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CTSNet and Asia: a New Horizon

Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, Korea 1 Publisher, Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals Singapore, Republic of Singapore

When the two individuals first met in 1981 in Korea, it could never be imagined how various factors and forces in the region would draw them together in a scientific publishing endeavor. One was a cardiovascular surgeon newly returned from training in the USA, the other a young American heart valve salesman starting a career in Asia. A local Korean distributor introduced them so that they could discuss the merits of a leading valve. At the 1983 Congress on Thoracic & CV Surgery held in Seoul they continued a dialogue on the development of cardiac surgery in the region. Mutual respect and friendship ensued. One thing was certain, both were devoted to and interested in the future progress of cardiac surgery in Asia, albeit then from different perspectives.

They corresponded by letter and meetings occurred over the next 10 years as the salesman had progressed to the point of starting an Asian heart valve company based in Singapore, and the surgeon continued operating, em-ploying knowledge acquired during training abroad and skills developed locally. The salesman wrote and circulated a newsletter for surgeons and colleagues covering events and news from Asian centers as a means of maintaining valuable past contacts as he traveled widely.

The surgeon operated, published articles and learned new techniques. At a dinner in Korea early in 1991, they met once again, and a question was raised: "Why not a cardiac journal for Asia?" It was difficult at the time for Asian papers to be accepted in the established Western journals due to improper use of English, limited clinical follow-up, and the lack of perseverance to ensure publishing standards were met. Initial funding was secured (yes, from the same Korean distributor), a company formed, an editorial board chosen and a call for papers announced. They knew the . . . [Full Text of this Article]