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29th Annual Congress
The World Society of Cardio-Vascular & Thoracic Surgeons
6-9 September 2019
Sofia, Bulgaria
http://www.wscts2019.com/
Bulgaria
Geographic Location
Bulgaria It is a European, Balkan, Black Sea and Danube country. This geographic location places it on the crossroad between Europe, Asia and Africa.
History
The territory of Bulgaria has been inhabited since antiquity, as the country’s many ancient settlements and burial mounds attest. Present-day Bulgaria was a cradle of some of the earliest civilizations in Europe – the oldest gold ornament ever discovered, unearthed in the Chalcholite necropolis near Varna, is evidence of that. From the age of Ancient Thrace we have inherited valuable cultural monuments, including tombs (such as the Kazanlak tomb, the Aleksandrovska tomb, and the Sveshtarska tomb); treasures (the Panagyursko, Rogozensko, and Valchitransko teasures, among others); and sanctuaries and temples (at Perperikon, Starosel, Kozi Gramadi, Begliktash, and elsewhere).
State Structure and Economy
According to its Constitution, Bulgaria is a Parliamentary Republic, a unified state with local self-government. The official language in the republic is Bulgarian, and the religion of most Bulgarians is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The national state emblem of the Republic of Bulgaria is an upright golden lion on a dark red, shield-shaped background. The national emblem of Republic of Bulgaria is depicted on its state seal. The flag of the Republic of Bulgaria consists of three colors: white, green and red, laid horizontally from top to bottom.
The basis of the Bulgarian economy is free economic initiative. The state creates conditions for the free development of science, education, and the arts and provides support for them.
Traditional Cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine is exceptionally diverse and delicious, consisting of various salads, breadstuffs, stews, and other local dishes. Many of the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation over the centuries.
The products which Bulgaria is internationally known for are yogurt and white brine (feta) cheese. These are almost always present on Bulgarian tables in one form or another.
Sofia is the capitalapital and the largest city of Bulgaria. It is located at the foot of Mount Vitosha in the western part of the country. Many of the major universities, cultural institutions, and businesses of Bulgaria are concentrated in Sofia.
Green areas
The city has an extensive green belt. There are four principal parks – Borisova gradina in the city center and the Southern, Western and Northern parks, as well as several other smaller parks.
Culture
Sofia concentrates the cultural life of Bulgaria. There are plenty of opportunities to diversify the evenings or the spare time of the visitors of the city. Best choices are among watching a theatre play (for example in the Ivan Vazov National Theatre), visiting an exhibition in one of the museums or galleries or going to the National Opera and Ballet. More ideas can be found at http://www.programata.bg/?l=2 .
Airport
Sofia is very easy to get to, there are more than 30 airlines operating direct passenger flights to 78 destinations in Europe and in the Middle East.
Sofia International Airport is located about 20 – 30 minutes driving distance from the centre of Sofia City depending on traffic conditions.
Metro
The Metro network consists of two lines – Line 1 and Line 2. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of each metro station.
Public Transport
Sofia Public Transport Network consists of more than 90 bus lines which connect every point of the city and its surroundings, 15 tram lines and 9 electically driven bus lines.
Taxi
Taxi cars are yellow. It is recommended to always check the price with the driver before your trip.
Welcome
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 30thWSCTS 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
Chancellor
Stuart Jamieson
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 29th 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 29th 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 29th World Congress of the World Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons and to welcoming you to Sofia!
Sincerely,
Prof. Gencho Nachev,
President of the 29th WSCTS 2019