Prof. Stuart Jamieson,
Chancellor of WSCTS

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

As Chancellor of the World Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (WSCTS) I am delighted to invite you to Sofia, Bulgaria for the 29th World Congress of Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic Surgeons, one of the leading Societies of our field.

Professor Gencho Nachev, the Congress Chairman, as well as the Organizing Committee in cooperation with the Program Committee of the WSCTS, has structured a unique blend of up-to-date science and varied social activities. The theme of the Congress: “Recent Advances in Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery – Preparing for the Future” reflects the essence and philosophy of this Congress. 

As Cardiothoracic Surgeons, we are keenly aware of the rapid changes in surgical approaches to various conditions that we have traditionally treated with conventional surgery. The techniques and applications of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and related disciplines are changing fast, as is our understanding of how best to progress in merging our expertise with allied fields to produce optimal results for our patients. Much of the scientific data to be presented will provide us with guidance in our future surgical decision-making. This meeting is timely.

The founding concept of the Society, almost 30 years ago, was the need to have a truly international forum for the exchange of ideas and progress in clinical care and research in the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery without geographical bias. Over the years we have embraced the domain of Vascular surgery, and today the WSCTS is the only truly international Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic Surgical Society. As always, this Conference will be a wonderful opportunity for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons from all over the world to get together, learn from each other, and exchange knowledge and experience. Plans are now underway to hold the 30^th WSCTS World Congress 2020 in St. Petersburg, Russia under the Chairmanship of Professor Piotr Yablonskiy.

Last, but not least, this annual meeting will be held in a very beautiful corner of the world. Sofia is one of the loveliest cities in Eastern Europe. The meeting venue is the National Palace of Culture Congress Centre, one of the largest conference centres in south-east Europe. Sofia is the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria; and is at the foothills of the beautiful Vitosha mountains. Sofia has a very rich history that has witnessed a number of wars and change of rulers. Each era has left its mark on the city, and visitors can experience the wonders of many such reminders from the past. Prof. Nachev and his team have also planned a remarkable social diary and I would welcome you to be a part of what will turn out to be a truly iconic meeting

I hope to meet all of you in Sofia, Bulgaria, on September 6 to 8, 2019. I am sure that your participation will contribute to making a Congress we will never forget.

With warmest regards,

Stuart Jamieson,
Chancellor of WSCTS
San Diego, California

Prof. Gencho Nachev,
President of the 29^th WSCTS 2019

Dear Esteemed Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 29^th World Congress of the World Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons, to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria from Sept. 6 to 8, 2019.

Apart from the indisputable and genuine scientific worth of each of the Congresses during the years, one of the most valuable characteristic of such a get-together of brilliant and passionate minds is the opportunity to share knowledge, experience, practices and the latest insights of the academic research with colleagues and friends from around the world. The World Congress is an event that brings together different cultures, different practices and know-how but most importantly it is an event that inspires people towards one common goal – to expand and increase knowledge, and share experience for the overall advancement, betterment and evolvement of the specialty. Following the traditions the 29^th World Congress will feature an innovative programme designed to meet the needs of cardiothoracic surgeons and share the most significant advances in our profession.

The diverse choice of locations each year allows new and young participants from different nations to join the Congress and it also presents an opportunity for the regular ones to visit and explore new places and make new friends. Having said that, it is my honor to welcome you in Bulgaria where the great scientific content of the Congress will be combined with the opportunity to see and taste the assorted and beautiful flavors of the country. It will give you the unique opportunity to dive in the Bulgarian culture and taste native wines, the famous yogurt and the versatile traditional cuisine. You will also have the opportunity prior and after the event to explore the country and visit some of its historical and natural heritage and beauty. I am sure you will feel more than welcome in the unique environment that Sofia will present to you.

I very much look forward to your participation in the 29^th World Congress of the World Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons and to welcoming you to Sofia!

Sincerely,

Prof. Gencho Nachev

President of the 29^th WSCTS 2019