Dear Colleagues,

This year the Cardiovascular Surgical Meeting in Zürs is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It represents one of the oldest international meetings in cardiovascular surgery. This continuing story of success is based on a clear concept and an unusual  philosophy: Using an unique and inspiring environment in  the Austrian alps, the meetings should offer a platform of high level cardiovascular surgery and medicine in order to provide  the participants with excellent learning and teaching facilities. This was  made possible by the invitation of world famous leaders in the field. For example to enumerate a few: D. Cosgrove, F. Loop,  A. Wechsler, F.  Fontan, A. Castaneda, A. Geha, T. David, C. Duran,, J. Coselli C. Barnard, R. Griepp, H. Bahnson, H. Vanermen, R. Mee, M. Yacoub, P. Sergeant and others. The fact to spent one week together, sharing breakfasts , meals and lectures under one roof, created a unique environment to develop and to cultivate professional relations and friendships. To relax and to  exercise sporting activities is a complementary perspective  of our meetings. The years from 1983 to 1990 the symposia  in Zürs have been for our colleagues from eastern Europe  an invaluable platform to meet their western colleagues and to profit from their experience and knowledge.

Another very important perspective was the collaboration with our partners the cardiologists. V. Fuster, J. Marco,  U. Sigwart, T. Lüscher, O. Hess O. Pachinger and others guaranteed to build bridges and to minimize growing gaps.

Last, but not least the Zürs Meetings provided the medical industry with an incomparable ambiente to interact with their clients thus getting paid  back  for their continuous and vital support for which the organizers are very grateful.    

Manfred Deutsch, M.D.                                                            Ernst Wolner M.D.