In September, St. Elizabeth Healthcare hosted the Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons (ECS) Club annual meeting at our Training and Education Center (SETEC) in Northern Kentucky — marking the first time this prestigious event has been held in the United States.
Three Days of Ingenuity, Connection and Collaboration
More than 200 surgeons and medical professionals from 42 countries gathered to share knowledge, techniques and talent in totally endoscopic minimally invasive heart surgery. Video feeds of various endoscopic procedures being performed around the world were broadcast live to the event for educational purposes, including one from the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood Hospital.
Attendees had exclusive access to emerging trends in cardiovascular treatments, hands-on surgical simulations and keynote sessions from world-renowned experts in cardiac surgery. The purpose and passion of this symposium was centered around a single goal: improving patient care through the least invasive surgical approaches.
As shared in the HeartValveSurgery.com blog by patient advocate Adam Pick, the meeting was “interactive, inspiring and a glimpse into the future of heart valve care”.
Expanding What’s Possible
Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang, Surgical Director of Mitral and Heart Failure Therapies at St. Elizabeth, a nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive valve surgery and a founding member of the ECS Club shared these powerful insights during the meeting:
- Totally endoscopic cardiac surgery (TECS) – whether performed with handheld or robotic instruments – is the least invasive form of open-heart surgery available today.
- TECS is a safe and effective approach for treating valve disease, cardiac tumors, holes in the heart and atrial fibrillation – especially when performed by highly experienced teams at leading cardiac centers.
- The 3D 4K Endoscope system takes TECS to the next level – this cutting-edge imaging technology provides a magnified, high-definition view of the heart with unmatched clarity and unparalleled depth perception for enhanced surgical efficiency.
“I was honored to present the incredible work being done right here and share with my peers. Advancing totally endoscopic cardiac surgery is not just about technology – it’s about better outcomes and brighter futures for our patients,” says Dr. Castillo-Sang
ECS Conference Highlights
Dr. Castillo-Sang reflects on his top takeaways from the event:
- Collaboration drives progress: Bringing together surgeons from around the world accelerates the sharing of best practices and new techniques, ultimately benefiting patients everywhere.
- Patient-centered innovation: Every advancement in minimally invasive surgery is focused on improving patient recovery, comfort and long-term health.
- Education and mentorship: Training the next generation of cardiac surgeons ensures that these life-changing procedures become more widely available.
St. Elizabeth Heart Surgery Isn’t Just Keeping Up with the World – We’re Leading It
The ECS Club meeting wasn’t just a milestone – it was an international spotlight on the innovation, expertise and patient-first care happening in our own backyard. Our cardiac surgery team performs totally endoscopic minimally invasive procedures at a level that rivals major academic centers throughout the country – and world.
“Patients don’t need to travel elsewhere to receive world-class heart surgery care. The same revolutionary methods taught by global leaders in cardiac surgery are performed right here at St. Elizabeth,” says Dr. Castillo-Sang
Here’s what helps set us apart:
- Trusted by patients throughout our community: Each year, hundreds of individuals from across the region choose St. Elizabeth for minimally invasive heart procedures – reflecting our reputation for excellence, safety and patient-centered care.
- At the forefront of progress: We have developed a groundbreaking endoscopic approach to treat severe mitral annular calcification, offering hope to patients who previously had limited options.
- Training tomorrow’s experts: We continue to serve as a training hub for educating and mentoring the next generation of endoscopic cardiac surgeons from around the world – sharing our expertise and raising the standard of care for patients everywhere.
- Mitral valve repair from simple to complex: Our surgeons are recognized for their expertise in mitral valve repair, routinely addressing everything from straightforward prolapse to the most challenging cases of Barlow’s disease.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
St. Elizabeth isn’t stopping there. We’re building on the momentum of the ECS Club meeting to:
- Launch a new minimally invasive valve surgery center: Expanding access to advanced heart care for patients throughout the region and beyond, with the addition of Dr. Juan Penaranda Canal to our team of Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons.
- Drive surgical progress: Developing new techniques to make heart surgery safer, faster and more comfortable.
- Partner for progress: Building on our relationships with leading medical device manufacturers, lending our expertise to help design and refine sophisticated precision instruments for minimally invasive heart procedures. By sharing our real-world experience and clinical insights, we’re shaping the future of cardiac surgery – ensuring that new tools truly meet the needs of both surgeons and patients.
Want to Learn More?
If you or a loved one are facing heart surgery, choose the most advanced, compassionate care available.
Call (859) 301-9010 or schedule a consultation online. To learn more, visit our website. Your heart deserves the best. And the best is closer than you think.
