ADVANCING
CARDIOVASCULAR
& THORACIC
HEALTHCARE

Through Research, Education, Innovation, & Your Support

About the Foundation

The Tristan Yan Cardiothoracic Surgery Foundation, established in 2022, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing cardiovascular health in Australia and around the world through high-yield initiatives.

Our mission is to improve clinical outcomes for patients undergoing cardiovascular and thoracic surgery by supporting world-leading research, promoting immersive education/training, and advocating for positive changes in cardiovascular care delivery.

Our
Mission

At the Tristan Yan Cardiothoracic Surgery Foundation, we hold a deep belief that life is an invaluable gift and our unwavering mission is to provide compassionate care to those who place their trust in us. We are committed to improving the quality of cardiovascular and thoracic healthcare through:

World-Leading Research

We support and conduct clinical studies that drive innovation in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery and ultimately improve the lives of countless patients.

Immersive Education/Training

We provide exceptional training and educational opportunities for surgeons and healthcare professionals, enhancing their skills and knowledge to deliver the highest standard of care.

Policy Advocacy

We advocate for changes in healthcare policy to ensure that cardiovascular care in Australia meets the highest standards of quality and accessibility, benefiting patients across the country.

Our Challenge

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Australia, responsible for one in four deaths. Nationwide, it accounts for 1.2 million hospitalisations every year, representing 11% of all hospitalisations. In New South Wales (NSW), hospitalisations for heart attacks far exceed those of all other states, accounting for nearly 33% of the national burden. Currently, an increasing number of NSW residents are living with heart disease, which diminishes their quality of life and heightens their risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events.

As the population of NSW continues to age and grow, our healthcare system faces an escalating challenge in managing the growing burden of cardiovascular disease. With more people entering older age groups, the prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity is on the rise, contributing to the increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease. This demographic shift places greater strain on healthcare resources, including hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals, as they struggle to meet the rising demand for cardiovascular care. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, the sheer volume of cases and the complexity of cardiovascular conditions are overwhelming the existing infrastructure, highlighting the need for expanded capacity, efficient services, and innovative approaches to address this pressing public health issue.

Our
Foundational
Undertakings

Project 1.

Promoting Excellence in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Research: Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery (ACS)

www.annalscts.com

In the relentless fight against cardiovascular and thoracic diseases, the Tristan Yan Cardiothoracic Surgery Foundation spearheads critical initiatives. Our flagship project, the Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery (ACS), stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the field. ACS is a distinguished, international, bi-monthly, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Since its inception in 2012 by Professor Tristan Yan, ACS has published over 1,400 high-quality academic research articles across 80 issues, establishing itself as a premier source of knowledge and innovation.

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Project 2.

Promoting Surgical Education and Training

In the rapidly evolving field of cardiothoracic surgery, the Tristan Yan Cardiothoracic Surgery Foundation is dedicated to promoting surgical education and training. Our commitment to minimally invasive robotic techniques is poised to transform the future of cardiovascular care. There has been a significant paradigm shift towards keyhole surgery within the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery. We embarked on our journey in minimally invasive robotic techniques over a decade ago. We strongly believe that robotic surgery holds the answer for the future of cardiothoracic surgery, and we have incorporated robotic surgery as an important part of the modern treatment paradigm for our patients with heart and lung conditions.

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Project 3.

Supporting NSW's Biggest Public Teaching Hospital: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Cardiovascular Service

In the heart of New South Wales, the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for those battling cardiovascular disease. The Foundation is committed to enhancing the RPA Cardiovascular Service to meet the growing demand and improve patient outcomes. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Australia. The Foundation is at the forefront of a campaign to promote cardiovascular healthcare. We aim to support the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Cardiovascular Service as a leading clinical and academic centre of excellence in the region.

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Join us and be part of our

TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY

Support our Mission

Your support can make a tangible difference – Join us and be a part of our journey towards a better future.

Support the publication of ground-breaking research and propel ACS to new heights – also ensuring that the latest surgical techniques are accessible to healthcare professionals globally, ultimately saving lives and benefiting patients worldwide.

Support our surgical education and training initiatives to develop advanced cadaveric models, innovative training methods, and global symposium participation, ensuring that the next generation of surgeons is well-equipped to deliver the highest standard of care.

Help us to revolutionize cardiovascular care at RPAH. Your support can help us build a robust caregiving team, secure cutting-edge equipment, and ensure that patients receive the highest standard of cardiovascular healthcare.

Your contribution to the Foundation will directly fund life-saving research, equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills, and advocate for policy changes that enhance cardiovascular care accessibility and quality across Australia.

The future of heart surgery is in your hands

Standing on the shoulders of giants

patient stories

These patients have courageously and generously shared their stories, featured on Channel 9’s RPA, an Australian documentary series that offers a glimpse into the daily operations of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney

Mending Elio’s
Broken Heart

We hold a deep belief that life is an invaluable gift, and our unwavering mission is to provide compassionate care to those who place their trust in us. Elio’s inspiring story serves as a testament to the transformative power of trust, the marvels of cutting-edge technology, and the dedication of our team to make a profound difference in the lives of our patients.

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Christopher shares
his journey

Christopher, a dedicated 40-year-old lawyer, faced a life-altering moment when diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm—a dangerous dilation of the body’s largest artery. His compelling story underscores the silent threat of cardiovascular diseases and showcases the life-saving potential of heart surgery. By sharing his journey, Christopher seeks to raise awareness about aortic aneurysms and inspire donations to fuel our foundation’s ongoing research and educational initiatives.

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PROFESSOR

TRISTAN YAN

MBBS, BSc, MS, MD, PhD, FRACS

Professor Tristan Yan is a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, serving as the Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia. His roles also include Head of Thoracic Surgery at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre, Director of Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, Deputy Director of Cardiovascular Stream at the Sydney Local Health District, and Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Professor Yan’s academic journey began at the University of New South Wales, where he earned Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He furthered his education with three postgraduate degrees: a Master of Surgery, a Doctor of Medicine, and a Doctor of Philosophy. His surgical training took place at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, culminating in a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

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Acknowledgement of country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.

ADVANCING
CARDIOVASCULAR
& THORACIC
HEALTHCARE

About the Foundation