21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgery Society

What 21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgery Society does

The 21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgery Society is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional society founded in 1994 in Portland, Oregon. It maintains an invitation-only membership of approximately 35-45 cardiothoracic surgeons selected for their innovation credentials and leadership in the field, and its principal activity is convening these members at an annual meeting held each February over Presidents Day weekend, supplemented by a fall leadership meeting. The society does not develop proprietary technology products; its outputs are the publications, patents, and medical devices generated by its surgeon-members, whose collective track record includes thousands of peer-reviewed papers, hundreds of patented devices, and ventures such as member-founded Harpoon Medical (acquired by Edwards Lifesciences for a reported up to $250 million).

The society operates with minimal paid infrastructure. Day-to-day administration is handled by Association Management Plus using Wild Apricot membership management software, with contracted executive leadership from Alan Morasch (CAE Executive Director). Member officers include Eric Roselli (President), Vinod Thourani (Immediate Past President), Leora Yarboro (President-elect), Faiz Bhora (Treasurer), and Patrick Rudersdorf (Secretary). The organization functions as a selective convening platform rather than a research or commercial entity.

Revenue is generated through three streams: individual membership dues of $750 per member, tiered industry sponsorships (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze), and event registration fees for the annual meeting. Industry partners include Abbott (Platinum), Edwards Lifesciences and Zimmer Biomet (Gold), and AtriCure, Arthrex, and Smith+Nephew among others. This sponsorship model aligns the society with the medical device industry and provides members privileged access to product development discussions.

Name

21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgery Society

Legal name

21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgical Society

Website

https://21ccss.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The 21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgery Society is a 501(c)(6) non-profit founded in 1994 that convenes an invite-only membership of approximately 35-45 leading cardiothoracic surgeons for an annual February meeting, funded through membership dues and tiered medical device industry sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Professional Society Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Medical, Scientific & Healthcare Congress Organizers (THAHACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Medical & Health Sciences Congresses (THAHAJAA), Healthcare & Medical Congresses (MPAGAGAF)

Keywords

• Cardiothoracic surgery society
• Medical professional society
• Surgeon education programs
• Industry partnership events
• Cardiac surgery innovation

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Active members pay annual dues to belong to the society. Retired members pay $750 as of 2026.
2. Industry Sponsorship: Medical device and healthcare companies sponsor annual meetings and gain access to surgeon innovators for product development feedback, R&D guidance, and strategic partnerships.
3. Event Registration: Members and sponsors pay registration fees for annual meetings and fall leadership meetings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

21CCSS is a non-profit professional society that delivers a selective membership platform for 35-45 innovative cardiothoracic surgeons, combining education, clinical research collaboration, and direct partnerships with medical device industry sponsors. Its core offerings are an annual February meeting, member-only professional and social forums, and a tiered industry partnership program that gives medical device companies access to surgeon thought leaders for product feedback and R&D direction.

Product overview

21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgery Society (21CCSS) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional medical organization for cardiothoracic surgeons. It is not a product company but rather provides membership services including professional forums, networking opportunities, annual meetings, and industry partnership programs. The organization does not offer traditional technology products or software platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 21CCSS Membership Program Selective annual membership in 21CCSS priced at $750 per year for active and retired members; offers cardiothoracic surgeons access to a private community of leading innovators, annual meetings, professional forums, and industry-partnered collaboration opportunities. Membership is nomination-based, with existing members nominating candidates who demonstrate innovation and leadership.
• Industry Partner Program Tiered sponsorship program (Platinum, Gold, Silver) for medical device and healthcare companies, providing access to surgeon thought leaders for product feedback, R&D direction, and strategic partnerships through annual meeting participation and ongoing collaboration. Pricing is per-company-representative via annual meeting registration.
• 21CCSS Annual Meeting Annual cardiothoracic surgery conference held each February over Presidents Day weekend at resort locations, featuring clinical presentations, surgeon-industry networking, and co-development discussions; includes a $500 deposit requirement for member attendance.
• Professional Forum Online member-only forum for cardiothoracic surgeons to share professional accomplishments, clinical research findings, and case discussions within the 21CCSS community.
• Social Forum Online member-only social forum enabling community and camaraderie among 21CCSS cardiothoracic surgeon members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundreds of new devices and procedures patented by members with industry partners
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered platinum, gold, silver, core and minor.

