Prof Chia Boon Lock receives the SMA Honorary ... - nuhcs

16 th Annual Congress of the Asian Society
for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Prof Uwe Klima, CTVS @ NUH
Singapore hosted the 16 th Annual Congress
of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS) held over 13–
16 March 2008 under the Chairmanship of
Professor Lee Chuen-Neng, Chair, University
Surgical Cluster, Head, Department of
Surgery and Department of Cardiac, Thoracic
& Vascular Surgery, National University
Health System. It was attended by over 870 participants from 50
countries.
Since its foundation in 1993, the ASCVTS had become
the largest cardiothoracic Society In Asia. Its goals have been to
promote the study of the art, science and practice of cardiovascular
surgery, hence facilitating the exchange of ideas in the field of
cardiovascular surgery. Journeying into the 21 st century,
advancements in the field of healthcare have been accompanied
by unexpected challenges and greater responsibilities. The theme
this year – “Putting Patients first in the Era of Modern Technology”,
embodies the purpose of this congress, which is to equip healthcare
personnel as well as patients with medical knowledge that is
becoming increasingly relevant in our society.
wet lab workshop
For the first time outside of America, the American
Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) held a post-graduate
review course. This was well received.
The congress received over 250 free paper submission, of
which 50% were for oral presentation over 14 sessions and 50%
were for poster presentation. Alongside the main congress, several
workshops namely the Haemodynamic Workshop, Endovascular
Aortic Stenting Course and Minimally Invasive Thoracic
Symposium were conducted at the Advanced Surgery Training
Centre, National University Hospital. All the workshops were
convened by our doctors with international and regional panelists.
The nursing symposium which was attended by more than
200 participants was coordinated by a nursing committee
represented by all the major hospitals in Singapore.
Prof Uwe Klima, CTVS @ NUH
In conjunction with ASCVTS 2008, St. Jude Medical took the
opportunity to run a wet lab workshop on the 12 th March 2008.
A total of 11 doctors, coming from various Asia countries
participated in the workshop which was held at the Advanced
Surgical centre at the National University Hospital of Singapore.
The workshop was conducted by Prof Uwe Klima and A/Prof
Theodoros Kofidis from the National University Hospital and Dr
Chua Yeow Leng from the National Heart Center.
The workshop started with Dr Chua sharing a presentation on
HIFU (High Intensity Focus Ultrasound) technology for open cardiac
ablation for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. He shared the
differences between HIFU and other technologies, as well as the
method of performing a procedure using the EPICOR machine. The
main advantage for HIFU is the ability to provide
transmural ablation effectively and safely.
There was also a short hands-on session
where Dr Chua demonstrated an ablation
using EPICOR on a porcine heart.
This was followed by Prof Klima giving a presentation on
the treatment of Valvular Disease using MHV (Mechanical Heart
Valves). Regent TM valve was highlighted as one of the best performing
MHV with outstanding performance for EOAI (Effective Orific Area
Index) and profile. A/Prof Kofidis spoke on Current Trend for Tissue
Heart Valves, the Epic TM Heart Valves was featured for its superb
profile and unique anticalcification technology. The participants
broke out into smaller groups where the trainers gave a detailed
demonstration on the tips and tricks of sewing the Regent TM valve
and Epic TM Supra valve onto a porcine heart. Each participant also
had a chance to assist or replace a valve onto a porcine heart under
the supervision of the trainers.
Overall, the feedback and response towards the workshop
have been positive. All participants mentioned that they found the
session insightful, and the various advice given by the trainers during
the session were invaluable in helping them provide better patient
care through better techniques and skills learn through the workshop.
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