Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) is a not-for-profit professional organization representing surgeons, researchers and allied healthcare professionals involved in surgeries of the heart, lungs, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. It is the largest cardiothoracic surgery organization in the world with more than 7,700 members in 110 countries.

Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change
A nationwide policy shift implemented in 2018 was designed to, among other things, improve the waiting list mortality rate. One unintended consequence, however, is that patients are now more likely to experience a stroke after receiving a new heart.
First-in-class SAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences linked to positive 5-year outcomes
Researchers focused on a relatively young patient population, hoping to learn as much as possible about the surgical valve's safety and effectiveness over an extended period of time.
Cardiology groups urge Congress to ‘take a stand’ after spending proposal fails to fix Medicare cuts
A new spending proposal that would extend government funding for another seven months does not address the Medicare payment cut that went into effect on Jan. 1. More than 100 healthcare groups, including the ACC, STS, SCCT and SCAI, are now voicing their disappointment.
TAVR vs. SAVR: Real-world data highlight advantages of both techniques
The biggest differences, researchers noted, were found in the long-term outcomes of low- and intermediate-risk patients.
Heart surgery during pregnancy: Tracking the safety of a rare, sometimes unavoidable, scenario
How safe is it to perform cardiac surgery on a pregnant patient? When should care teams try to deliver the baby first and then complete the procedure? A team of Mayo Clinic researchers addressed those very questions, and many others, in a new analysis.

U.S. News & World Report children’s hospitals cardiology heart surgery

Heart surgery outcomes comparable at high- and low-volume children’s hospitals

You can't judge a pediatric heart center by its volume, according to new research presented during STS 2024 in San Antonio.

Society of Thoracic Surgeons Jennifer C. Romano

Congenital heart specialist named first female president of Society of Thoracic Surgeons

STS announced the news Monday at its annual meeting in San Antonio. Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, is officially the first female president in the organization's 60-year history.

Heart surgeons alarmed by high number of young patients choosing TAVR over SAVR

Nearly 50% of patients under the age of 60 are now opting for TAVR over SAVR, according to a new study presented at STS 2024 in San Antonio. "We owe it to our patients to take a more prominent role in providing the highest quality evidence to help our patients make these major healthcare decisions," one researcher said.

Cardiologists make a familiar plea, urging Congress to eliminate impending Medicare cuts

Congress has already adjourned for the year without taking action, but U.S. medical societies are hoping relief from significant Medicare cuts will arrive in early 2024.

Surgeons warn it is too early to recommend a TAVR-first strategy for low-risk patients

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery say more information is still required before any conclusions can be made about the long-term benefits of TAVR in low-risk patients.

SAVR associated with ‘excellent’ long-term survival rates, new research confirms

Even as TAVR continues to build momentum as the go-to treatment option for many patients, researchers are keeping a close eye on the long-term safety and effectiveness of SAVR.

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons push insurance company to rethink billing policy

The American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons raised the issue, which is related to the billing of transcatheter heart procedures such as TAVR.

Confirmed: Redo TAVR with balloon-expandable valves is safe and effective

The study, based on STS/ACC registry data, represents a collaboration between several leading TAVR specialists.

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Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

Strokes more likely for U.S. heart transplant recipients following policy change

First-in-class SAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences linked to positive 5-year outcomes

Cardiology groups urge Congress to ‘take a stand’ after spending proposal fails to fix Medicare cuts

TAVR vs. SAVR: Real-world data highlight advantages of both techniques

Heart surgery during pregnancy: Tracking the safety of a rare, sometimes unavoidable, scenario

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