“There is a significant clinical and economic value for thoracic surgeons and hospital systems to have a procedural solution that encompasses both treatment and training to help deliver consistent outcomes, procedural efficiency and clinician and patient satisfaction,” said Diego Gonzalez-Rivas, MD, FETCS,** head of minimally invasive thoracic surgery unit at Coruña Hospital.

Procedural Solution: Thoracic Research, Education and Training

As part of its procedural focus, Ethicon recently announced the appointment of thoracic surgeon Edmund Kassis, MD, as its first medical director for thoracic surgery. Dr. Kassis will help guide the development of new products, evidence generation and education and training. He brings vast thoracic surgical experience through his tenures at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, MD Anderson and Ohio State University Medical Center.

Ethicon continues to conduct global training for thousands of thoracic surgeons through numerous training events each year, which include team-based and individual, as well as regional, local and web-based programs. Ethicon is holding a 2-day resident and fellows training course in June focused on Surgery for Stage 3 Lung Cancer, Complications of VATS Lobectomy and Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy, complete with an interactive faculty-led hands-on Tissue Lab.

“In thoracic surgery, there is still a critical need to reduce variability in the procedure, and drive proficiency in performing minimally invasive procedures. To help solve those challenges, we are extending our commitment to thoracic surgery by developing evidence-based solutions and providing the training, education and research to support surgeons,” said Dr. Kassis. “Lung cancer is a devastating disease and it’s imperative that we continue to partner with our customers around the world to develop comprehensive clinical evidence, education, and innovative procedural solutions—to ultimately benefit patients.”

According to the American Cancer Society, there were about 224,210 new cases of lung cancer and about 159,260 deaths from the disease in 2014. Lung cancer accounts for about 27 percent of all cancer deaths and is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women.[2]

About Ethicon*

From creating the first sutures, to revolutionizing surgery with minimally invasive procedures, Ethicon has made significant contributions to surgery for nearly 60 years. Our continuing dedication to Shape the Future of Surgery is built on our commitment to help address the world’s most pressing health care issues, and improve and save more lives. Through Ethicon’s surgical technologies and solutions including sutures, staplers, energy devices, trocars and hemostats and our commitment to treat serious medical conditions like obesity and cancer worldwide, we deliver innovation to make a life-changing impact. Learn more at www.ethicon.com/thoracic, and follow us on Twitter @Ethicon.

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