The Heart of the Problem: Mastering Complications in Cardiac Surgery

Join Us for an Unparalleled Learning Experience in Cardiac Surgery!

Complications are an inevitable part of cardiac surgery, but mastering their prevention and management is what separates the good from the great.

The Heart of the Problem: Mastering Complications in Cardiac Surgery is a one-of-a-kind course designed to equip surgeons with the skills, strategies, and confidence to tackle even the most challenging intraoperative and perioperative crises.

Taking place on June 5–6, 2025, at the MECC Maastricht, this immersive program will bring together renowned experts from around the world to share real-world experience, case-based learning, and step-by-step strategies for managing complications across all aspects of cardiac surgery. From valve and aortic catastrophes to redo operations, coronary challenges, ECMO pitfalls, and minimally invasive surgery, this course offers interactive discussions tailored for surgeons seeking to elevate their expertise.

With engaging plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and exclusive “Ask the Experts” panels, attendees will gain not just knowledge, but a deeper understanding of leadership in crisis, OR communication, and the psychological resilience needed to navigate high-stakes surgical decision-making.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from world-class faculty, refine your approach to complications, and connect with fellow surgeons dedicated to excellence.

Mark your calendar and secure your spot today!

PROGRAM DETAILS

June 5-6, 2025 at the MEC in Maastricht, the Netherlands
Organized by: Heart Team Academy, Heart+Vascular Center / Maastricht UMC+
Information about the MECC Congress Venue, Maastricht, travel options and hotels – Click here

Program Director: Dr Peyman Sardari Nia, MD, PhD
Program Co-Directors: Dr Roberto Ribeiro MD PhD, Dr Samuel Heuts MD PhD


DAY 1 | THURSDAY JUNE 5 | 08:00-14:50

Introduction
08:00-08:10 | Welcome and Introduction to the Course
Dr. Peyman Sardari Nia
08:10-08:30 | An Expert is Born out of Complications
Dr. Peyman Sardari Nia

Session 1: Back to the Basics
08:30-08:50 | How Do I Pass on My Experience
Prof. Dr. Ergun Demirsoy
08:50-09:10 | Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) Disasters: Air Lock, Massive Air Embolism, and Accidental Decannulation

• 08:50-09:00 | The Perfusionist’s Perspective
  Dr. Anouk Lindelauf
• 09:00-09:10 | The Surgeon’s Perspective
  Dr. Gábor Bari

09:10-09:30 | Iatrogenic Aortic Dissection
Dr. Roberto Ribeiro
09:30-09:50 | Myocardial Protection: Pearls and Pitfalls
Prof. Dr. Ergun Demirsoy
09:50-10:10 | Protamine Reactions
Dr. Geert-Jan Kuiper

10:10-10:30: Coffee Break

Session 2: Nightmares inside and out of the OR
10:30-10:50 | Cardiogenic Shock and Cardiac Arrest in the Cath Lab: ECLS and ECPR Essentials
Prof. Roberto Lorusso
10:50-11:10 | Managing Large Bore Access Complications During TAVI
Dr. Bart Maesen
11:10-11:30 | Complications of Impella
Dr. Arpad Lux
11:30-11:50 | Coronary Complications in the Cath Lab: Role of Surgery to Manage Iatrogenic dissections, Hematoma and Perforations
Dr. Matteo Betti
11:50-12:10 | Post-CABG myocardial ischemia
Dr. Samuel Heuts

12:10-13:30: Lunch

Session 3: Pitfalls During Redo Surgery
13:30-13:50 | How to Deal with Complications During Redo Sternotomies
Dr. Dina De Bock
13:50-14:10 | Redo Aortic Valve and Root Surgery
Prof. Arjan Ruhoparwar
14:10-14:30 | Redo Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery
Prof. Gloria Faerber
14:30-14:50 | Redo Operation with Patent Grafts
Prof. Wouter Oosterlinck

Session 4: More nightmares in the OR: tales from the trainees…
14:50-15:30 | Dr. Jose Carlos Romero, Dr. Samuel Heuts, Dr. Roberto Ribeiro

DAY 2 | FRIDAY JUNE 6 | 08:00-16:30

Session 5: Valves and more…
08:00-08:20 | How to Lead an Effective Morbidity and Mortality Meeting: Learning Without Blame
Dr. Edgar Daeter
08:20-08:40 | Mastering yourself: how a trampoline can avoid burnout
Prof. Angelique de Rijk
08:40-09:00 | My Worst Case Scenario
Dr. Gilles Dreyfus
09:00-09:20 | Severe Mitral Annular Calcification (MAC): Challenges and Complications
Dr. Gilles Dreyfus
09:40-10:00 | Complications during valve implantation
Prof. Dr. Ergun Demirsoy

10:00-10:20: Coffee Break

Session 6: Coronary and Aorta
10:20-10:40 | Dealing with IABP Malfunction and Failure
Prof. Roberto Lorusso
10:40-11:00 | Troubleshooting Poor Graft Flows
Dr. Gábor Bari
11:00-11:20 | Complications during OPCAB
Prof. Wouter Oosterlinck
11:20-11:40 | Management of the Unclampable Aorta
Prof. Giacomo Murana
11:40-12:00 | Pitfalls of Cerebral Perfusion During Aortic Surgery and How to Manage Them
Prof. Arjan Ruhparwar
12:00-12:20 | Challenges During Type A Dissections
Prof. Giacomo Murana

12:20-13:00: Lunch

Session 7: TAVI, ICU, and More…
13:00-13:20 | Managing complications during endoscopic cardiac surgery and when should I convert?
Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang
13:20-13:40 | How to Manage the Crashing Postoperative Patient in the ICU
Dr. Jan-Willem Sels
13:40-14:00 | Complications of TAVR: Annular Disruption, Valve Embolization, and More
Dr. Suzanne Kats with Dr. Pieter Vriesendorp
14:00-14:20 | How to Safely Remove Large-Bore Devices: ECMO/Impella Tips
Dr. Pieter Vriesendorp
14:20-14:40 | V-V and V-A ECMO: Handling Hypoxia and Hyperoxia
Dr. Thijs Delnoij

14:40-15:00: Coffee Break

Session 8: Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery and More…
15:00-15:20 | Myocardial Protection During MICS: Pearls and Pitfalls
Prof. Gloria Faerber
15:20-15:40 | Percutaneous and Cut-down Cannulation Risks
Dr. Dina De Bock
15:40-16:00 | Managing Complications from Transthoracic Cross-Clamping and Intra-Aortic Balloon Occlusion
Dr. Serkan Ertugay
16:00-16:20 | Residual MR and Paravalvular Leaks: When should I go back? Perspectives from an echocardiographer
Dr. Sebastian Streukens

Closing thoughts
Dr. Peyman Sardari Nia

Registration
In person: 450 Euros
Virtual: 125 Euros

REGISTRATION