presenting scientific posters of their clinical/investigative research at the 2015 AATS Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, April 25-29.

Open to:

Senior cardiothoracic surgery residents and/or congenital heart surgery fellows.

Candidate Prerequisites:

North American residents must be the most senior resident enrolled in either an ACGME-accredited or RCPSC-accredited cardiothoracic surgery residency program or congenital heart surgery fellowship.

International residents must be in their last year of a cardiothoracic training program at the institution of an AATS member.

Benefits to Participating Residents:

A stipend of $500 to offset travel and hotel costs.

Complimentary registration to the Annual Meeting, which will include one postgraduate and one skills course.

Deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2015

For more information, visit http://aats.org/scholarship/Cardiothoracic-Surgery-Resident-Poster-Session.cgi.

Submit a resident for participation to the AATS Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Poster Competition funded by the AATS Graham Foundation. Winners will represent their institutions by presenting scientific posters of their clinical/investigative research at the 2015 AATS Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, April 25-29.

Open to:

Senior cardiothoracic surgery residents and/or congenital heart surgery fellows.

Candidate Prerequisites:

North American residents must be the most senior resident enrolled in either an ACGME-accredited or RCPSC-accredited cardiothoracic surgery residency program or congenital heart surgery fellowship.

International residents must be in their last year of a cardiothoracic training program at the institution of an AATS member.

Benefits to Participating Residents:

A stipend of $500 to offset travel and hotel costs.

Complimentary registration to the Annual Meeting, which will include one postgraduate and one skills course.

Deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2015

For more information, visit http://aats.org/scholarship/Cardiothoracic-Surgery-Resident-Poster-Session.cgi.

Submit a resident for participation to the AATS Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Poster Competition funded by the AATS Graham Foundation. Winners will represent their institutions by presenting scientific posters of their clinical/investigative research at the 2015 AATS Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, April 25-29.

Open to:

Senior cardiothoracic surgery residents and/or congenital heart surgery fellows.

Candidate Prerequisites:

North American residents must be the most senior resident enrolled in either an ACGME-accredited or RCPSC-accredited cardiothoracic surgery residency program or congenital heart surgery fellowship.

International residents must be in their last year of a cardiothoracic training program at the institution of an AATS member.

Benefits to Participating Residents:

A stipend of $500 to offset travel and hotel costs.

Complimentary registration to the Annual Meeting, which will include one postgraduate and one skills course.

Deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2015

For more information, visit http://aats.org/scholarship/Cardiothoracic-Surgery-Resident-Poster-Session.cgi.

The Graham Foundation provides funds for residents to attend the Cardiovascular Thoracic Critical Care Conference Oct. 9-11, in Washington, DC.

• Residents must be enrolled in an ACGME accredited CT surgical training program in the U.S. or RCPSC accredited CT surgical resident program in Canada.

• The AATS Graham Foundation will pay registration and $500 to the resident’s institution for travel and hotel.

• Program Directors may select one resident per institution. Additional residents may be nominated and accepted if vacancies arise.

• The Program Director commitment form is due August 15.

• Up to 75 recipients will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit http://www.aats.org or contact admin@aats.org.

The Graham Foundation provides funds for residents to attend the Cardiovascular Thoracic Critical Care Conference Oct. 9-11, in Washington, DC.

• Residents must be enrolled in an ACGME accredited CT surgical training program in the U.S. or RCPSC accredited CT surgical resident program in Canada.

• The AATS Graham Foundation will pay registration and $500 to the resident’s institution for travel and hotel.

• Program Directors may select one resident per institution. Additional residents may be nominated and accepted if vacancies arise.

• The Program Director commitment form is due August 15.

• Up to 75 recipients will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit http://www.aats.org or contact admin@aats.org.

The Graham Foundation provides funds for residents to attend the Cardiovascular Thoracic Critical Care Conference Oct. 9-11, in Washington, DC.

• Residents must be enrolled in an ACGME accredited CT surgical training program in the U.S. or RCPSC accredited CT surgical resident program in Canada.

• The AATS Graham Foundation will pay registration and $500 to the resident’s institution for travel and hotel.

• Program Directors may select one resident per institution. Additional residents may be nominated and accepted if vacancies arise.

• The Program Director commitment form is due August 15.

• Up to 75 recipients will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit http://www.aats.org or contact admin@aats.org.