• Abbott (Diagnostics Portal)platinumGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Abbott is listed as a Platinum Partner and 2026 meeting sponsor. Abbott provides diagnostic and medical device products and collaborates with 21CCSS members on innovation in cardiac diagnostics and treatment.
• Edwards LifesciencesgoldGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Sponsor of 21CCSS meetings. Edwards Lifesciences is a leader in heart valve technology and partners with the society for product feedback and innovation development.
• Zimmer BiometgoldGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Sponsor with 'Innovations in' designation. Zimmer Biomet provides medical devices and has collaborated on multiple annual meetings.
• Dilon Technologies Inc.goldGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Sponsor. Dilon Technologies is a medical imaging/surgical technology company that has been a consistent partner in multiple meeting years.
• JenaValvesilverGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Silver Sponsor of 21CCSS 2026 meeting.
• AbiomedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Abiomed is a consistent meeting sponsor (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) providing Impella heart pump technology. Partnership involves product feedback and co-development discussions with surgeon members.
• AtriCurecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Consistent sponsor (2020-2026) of annual meetings. AtriCure provides cardiac surgical ablation and sensing devices; collaborates with 21CCSS on product development.
• CryoLifecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Long-time sponsor (2017-2020) of annual meetings. CryoLife provides biosurgical and tissue processing products; collaborates with surgeon members on clinical applications.
• ArtivioncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Sponsor of 2022-2026 meetings. Artivion provides aortic grafts and cardiac surgery products.
• Helios CardiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Sponsor of 2023-2024 meetings. Helios Cardio develops cardiac surgical devices.
• ArthrexcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Sponsor of 2025-2026 meetings. Arthrex provides surgical products for orthopedics and beyond.
• Smith + NephewcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Sponsor of 2026 meeting. Smith + Nephew provides advanced medical devices and wound care products.
• RenibusminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Sponsor of 2024-2025 meetings.
• BioPortominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Sponsor of 2024 meeting with expertise in NGAL biomarkers for acute kidney injury.
• Depuy SynthescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Sponsor of 2021-2022 meetings. DePuy Synthes is a Johnson & Johnson company providing surgical equipment and implants.
• AcelityminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Sponsor of 2020 meeting, specializing in advanced wound care.
• Biom'upminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Sponsor of 2019-2020 meetings. Biom'up provides hemostatic products.
• ClearFlowcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Sponsor 2018-2021 meetings. ClearFlow provides thoracic drainage devices.
• Quest MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Consistent sponsor 2015-2020 meetings. Quest Medical provides cardioplegia and surgical equipment.
• La Jolla PharmaceuticalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020Sponsor of 2019-2020 meetings.
• Cardiovascular BioTherapeuticsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Sponsor of 2017 meeting.
• LivaNovacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Sponsor of 2016 meeting. LivaNova provides cardiac surgery and neuromodulation products.
• On-XcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Sponsor 2015-2016 meetings. On-X Life Technologies provides mechanical heart valves.
• AdmedusminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Sponsor of 2016 meeting.
• MaquetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Sponsor of 2014-2015 meetings. Maquet provides cardiovascular and surgical equipment.
• CorMatrixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Sponsor of 2011-2015 meetings. CorMatrix develops extracellular matrix products.
• Cadence PharmaceuticalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013Sponsor of 2013 meeting.
• Pavilion InnovationsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Sponsor of 2011 meeting.
• St Jude MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Consistent sponsor 1994-2010. St. Jude Medical provided cardiac rhythm management devices.
• MedtroniccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Sponsor of 2003 meeting. Medtronic is a major cardiac device company.
• Edwards LifesciencescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Sponsor of 2007 and 2012-2013 meetings. Edwards Lifesciences provides heart valve technology.
• CardioVationsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Sponsor of 2006 meeting.
• ATS MedicalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Sponsor of 2005 meeting.
• GenzymeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2003Sponsor of 2001 meeting.
• EthiconcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Sponsor of 1999 meeting. Ethicon provides sutures and surgical products.
• BaxtercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Sponsor of 1997 meeting. Baxter provides hospital products and therapies.
• CarbomedicsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997Sponsor of 1996 meeting. Carbomedics provided mechanical heart valves.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• American Heart Association: Major cardiovascular health organization combining research funding, professional education, advocacy, and the AHA Scientific Sessions. Comparable in mission (advancing cardiovascular care) and in industry/medtech partner model, but operates at national scale with a much broader mandate than 21CCSS.
• American College of Cardiology: The largest US professional society for cardiologists, with tens of thousands of members and major annual congresses. Comparable as an industry-partnered professional society serving cardiovascular practitioners, but broader in scope (cardiology, not surgery) and far larger than 21CCSS.
• American College of Surgeons: The largest US professional society for surgeons across all specialties, with the annual Clinical Congress. Comparable as a professional society serving surgeons with industry partnerships, but far broader in surgical specialty coverage than 21CCSS.

Direct peers

• Society of Thoracic Surgeons: The largest US professional society for cardiothoracic surgeons, hosting the major annual STS Meeting and providing CME, advocacy, and member services. Directly comparable to 21CCSS in target membership (CT surgeons) but operates at much larger scale with thousands of members.
• European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery: The principal European CT surgery society, hosting the annual EACTS congress (where 21CCSS member Max Emmert won a New Technology Award in 2019). Comparable as a CT-surgery-specific professional society with congress programming and industry partnership models parallel to 21CCSS.
• International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery: A subspecialty society focused on minimally invasive CT surgery, with annual scientific meetings and industry partnerships. Comparable in scale and member profile (innovator CT surgeons) and competes with 21CCSS for sponsor dollars in the same innovation-oriented niche.
• American Association for Thoracic Surgery: Long-established international professional association for thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, running the annual AATS meeting and scientific journals. Highly comparable in mission (advancing CT surgery) and audience (academic and clinical surgeons), though broader in scope and more academically focused than 21CCSS.
• Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society: A small, selective professional society for congenital heart surgeons, with a similar boutique model of selective membership and industry collaboration. Closest peer in terms of size, selectivity, and emphasis on innovation-driven membership.

Regional players

• The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions: Professional society for interventional cardiologists, with annual meetings and strong industry sponsorship from device companies. Comparable as a specialty cardiovascular society with a KOL-access value proposition for sponsors, but focuses on interventional rather than surgical practice.

Emerging players

• Heart Valve Society: A smaller subspecialty society focused on heart valve disease and treatment, with overlapping membership in the cardiac surgery community. Comparable as a niche professional society engaging industry partners (relevant to 21CCSS sponsors like Edwards Lifesciences and JenaValve), but focused on a single condition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/21ccss
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/21ccss

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about 21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgery Society