Since 1917 the AATS has continually encouraged and stimulated education and investigation into the areas of intrathoracic physiology, pathology, and therapy. This annual meeting will bring together almost 3,000 of the most prominent specialists from around the world to address cutting edge modalities of therapy for cardiothoracic diseases. There will be many postgraduate courses and simultaneous sessions in each of the three major areas of specialty: adult cardiac, congenital and general thoracic surgery.

Link: www.aats.org

Since 2004, the Heart Failure Association has organised a large annual Congress in different European congress locations to provide an extensive update on all recent advances in basic and clinical science. The next Congress, Heart Failure 2008, will be held in the beautiful and lively city of Milan, an easily reachable city from any country throughout the world, an ideal link between the North and South of Europe.

Link: www.escardio.com

In 2008, ASAIO is taking a new direction and the theme is "Concept to Commercialization of Organ Replacement & Repair Therapies". Business Plan Abstracts will be accepted as well as Research Abstracts. ASAIO is teaming up with the MIT Sloan School of Management to introduce exciting new initiatives.

Link: www.asaio.com

This meeting is one of the more unique events in the thoracic community for several reasons. First, it is purposefully positioned a the end of June in order to enable entire families to attend. Second, this is a unique opportunity for industry and physicians to network in a relaxed environment and beautiful surroundings. Third, the meeting format allows for business meetings to occur daily and provide the opportunity to continue those discussions on the golf course, on a hiking trail, or over dinner.

Link: www.westernthoracic.com

"Towards future biomedical technologies" will be the theme of this congress which will be organised in collaboration with the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the Universities and University Hospitals of Geneva and Lausanne, thus, bringing together all the Science from the Arc Lémanique. A highly scientific programme has been put together, covering various fields ranging from cardiovascular, liver and kidney support to tissue engineering, cell therapy and transplantation.

Link: www.esao.com

The programme will include: -Oral communications on clinical and experimental research topics concerned with cardiac and thoracic surgery -Digital Interactive Presentations with discussion -Film Sessions -Six Postgraduate Courses -Breakfast Sessions and -Demonstrations on normal and pathological anatomy

Link: www.eacts.com

The annual meeting has gained a reputation as an outstanding forum for presentation of the latest information available (clinical and basic research, treatment and care of patients) in the field of heart failure. This meeting will bring together physicians, basic and clinical scientists, epidemiologists, health care providers and others involved in the continuum of caring for patients with heart failure.

Link: www.hfsa.org

The Scientific Sessions are our principal venue for educating clinicians, researchers, and other healthcare providers in the latest advancements in cardiovascular medicine, science, and related fields. State-of-the-art products and services will also be exhibited. Enhancements for 2008: Five days of programming including Saturday Daytime Seminars International Congress on Imaging and Cardiovascular Disease Translational science sessions that bring together basic scientists and clinicians Continue consolidation of young investigator programming on Sunday afternoon The Early Career Development Symposium on Saturday will take place inside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Link: www.americanheart.com

The objective of our meeting is to provide a comprehensive approach on management of acute and end-stage heart failure patients beyond medical treatment. Furthermore, updates on basic research with special interest in adjuvant therapies will also be key topics of this year's summit. Our scientific advisory board consists of many leading specialists in mechanical circulatory support. Their much appreciated advice has helped to provide a comprehensive program incorporating the last scientific innovations in the field of mechanical circulatory support. This time we have integrated a poster exhibition and hope we can encourage you to submit your work.

Link: www.eums.com