Released: 10-Jan-2005 2:00 PM EST
Leading Surgical Society to Present Session on National Disasters
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

At its 41st Annual Meeting on Mon., Jan. 24, 2005, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons will present a session on how cardiothoracic surgeons should prepare for natural, accidental and intentional disasters in the United States.

Released: 21-Jan-2005 12:00 AM EST
Surgical Society Meeting to Focus on Patient Safety
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

From Jan. 24-26, 2005, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons will host its 41st Annual Meeting at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla., where the featured theme will be patient safety.

Released: 24-Jan-2005 12:00 AM EST
Guideline to Improve Bypass Outcomes in Women
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Using the STS National Database, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons released a new practice guideline to help improve bypass surgery outcomes in women.

Released: 25-Jan-2005 7:00 AM EST
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Elects New President
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

At its 41st Annual Meeting in Tampa, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons announced Sidney Levitsky, MD of Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, will serve as president for 2005-2006.

Released: 15-Jun-2006 5:45 PM EDT
Heart and Lung Surgeons Join Congress to Confront Surgeon Shortage
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

A Shortage of Heart and Lung Surgeons: A Crisis in Care; Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 10:30 a.m.; U.S. Capitol, Room HC-6.

Released: 20-Jun-2006 3:05 PM EDT
Heart and Lung Surgeons Join Congress to Confront Surgeon Shortage
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Latest residency match shows many cardiothoracic residency positions remain unfilled.

27-Jul-2012 4:00 PM EDT
Database Helps Ease Concerns About Heart Surgery Approach
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

JAMA study using STS National Database shows a minimally invasive vein harvesting approach used during heart surgery is as safe as a more invasive vein harvesting procedure while also leading to fewer complications. The FDA requested that the STS National Database be used for this study because it is the premier clinical data registry for cardiothoracic surgery. The study’s senior author is Dr. Peter Smith from Duke. The spokesperson for the STS National Database is Dr. Fred Edwards, who is also an author of the study.

27-Aug-2012 1:00 PM EDT
People Older than 80 Fare Well After Valve Replacement Surgery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Octogenarians need not shy away from heart valve surgery because of their age; however, those sent home following surgery do better than those discharged to care facilities.

25-Sep-2012 2:00 PM EDT
Anemia Negatively Impacts Heart Surgery Outcomes
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Anemia is now confirmed as a risk factor for illness and even death following cardiac surgery, according to a new study. Although preoperative anemia has been linked to adverse events in other types of surgery, this is the first study to tie preoperative anemia with postoperative complications, including death, for all types of heart surgery.

22-Oct-2012 5:00 PM EDT
Long-Term Survival Better After Bypass Surgery Than Angioplasty in Diabetic Patients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

People with diabetes mellitus who undergo heart bypass surgery for multiple blocked arteries have a significantly better 5-year-survival rate than diabetic patients who undergo angioplasty with drug-eluting stents (DES), according to a study published in the November 2012 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

22-Oct-2012 5:15 PM EDT
Updated Antiplatelet Guideline Reflects New Drugs, Research
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has updated its clinical practice guideline on use of antiplatelet drugs during heart surgery. The new guideline, published in the November 2012 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, takes into account newly available antiplatelet therapies, new scientific information, and a broader use of antiplatelet drugs such as before lung and vascular procedures.

27-Nov-2012 10:00 AM EST
Obesity Increases Time Needed for Lung Cancer Surgery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Lobectomy for primary lung cancer takes longer when a patient is obese, not only increasing the resources required to achieve a good outcome, but also adding to national health care costs. The researcher found that for every 10-unit increase in BMI, operating room time rose by 7.2 minutes—even in hospitals experienced in caring for obese patients.

Released: 6-Dec-2012 3:00 PM EST
Advance Media Registration Available for STS Scientific Meeting
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Credentialed press representatives are invited to attend The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 49th Annual Meeting at the Los Angeles Convention Center, January 26-30, 2013.

21-Dec-2012 11:00 AM EST
Smoking Affects Heart Surgery Outcome Even a Year After Quitting
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

• Smoking causes dysregulation of enzymes in leg vein used for coronary bypass grafts. • Smoking cessation does not completely return vein health to normal, even after 1 year. • Patients who may require bypass surgery should stop smoking immediately to help preserve health and function of graft.

