The "NeoSilk Path" Program on International Advanced Training Course in Thoracic Surgery

The "NeoSilk Path" Program on International Advanced Training Course in Thoracic Surgery, organized by Bluesail Surgical, took place over five intense and informative days from December 23 to 27, 2024. The program attracted a distinguished group of thoracic surgery experts from Greece, creating a vibrant atmosphere of learning and professional exchange. Not only did it serve as a crucial platform for fostering international camaraderie among medical professionals, but it also provided a valuable opportunity for academic sharing and disseminating advanced knowledge in thoracic surgery.

First Stop: Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center

The Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) was established in March 1964 and is one of the four earliest tumor hospitals in China.

As one of the largest in scale and strongest in academic cancer research bases that integrates medical treatment, education, research, and prevention in China, the center plays an crucial role in national cancer prevention and treatment efforts, especially as a leading force in cancer prevention work in South China as well as Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Its disciplinary status and comprehensive strength are at At the national leading level.

The center has important research and medical platforms, including national key disciplines (oncology), State Key Laboratory (SKL) of Oncology in South China, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, National Clinical Study Center for Anticancer Drugs and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine. SYSUCC is also the supporting institute for the Guangdong Cancer Center and the Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute. SYSUCC also hosts the SCI journal Cancer Communications which has gained substantial international recognition and influence

Overview of the First Stop Meeting

The Thoracic Surgery Department at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center is one of the earliest established thoracic tumor surgery departments in China. Over the years, it has developed into one of the most prominent thoracic tumor surgical centers in South China, with significant influence nationwide.

On December 23-24, Prof. Jianhua Fu, Prof. Haoxian Yang, and Prof. Lanjun Zhang from the thoracic surgery department at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center successively presented excellent surgical observation demonstrations.

The surgical content covered both common and advanced techniques in thoracic surgery, including robot-assisted McKeown Esophagectomy or lobectomy for lung cancer; robot-assisted esophageal leiomyoma Resection, video-assisted McKeown Esophagectomy or lobectomy for lung cancer, electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy - guided localization of right upper pulmonary nodule, Fluorescence thoracoscopy - assisted wedge resection of the right upper lung, right upper lobectomy, and mediastinal lymph node dissection.

On December 25th, Prof. Lanjun Zhang and Prof. Hong Yang, along with Associate Consultant Zerui Zhao and Associate Consultant Kongjia Luo from the Thoracic Surgery Department of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, delivered keynote speeches about new methods of comprehensive treatment for lung cancer and esophageal cancer, as well as innovative minimally invasive surgical techniques. They introduced European physicians to Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center's latest original high-quality clinical research achievements in thoracic tumors along with new technologies and concepts regarding diagnosis and treatment of thoracic diseases.

Topics included Introduction SBRT with sequential immunochemotherapy for resectable NSCLC; ; NEOCRTEC5010 and beyonds as well as The landscape of navigation bronchoscopy practicing in thoracic surgery— all of which were highly engaging subjects.

Prof. Tsakiridis Kosmas and Christophoros N. Foroulis from Greece actively participated in the academic discussions, contributing to a vibrant scholarly atmosphere.

Over the two days of surgical observation, Bluesail Surgical's Siderlux® Powered Articulating Endoscopic Linear Cutter was extensively utilized in various surgeries. Different models of stapling cartridges are designed for various tissue thicknesses, and the staple formation guiding technology improves closure. When it comes to cutting and closing the lung tissue, the instrument effectively reduces bleeding, making it an ideal choice for thoracic surgery.

Second Stop: The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University

The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University originated from Soochow Hospital, founded in 1883 (the 9th year during the Guangxu Reign of the Qing Dynasty). It is one of the first batch of "Grade III, Level A" general hospitals in Jiangsu Province approved by the Ministry of Health. It serves as a regional medical center in Jiangsu Province and is recognized as a high-level hospital in Jiangsu Province, research hospital and provincial pilot hospital for high-quality development in Jiangsu Province. In recent years, the hospital has received numerous honors such as being named national Civilization Unit, an Advanced Collective of National Hospital Culture Construction, and winning Innovation Awarw of Hospital Reform. In 2021's performance evaluation among national tertiary public hospitals, it ranked 29th nationwide.

The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University upholding adheres to public welfare. The hospital fully implements party and state health policies in this new era with people’s health at its core while focusing on high-quality development; accurately implementing new development concepts; proactively serving and integrating into new development patterns; comprehensively improving service quality; enhancing overall strength; elevating social reputation; striving to build a domestic first-class research-oriented hospital that is internationally renowned with distinctive features during China's modernization process.

Overview of the Second Stop Meeting

On December 27th, Greek experts arrived at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University to begin the second phase of China’s academic exchange program.

On the morning of December 27th, Prof. Jun Zhao from The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, extended warm greetings to overseas physicians who traveled from afar. Subsequently Prof. Chang Li provided an overview of recent developments in the thoracic surgery department. Greek thoracic experts expressed appreciation towards the hospital's modern facilities, professional teams, and extensive surgical experience and engaged in a comprehensive discussion with the medical staff on advanced research topics in thoracic surgery.

Prof. Christophoros N. Foroulis presented case reports and the treatment method on adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) from Aristotle University Medical School, summarizing characteristics relevant toward this rare tracheal tumor, providing insights into procedural aspects.

Prof. Tsakiridis Kosmas discussed recent developments within Greek thoracic surgery and future trends. He collaborated closely with the physicians from the Thoracic Surgery Department at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. He engaged participants an in-depth discussion on segmentectomy's application in thoracic surgery and its potential as a future surgical trend, and highlighted potential trajectory particularly concerning early-stage peripheral non-small cell lung cancer cases, and delved into technical matters concerning recovery protocols, leading to a valuable exchange of insights among the attendees.

During the afternoon observational sessions held on December 27th, Prof. Jun Zhao and Prof. Chang Li once again showcased clinical achievements garnered through practical expertise. The Greek specialists expressed immense admiration for these accomplishments, stating that they had derived considerable benefit from the experience overall.

The Greek specialists impressed by The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. They noted the rapid advancements particularly within Chinese Thoracic medicine and asserted that if the opportunity arises, they would certainly strive to foster enhanced collaborative exchanges between the clinical practice of both nations.

Event conclusion

Over these five days filled with dynamic academic exchanges, we have had the privilege of witnessing groundbreaking techniques in Chinese Thoracic Surgery. These methods not only set trends domestically but also redefine global standards, charting the course for future medical innovations.

Bluesail Surgical is opening to forge closer partnerships within the global medical community. We firmly believe that through collaboration, we will explore the latest advancements and address the challenges ahead while paving the way for future growth.

The“NeoSilk Path represents not only our respect for the ancient silk routes that fostered international dialogue but also our commitment to cooperative, win-win dynamics that propel our shared futures forward..

As we embrace the waves of globalization, Bluesail Surgical is dedicated to strengthening robust alliances worldwide. We are confident that through our collaborative efforts and relentless exploration, we will forge a mutually beneficial and victorious NeoSilk Path in global healthcare, significantly advancing the cause of human health.