General Information

The World Society of Cardio Thoracic Surgeons (WSCTS) unifies cardio-thoracic surgeons from around the globe. Each year society's world congress is being held in a different location, enhancing WSCTS worldwide nature and appeal.

The congress aims each year to further advance knowledge in cardiac and thoracic surgery, providing the opportunity to surgeons and related healthcare professionals, to present the most advanced scientific information and to promote worldwide exchange of recent achievements in research and clinical experience.

Congress Dates

April 30th to May 3rd, 2008

Deadlines

Abstracts Submission Deadline:	1 January, 2008
Notification of Abstracts Acceptance:	01 February, 2008
Deadline for Early Registration:	15 February, 2008

Who Should Attend

The 18th WSCTS World Congress will provide a comprehensive scientific program, aiming to have a broad appeal to all participants involved in the advancement of the cardio-thoracic healthcare, including:

Cardiac/Thoracic Surgeons
Cardiologists
Anaesthesiologists
Research Scientists
Medical Residents
Biomedical/Clinical Engineers
Nurses
Perfusionists & Respiratory Technologists
Industry/Government/Hospital Representatives

Venue

Kos International Convention Centre (KICC) will be the venue for the 18th WSCTS World Congress.

The venue is ranked among the most elegant, best structured and functional autonomous convention centers in the Mediterranean region.

It is interconnected with 5 hotels of various categories all belonging to the same complex, and it is 3 km away from the Kos town and the numerous landmarks of the island.

Official Language

English will be the official language of the Congress. No simultaneous translation will be provided.

Congress Highlights

WSCTS 2008 congress highlight will be the representation of the Hippocratic Oath by congress participants, in the same place where Hippocrates first led his students to swear the oath, before exercising their medical profession. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to personally engrave their names in one of the stones that will make up a monument in honour of Hippocrates, especially commissioned for this event.

Weather Conditions

Due to its mild Mediterranean climate, Kos guarantees almost 300 sunny days in a year. May is warm and temperatures range from 20-28 degrees of Celsius during the day and from 15-20 degrees during the night. The Convention Centre and hotels are fully air-conditioned.

Electricity

A round-pin adaptor is necessary for electrical appliances. In Greece the electrical power is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.

Currency and Payment Info

Congress fees are calculated in Euro (€). Foreign currency, traveller's cheques, and Euro cheques can be exchanged at the airport bank upon arrival or at banks located throughout Kos Island. Local banks or hotels on Kos Island will not cash personal cheques. Participants are advised to bring cash, traveller's cheques or Euro cheques. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere on Kos Island. Banks are open for the public from Monday to Friday, 08:00-14:00 hrs.

Internet Access

An internet corner will be available close to the exhibition area, for those participants who want to check their e-mail. Internet access is free.

Messages and Meeting Point

Participants can leave or collect their messages by visiting the Registration Desk of the Congress Secretariat. This area will be also the official meeting point of the congress.

Cell Phones

The use of personal mobile phones is prohibited within the scientific session rooms. Please ensure you have your mobile phone switched off when attending all sessions.