Instructions for Authors

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Reports
Instructions for Authors
website: www.thieme.com/tcsr

Markus K. Heinemann, MD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Germany
e-mail: editorthcvs@thieme.com
Tel.: +49 711 8931 119

Bernd Niemann, MD, PhD
Editor
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
e-mail: bernd.niemann@chiru.med.uni-giessen.deTel.: +49 641 985 44300 FAX: +49 641 985 44309

Submission of Manuscripts
Manuscripts must be submitted exclusively via online submission at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tcsreports.
Submission of hardcopy manuscripts or e-mail attachments
will not be accepted.
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Reports ispart of The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon, theofficial organ of the German Society for Thoracic andCardiovascular Surgery (DGTHG). It is dedicated to publish
selected Case Reports in cardiac, thoracic, and vascularsurgery. If a manuscript is accepted for publication,certain conditions must be agreed to by all authors. Theseinclude statements regarding authorship and scientificresponsibility, conflicts of interest, exclusive publication,and assignment of copyright. No part of the publishedmaterial may be reproduced elsewhere without written
permission from the publisher.
The German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular
Surgery and The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Reports
require all authors to adhere to the universally accepted,
high ethical standards of our profession. Concerns about
plagiarism, double publication or scientific misconduct will
be investigated.

The Editorial Oﬃce utilizes plagiarism detection software

To ensure that the authors have met all the formal requirements they are referred to the following editorial listingthem in detail:
Heinemann MK. Still Following the Rules. Thorac
Cardiovasc Surg 2023;71:237-8
Acknowledging the principles summarized therein helps
dealing with any issues that might arise after publication, especially should any of the statements subsequently be foundto be false.
OPEN ACCESSThe Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Reports has an OPEN
ACCESS format, which means that an accepted article will befreely available worldwide on the electronic platform without subscription to a particular journal. Open Access publication requires a publication fee to be paid by the author afteracceptance. This covers the production cost, indexing andelectronic publication.
The publication fee for a case report is €2,440/$2,440(€1,220/$1,220 for members of the DGTHG, SGHC, LGTHG).
Detailed information about payment methods will begiven after acceptance of a manuscript.
Instructions
The following instructions are provided for the convenience of authors. Please use them to ensure that the manuscript is complete
and can be processed further after submission. Incomplete orfaulty manuscripts cannot be accepted for editorial review and will
be instantaneously unsubmitted or rejected for formal reasons.
GeneralFor submission of all manuscripts, follow the instructions on
the online submission system. You will be required to open
an account to register with the system, and an individual
tracking number will be automatically assigned to each submission. This tracking number must be used in all further
correspondence. Before submission, have all the metadata ofthe manuscript at hand: title, full names with aﬃliation andaddress of all authors (including e-mail addresses), as wellas the selected keywords (see below), figures, and legends.
The author submitting the manuscript will be regarded thecorresponding author by default.
Preparation of Manuscripts* Manuscripts must be double-spaced throughout(including abstract, text, references, and legends) using astandard word processor leaving 3 cm margins all around.
All text files must be .doc files. Please be aware that pdf
files cannot be processed.
* A complete manuscript consists of the metadata
describing the document, an abstract, the main
document, and figures.
* Arrange the main document of the manuscript as follows:(1) text, (2) references, (3)legends. Number pages
consecutively, beginning with the title page as page 1 andending with the legend page.

12Instructions for Authors* Please avoid all allusions to your identity or
institution except where asked for. This simplifies
the anonymization process needed for our doubleanonymized review system.
Manuscript
As Case Reports are no longer published in the ThCVS, allsuch manuscripts must be submitted to the website of theThCVS Reports journal : https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/

