WORKSHOPS

When the heart forgets its rhythm, we give it a reminder. Join Assoc. Prof. Ștefan-Nicolae Bogdan, MD, PhD, and learn how cardiac pacing makes a real impact for patients. This workshop will cover general principles, indications and implantation techniques, while introducing the concept of physiological pacing, an approach that follows the heart’s natural pathways. You will also gain practical skills during a hands-on simulation session dedicated to cardiac physiological pacing. Discover how these small devices are able to bring big changes and develop skills that can change lives, one heartbeat at a time.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) lets you look at the heart from the inside, in real time. In this workshop, Silvia Deaconu, MD, PhD, will guide you through the principles of TEE – from probe placement and acoustic windows to identifying valve disease, ventricular dysfunction and pericardial effusion. You will get the chance to observe a TEE exam performed during an actual cardiology procedure and learn about the differences between transthoracic and transesophageal approaches, the clinical applications, limitations and contraindications of each method, gaining practical insights into this diagnostic technique. Discover the heart’s inner rhythm, one ultrasound beam at a time.

Restoring heart rhythm doesn’t always require medication. Sometimes, it takes a single, targeted intervention. Catheter ablation has become a key technique in managing arrhythmias, offering precision and long-term effectiveness. In this workshop, Snr. Lect. Alexandru Deaconu, MD, PhD, will present the principles of catheter ablation, including its clinical applications and contraindications. You will also gain practical experience by performing simulated ablation procedures on a high-fidelity cardiac model, allowing you to explore arrhythmia mapping and RF energy delivery. This hands-on workshop brings together theory and practice, giving you a better understanding of how we can restore rhythm at its source.

Treating aortic stenosis no longer means open-heart surgery. Nowadays, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) offers a minimally invasive alternative with significant improvements in patient outcomes. Nicolae Cârstea, MD, PhD, will present the clinical indications for TAVI and the key reasons for choosing a transcatheter approach over surgical valve replacement. You will gain a clear understanding of device types, procedural planning and imaging guidance, followed by hands-on practice with valve insertion using a medical simulator. This workshop is a comprehensive introduction to a technique that continues to shape the future of interventional cardiology.

​​Atrial septal defects are more than just “holes in the heart”. They can be the cause of fatigue, arrhythmias and paradoxical embolism. Prof. Lucian Dorobanțu, MD, PhD, will cover the full management pathway: from invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tools, to timing of intervention and open-heart surgical techniques for septal repair. This workshop will include practical skill development, focusing on surgical instruments, procedural steps and the technical precision required for effective correction.

The aorta – our body’s main highway for oxygenated blood – can sometimes betray us. Aneurysms, dissections or structural degeneration might require surgical replacement. Assoc. Prof. Cătălin-Constantin Badiu, MD, PhD, will guide you through the indications, techniques and complexities of ascending aorta replacement surgery. From cross-clamping to choosing the size of grafts, this workshop will provide a unique surgical perspective into a life-saving procedure.

The mitral valve plays a key role in maintaining an unidirectional flow through the heart. When it fails, surgical replacement can be the only viable solution. From open heart access and valve excision to precise sizing and implantation, Bogdan-Ștefan Popescu, MD, will introduce you to the surgical approach of mitral valve prosthesis. You will develop a better understanding of the essential tools, techniques, and clinical decisions behind one of the most complex cardiac procedures.

In cardiovascular surgery, even the basic steps require utmost attention to detail. This hands-on workshop, guided by Florin Anghel, MD, PhD(c), is designed to introduce you to the main vascular anastomosis techniques: end-to-end, end-to-side, side-to-side, commonly used in major vessel surgeries and myocardial revascularization procedures. If you’re ready to develop steadier hands and a better eye for surgical detail, this workshop is your next step.