23-Jan-2013 8:00 AM EST
Genetic Test Identifies Small but Deadly Lung Cancers
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

A novel genetic test can help identify small but aggressive lung tumors associated with poor survival, according to a study released today at the 49th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

23-Jan-2013 8:00 AM EST
Lungs from Heavy Smokers Can Be Safe for Double Transplant
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Lungs from carefully selected donors with a heavy smoking history can be used with good results in adult, double-lung transplants, according to a study released today at the 49th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

23-Jan-2013 8:00 AM EST
Long-Term Outcomes Favor Heart Surgery Over Stents and Angioplasty
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Los Angeles—Patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery have a lower overall composite risk for heart attack, stroke, and death in the 4 years following the procedure compared to patients who undergo stenting or balloon procedures, according to a study released today at the 49th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Released: 28-Jan-2013 9:10 PM EST
STS Presents Two Distinguished Service Awards
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons presented its Distinguished Service Award to Michael J. Mack, MD and posthumously to Carolyn E. Reed, MD during its Business Meeting on Monday evening at the STS 49th Annual Meeting

Released: 28-Jan-2013 9:15 PM EST
Douglas Wood Elected STS President
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Douglas E. Wood, MD was elected by the membership this evening to serve as the Society’s 2013–2014 President.

Released: 29-Jan-2013 5:00 PM EST
Miller Receives Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons presented the Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award to D. Craig Miller, MD.

30-Jan-2013 12:00 PM EST
Same-Day Angiography, Cardiac Surgery Confirmed as Risk for Kidney Injury
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Performing heart surgery on the same day as angiography is now confirmed as a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI), and hospital policy limiting the practice for elective cardiac surgery has significantly reduced the rate of AKI.

Released: 13-Feb-2013 3:45 PM EST
STS, ACC Receive FDA Approval for IDE to Study Alternative Access for TAVR
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

STS and ACC have received a unique investigational device exemption from the FDA to study “alternative access” approaches for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

26-Feb-2013 1:30 PM EST
Education, Support Associated with Increased Survival Following Heart Transplantation
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Survival following heart transplantation is associated with several patient characteristics, including patient education, higher social and economic satisfaction, and patient adherence with medications.

27-Mar-2013 1:30 PM EDT
Surgical Removal of Lung Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients May Improve Overall Survival
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Patients with primary breast cancer that has spread to the lungs may live longer if the lung metastases are surgically removed.

27-Mar-2013 1:55 PM EDT
CABG Surgery Generally Not Associated with Long-Term Cognitive Dysfunction
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The cognitive dysfunction observed in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery usually disappears within 8 weeks following surgery.

27-Mar-2013 2:35 PM EDT
Clinical Practice Guidelines Address Aortic Valve and Ascending Aorta Procedures
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has released a set of clinical practice guidelines to address major advances in the evaluation and management of patients with aortic valve disease.

29-Apr-2013 10:30 AM EDT
Case Volume May Influence Mortality Rates for Acute Aortic Dissection Repair
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Mortality rates among patients undergoing surgical repair of acute aortic dissection in the United States appear to be strongly associated with both institution and surgeon case volume, with lower mortality rates among surgeons and institutions annually performing more of the operations

29-Apr-2013 10:00 AM EDT
Antidepressant Therapy Prior to Bypass Surgery May Aid Recovery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Antidepressant therapy that begins 2 to 3 weeks before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and continues until 6 months post-surgery may help some patients recover their mental health more quickly and reduce postoperative pain

24-May-2013 12:00 PM EDT
Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery May Increase Risk of Infection
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The risk of postoperative infection appears to increase when patients receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during or after cardiac surgery, and greater attention to practices that limit red blood cell use could potentially reduce the occurrence of major postoperative infections

24-May-2013 12:00 PM EDT
Low Mortality Hospitals Better Equipped to Handle Heart Surgery Complications
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Hospitals with low rates of patient mortality appear better able to rescue patients from complications following cardiac surgery.

24-Jun-2013 1:00 PM EDT
Black Patients with PAD at Higher Risk of Death Following CABG Surgery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a known risk factor following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, and a new study in the July 2013 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery shows that the risk of death is even higher among black patients with PAD.

24-Jun-2013 1:00 PM EDT
New Clinical Practice Guidelines Address Diagnosis, Staging of Esophageal Cancer
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has released a set of clinical practice guidelines to address current and changing factors that affect the diagnosis and treatment of localized esophageal cancer.

Released: 10-Jul-2013 12:00 PM EDT
New Medical Overuse Report Emphasizes Importance of Informed Consent, Heart Team
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) recognizes and supports “Proceedings from the National Summit on Overuse,” released today by the American Medical Association and The Joint Commission.