tcsreports

The text for case reports should not exceed 1200
words (references excluded), with illustrations limited
to a maximum of 4 and references to 8. Tables should beavoided.
If case the report is accompanied by a thorough summaryof the literature and has an educational value beyond
the anecdotal case management the word limit is 2500
(references excluded - which may then amount to 15).
Acceptance of such manuscripts for peer review is at thediscretion of the Editor. It may be worthwhile to enquire before
submission.
Metadata
Type and Title
During the online manuscript submission you will have toconfirm the manuscript type (Case Report Cardiac, Thoracic,Vascular) and enter the title. Bear in mind that a concise title attracts the reader’s attention and try to confine it to 85
characters.
If the paper has been presented at a scientific meeting,please provide the name, location, and date of the meeting.
Abstract
Provide a structured abstract not longer than 100 words. It
should be divided into three sections in the following order:
Background, Case Description, Conclusion. Indicate the abstract word count at the end.
The abstract will be required twice during onlinesubmission: you will be asked to enter the abstract at thebeginning of the submission process. It will then need to be
uploaded as a part of the main document again.
Keywords
Include at least three keywords to assist in cross-indexing
the article and to facilitate reviewer assignment. These keywords must be chosen from the list provided.
Authors and Institutions
Please enter this information only where prompted and avoid
allusions to authors and institutions in the main text.
Only individuals who actively contributed to the intellectual
content of the manuscript are to be listed as authors. The
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Reports is in full agreementwith the Ethical Considerations in the Conduct and Reportingof Research of the ICMJE (www.icmje.org) Therein it is statedthat a clear distinction must be made between authors andcontributors.
Therefore the number of authors should not exceed
FOUR. If it is claimed that several authors “contributedequally to this work”, an explanation in writing must besubmitted to the Editor-in-Chief, ideally as part of the CoverLetter. This will be published along with an accepted article.
List all authors by first name, family name and highest
academic degree. List the departmental aﬃliations of eachauthor together with the institutional address. Assignauthors to departments using numbered superscripts.
Word Count
Provide the electronic total word count of the entire document on the bottom of the title page, including the legends
but excluding the references.
Main Document
Text* In general, the text should be organized as follows:
Introduction, Case Description,Discussion. Avoid crossreferences to an institution within the text (“…wasreferred to St. Elsewhere’s Hospital”) as this helps toanonymize the manuscript for peer review.
Themanuscript must be written in English, using either*American or British spelling, but consistent throughout.
As English is not the native language of many authors,poor language quality often belies the true content of apaper. Authors are strongly advised to have the manuscript
checked by a (near-) native speaker before submission
to avoid rejection because of misunderstandings orincomprehensibility.
* Consult the American Medical Association Manual ofStyle, 10th edition, for recommended abbreviations.
Define abbreviations after their first appearance inthe text, avoiding their use completely in the title andabstract. Internationally accepted abbreviations ofcommon medical usage need not be defined (e.g.: ASD,AIDS, CT, DNA, VSD).
Give
all measurements and weights in standard metric*units, temperatures in degrees Celsius, blood pressures inmillimetres of mercury (mmHg). International System ofUnits (SI) units are acceptable.
Creditsuppliers and manufacturers of equipment,*drugs, and other brand-name material mentioned in
the manuscript within parentheses, giving the company
name and primary location.
* Acknowledgements : Grants, financial support, authors’contributions, as well as any technical or other assistanceare to be listed at the end of the text before the references
and will be printed in the article.
References
Number references consecutively in the order in which theyfirst appear in the text. Identify references in text, tables, andlegends by Arabic numerals placed on the line (!) in square
brackets. In the numbered reference list at the end of the text,
use the style of the examples given below. Use Index Medicus
abbreviations for journal titles. The list of references must begin on a new page.
* Journal Articles: (inclusive page numbers)
1. Böning A, Lutter G, Mrowczynski W, et al. Octogenarians
undergoing combined aortic valve replacement and myocardial
revascularization: perioperative mortality and medium-term
survival. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010; 58: 159-163
List all authors if 6 or fewer; otherwise list first 3 and add “et al”.
* Chapter in Book: (specific page numbers)
1. Hermann MV, Cohn PV. Ventricular function in coronary
artery disease. In: Donoso E, Gorlin R, eds. Angina Pectoris.
Stuttgart: Thieme; 1977: 92-99* Online References:1. The Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry. (July 2001). Online:www.bristol-inquiry.org.uk [accessed May 20, 2011]

