
ISMICS | International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery 2026
Event Date
June 10–13, 2026
Location
Miami, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ISMICS Annual Scientific Meeting is the flagship gathering of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, bringing together surgeons, researchers, and industry leaders focused on less invasive approaches to heart and thoracic surgery. This global forum is dedicated to advancing less invasive approaches and improving patient outcomes in cardiothoracic care, sharing innovations, research, and best practices.
The 2026 edition takes place at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Miami, Florida. This premier international event showcases the latest breakthroughs in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, offering hands-on training, expert-led education, and networking opportunities designed to shape the future of patient care. The program is organized around parallel Cardiac and Thoracic tracks, with topics spanning coronary revascularization, arrhythmia and aortic/endovascular therapies, valve surgery, heart failure and transplantation, and thoracic (lung, esophageal, and mediastinal) surgery.
The meeting is designed for cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, perfusionists, trainees, and allied health professionals seeking peer-reviewed science and practical technique training. Attendees can join in person at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach or tune in via select livestreamed sessions on CTSNet, and can connect with international surgeons, researchers, and industry leaders while accessing hands-on workshops, panels, and research sessions led by global leaders in the field.
Show Highlights
- Dual-track program: Separate Cardiac Track and Thoracic Track day programs run throughout the meeting.
- Hands-on training: Hands-on workshops, including live simulation training, wet labs, and procedural practice.
- Scientific sessions: Discussions on clinical outcomes, surgical techniques, and the future of minimally invasive CT surgery, plus expert-led presentations, panels, and research sessions led by global leaders in the field.
- Broad topic coverage: Sessions span aortic and endovascular therapies, arrhythmia surgery and interventions, coronary revascularization, education and imaging technologies, ERAS, heart failure assist devices, heart transplantation and perfusion, pediatric cardiac and thoracic surgery, and thoracic surgery of the esophagus, lung, and mediastinum.
- Poster competition and ePosters across multiple clinical categories.
- Hybrid access: Select sessions are livestreamed on CTSNet, with session recordings available after the event for on-demand viewing.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 Annual Meeting is open through the official meeting website. Registration is now available, and attendees should register before the early bird deadline of Friday, 8 May 2026, for discounted pricing.
ISMICS offers registration rates based on your country's income classification as defined by the World Bank. As a general reference for value, full ISMICS Annual Meeting registration is noted at a value of $325 to $1,250 depending on candidate/young surgeon status.
To register:
- Visit the official meeting site at meetings.ismics.org and select the Registration section.
- Confirm your applicable rate based on your country's World Bank income classification.
- Complete registration before the 8 May 2026 early bird deadline to secure discounted pricing.
History
ISMICS traces its origins to the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery. The society was formed on May 31, 1997 by the participants of the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at the Palais des Congres in Paris, France, taking a leadership role in shaping the direction of less invasive cardiac surgery on a global basis, with founding membership including representatives from all continents.
The first President chosen by the meeting participants at the World Congress was Robert W. Emery, M.D., of the Minneapolis Heart Institute. The organization has since grown into a global society hosting an annual scientific meeting that rotates between international and U.S. locations. Recent host cities include Boston, MA (2023), Athens, Greece (2024), and Istanbul, Turkey (2025), with Miami, Florida hosting in 2026. The Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland is set to follow the Fontainebleau Miami Beach as a future meeting venue.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenue
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a landmark oceanfront resort and conference destination. The 22-acre oceanfront Miami Beach hotel features signature restaurants by award-winning chefs, two chic nightlife venues, a two-story spa, an extensive poolscape, miles of beach, and state-of-the-art conference and event facilities. Also known as the Fontainebleau Hotel and designed by architect Morris Lapidus, the luxury hotel opened in 1954.
The property offers substantial meeting space and lodging on-site. It includes elegant ballrooms and a 15,000-square-foot meeting center with two permanent boardrooms. Amenities include a luxurious spa with ocean views and three elegant ballrooms.
Parking
On-site parking is available at the Fontainebleau, primarily via valet. Valet parking runs $58 to $73 per night plus tax for hotel guests (with reentry privileges), and $40 to $53 plus tax for visitors for up to 5 hours based on availability; exceeding 5 hours triggers the overnight rate. Prices may be higher during special events.
Additional nearby parking options include: a metered lot about a quarter mile north and others across the 41st Street bridge (about a half mile), plus the Charles Garage at 4332 Collins Ave, the 4041 Collins Ave garage, and the SP+ Parking Garage at 4385 Collins Ave.
Getting There
By air: The Fontainebleau is about a 15-minute drive east of downtown Miami and Miami International Airport (MIA), and roughly 30 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It is approximately 11.8 miles from Miami International Airport.
From MIA by car: Take I-112 east to 195 East, follow 195 East until reaching Miami Beach where it divides into Arthur Godfrey Road and Alton, continue on Arthur Godfrey Road to Indian Creek Drive, then turn left; the Fontainebleau is one block north on the right.
Taxi/rideshare: Taxi fares to and from Miami International Airport vary but are typically around $50.
Nearby Hotels
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is the host venue and primary conference hotel, offering on-site accommodations. Registration is open and hotel rooms fill quickly, so attendees are encouraged to secure their stay early.
The hotel sits in the Mid-Beach area of Miami Beach along Collins Avenue, an oceanfront corridor with numerous additional resorts and hotels within a short drive to the north and south. Oceanfront Fontainebleau Miami Beach is located in the northern Mid-Beach area, which offers a quieter, more upscale setting than South Beach while still providing beaches, dining, and easy access to Miami Beach's hot-spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the ISMICS 2026 Annual Meeting?
The 2026 ISMICS Annual Scientific Meeting takes place June 10-13, 2026, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Miami, Florida, USA. The hotel is located at 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140.
Who should attend the ISMICS Annual Meeting?
The meeting is aimed at cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, researchers, trainees, perfusionists, and industry professionals focused on minimally invasive and robotic cardiac and thoracic surgery. Attendees connect with international surgeons, researchers, and industry leaders while accessing hands-on workshops, panels, and research sessions.
How do I register and is there an early bird deadline?
Registration is available through the official meeting site at meetings.ismics.org. Register before the early bird deadline of Friday, May 8, 2026, for discounted pricing; rates are based on your country's income classification as defined by the World Bank.
What is featured on the program?
The program is organized around parallel Cardiac and Thoracic tracks and includes hands-on workshops with live simulation training, wet labs, and procedural practice, plus expert-led presentations, panels, poster competitions, and research sessions. Topics range from coronary revascularization and arrhythmia surgery to aortic therapies, valve surgery, heart failure, transplantation, and thoracic surgery.
How do I get to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach from the airport?
The venue is about 11 to 12 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA), roughly a 15-minute drive, and about 30 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Taxi fares from Miami International Airport are typically around $50, and rideshare services are widely available.
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