Dear Colleague,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I take great pleasure in inviting you to participate in the 5th International Meeting of the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center. The event will take place in Athens, at the Eugenides Foundation Congress Center, September 16 - 18, 2010.

This Meeting will cover topics related to current advances and trends in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, and will include Forums on Thoracic Surgery and Cardiac Anesthesia. The principal sponsor is the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, which we gratefully thank for their generous and continuous support.

World renowned cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other specialists will present and discuss the latest advances and will comment on presentations in oral, poster and interactive, narrated video sessions. All abstracts approved for presentation will be published in the Heart Surgery Forum. The participation of numerous internationally renowned scientific leaders guarantees the high quality of the upcoming Meeting.

Young investigators are encouraged to participate in the competition for the Best Oral and Best Poster Presentation Awards which are sponsored by the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation.

A rich social program combining cultural and quality entertainment activities is also planned. Athens, always an inspiring city for every visitor, offers a unique combination of glorious ancient achievements, current reality, and the background for a successful scientific meeting.

I look forward to welcoming you in Athens.

George M. Palatianos, M.D.
Chairman, Organizing Committee