Instructions for Authors
Legends
Legends should be double-spaced. Numbers should be Arabic and correspond to the order in which the illustrations arementioned in the text. Identify in alphabetical order all abbreviations used in the illustration at the end of each legend.
Give the type of stain and magnification power for all photomicrographs. Previously published material must be identified as such, the source given, and indicated that permission
to reprint has been obtained.
Figures / Illustrations
Figures or illustrations must be uploaded as separate files.
Avoid combining too many images into one illustration. Use
the figure number as the image filename.
Figures must be submitted as .jpg or .tif files only. Please
note that .doc, .ppt, or .pdf files cannot be processed by thesystem and will lead to immediate unsubmission or rejection
for formal reasons. Colour and black-and white photographs
must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi, diagrams andline drawings of 600 dpi. As most illustrations will be printed
at column width (approx. 8.0 cm), distinctive symbols andpatterns should be used. Black, white and wide crosshatchingare preferable, shades of grey to be avoided.
Authors are advised to refer to the CLIP principles forappropriately documenting images in publications:
Lang TA, Talerico C, Siontis GCM. Documenting clinical andlaboratory images in publications. The CLIP Principles. CHEST
2012;14:1626–32
Videos
The submission of videos is also possible. Emphasis shouldbe placed on surgical technique content which cannot easily be comprehended from written description only. An informed consent letter signed by the patient is a prerequisite,
to be submitted as a “Supplementary File”.
Videos may be up to 5 minutes in length and must meetproduction quality standards without editing by the EditorialOﬃce. Authors will be notified if there are any problems withsubmitted files and may be asked to resubmit modified files.
Each segment should be appropriately labeled and havetransitions between scenes.
The preferred format for video submissions is MPEG-1.
QuickTime or AVI formats are acceptable. Maximum size
limit is 350 MB.
Please include a Legend in the respective section at the endof your main document, briefly describing the content.
Patient Consent
You must obtain a signed patient permission form for every
patient whose recognizable photograph will be used. If you do
not supply this, the identity of the patient must be obscured
before the image is published; this could interfere with theinstructive value of the photograph. Patient permission forms
are available at www.thieme.com/journal-authors.
Details and Comments
During the online submission process you must agree to certain conditions (statements regarding human investigations,scientific responsibility, exclusive publication, and conflictsof interest).
A Cover Letter must also be submitted in the spaceprovided, briefly outlining the contents of the manuscript
and the message the authors wish to convey. Any confidential
information for the Editor should be included here. Pleasestate here why the paper is important and which new aspects
it contributes to the already existing knowledge. If the paper

has been presented at a scientific meeting, name, location,and dates have to be provided here as well as on the title page.
Human Investigation
It is the nature of Case Reports that some very specific experience is described which may lead to the identificationof the patient. Authors are advised to obtain written permit
by a patient (or relatives where appropriate) to publish suchcase-related data. The consent form for the treatment as such
does not suﬃce.
Any illustration must guarantee that the patient cannot
be identified. Pictures actually showing the patient require
a written permit in any case which must accompany thesubmission. Failure to provide this will lead to immediate
unsubmission or rejection.
Concerning all matters regarding sex and gender equity
in research, authors are referred to the universally accepted
SAGER guidelines: https://ease.org.uk/communities/genderpolicy-committee/the-sager-guidelines/
New Technologies
When reporting experience with a new technology or a newdevice, the state of the certification process in the authors’country and internationally must be given. See also “Conflicts of Interest” below.
Each such article will be accompanied by the following
statement: ”Disclaimer : The DGTHG and The Thoracic andCardiovascular Surgeon Reports neither endorse nor discourage
the use of the new technology described in this publication.”
Conflicts of Interest
The ICMJE disclosure statement is required during the submission process. This disclosure must state all funds used tosupport the study, including whether used or tested technology was purchased, borrowed or donated.
Any potential conflict of interest generated by circumstancesthat might influence the independence of an author must also
be disclosed at the time of manuscript submission (patents,economic interests, financial or other relationships withindustrial companies, e.g. stock ownership, consultancies).
Peer Review Process
There is a possibility of immediate rejection, either forformal reasons (see above), or if the Editor decides thatthe manuscript is out of scope or seriously flawed. Eachmanuscript accepted by the Editorial Oﬃce undergoes
a strict peer review process. One or two referees will beassigned. The reviewers are chosen according to their areasof expertise. An appropriate selection of keywords will help
with assignment.
The review process is done in a double-anonymized fashion,i.e. the reviewer does not know the identity of the authors /institution, and the authors will also be ignorant regarding
the identity of the reviewers. This anonymization procedure
is provided by the Editorial Oﬃce to convey a maximum of
impartiality and fairness on both sides.
Article Processing Charge (APC)
All contributions accepted and published in Thoracic andCardiovascular Surgeon Reports are fully Open Access, meaning that all contributions are immediately made freely available to read, download, and share under the terms of a CC
License. Upon acceptance of your manuscript, the paymentof the article processing charge (APC) is due. An article will
be moved into production once payment has been received.

34Instructions for Authors
Learn more about Thieme’s Open Access program by visiting
Open Access - Journal authors - Thieme Group For the current pricing, please go to “APC” and select “Price List”.
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Data Availability Policy Levels

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