Released: 17-Jul-2013 11:00 AM EDT
Study May Help More Heart Patients Benefit from New Technology
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has launched an investigational study with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) that may allow more patients to benefit from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

25-Jul-2013 12:00 PM EDT
Lung Transplant Patients May Fare Better with Larger Organs
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

A higher predicted total lung capacity ratio, suggestive of oversized donor lungs, is associated with improved survival following lung transplantation, primarily among patients who undergo double-lung (bilateral) transplants

29-Jul-2013 3:00 PM EDT
Media Advisory: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Applauds U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation for Lung Cancer Screening
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is today releasing a draft recommendation for using low-dose computed tomography (CT) to screen those at high risk for lung cancer. The recommendations will be posted on the USPSTF website at 5 p.m. ET today.

23-Aug-2013 10:45 AM EDT
Wireless Fitness Monitor Helps Tailor Recovery Strategy After Heart Surgery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Using wireless technology may speed patients’ postoperative recovery following heart surgery and improve post-discharge outcomes

25-Sep-2013 10:40 AM EDT
Alternative TAVR Approaches Offer Comparable Outcomes for Select Patients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Patients with aortic stenosis who are ineligible for surgical valve replacement as well as the traditional approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may have comparable outcomes when the surgeon uses an alternative access TAVR approach.

25-Sep-2013 10:00 AM EDT
Statin Therapy Prior to CABG Surgery May Improve Outcomes
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Patients receiving statin therapy before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery appear to have a reduced risk of post-surgical mortality, stroke, and atrial fibrillation (irregular or rapid heart rate)

Released: 26-Sep-2013 10:00 AM EDT
FDA Approval of Device Labeling Highlights Growing Use of Clinical Registry Data for Post-Market Device Surveillance
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Signifying an increasing confidence in clinical outcomes registries, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved expanded labeling for the Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve, making the device available to a larger group of patients with aortic stenosis.

24-Oct-2013 4:00 PM EDT
“Fresher” Blood Donations May Be Better for Recipients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Although clinical evidence is lacking on the relationship between the storage time of red blood cells and outcomes in transfused patients, these authors are advocating for a modernized blood management system—similar to inventory management systems seen in the retail sector—to potentially reduce patient complications.

24-Oct-2013 4:30 PM EDT
Hospital Volume Linked to Outcomes for Aortic Valve Replacement in High-Risk Patients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

High risk patients have better outcomes when undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) at hospitals that perform high volumes of the procedure

Released: 17-Nov-2013 3:00 PM EST
Study Confirms TAVR is Safe, Effective for Aortic Valve Replacement in Select Patients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Data from a national registry developed to track patient safety and real-world outcomes finds that the initial use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for treatment of aortic stenosis in high surgical risk and inoperable patients in the United States is safe and effective.

26-Dec-2013 2:00 PM EST
Decreasing Need for Blood Transfusion During Aortic Valve Replacement Can Help Reduce Complications, Costs
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Incorporating a blood conservation strategy (BCS) during aortic valve replacement (AVR) can reduce the likelihood of transfusion-related complications, as well as reduce blood-product utilization

26-Dec-2013 3:00 PM EST
Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement Advantageous for Some Very Elderly Patients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) appears to be an effective alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) for the treatment of aortic stenosis in very elderly patients, including those age 85 years and older

23-Jan-2014 3:50 PM EST
Exhaled Breath May Help Identify Early Lung Cancer
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Specific compounds found in exhaled breath may help diagnose lung cancer in its early stages

23-Jan-2014 4:20 PM EST
Long-term Survival Possible for Pediatric Heart Transplant Patients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Infants and children who undergo heart transplantation are experiencing good outcomes after surgery and may expect to live beyond 15 years post-surgery with reasonable cardiac function and quality of life

23-Jan-2014 4:00 PM EST
Availability of Transcatheter Repair of Aortic Stenosis Benefits Patients
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The introduction of minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for treatment of aortic stenos not only has increased the number of patients eligible for aortic valve replacement (AVR), but also has led to a decrease in patient mortality, suggesting that patients fare better when multiple treatment options are available.

27-Jan-2014 1:00 PM EST
Heart Transplant Success Improving, Patients Living Longer
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Heart transplantation continues to be the “gold standard” treatment for end-stage heart failure, and a large number of patients now live 20 years or more after surgery


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