The Army Institute of Cardiothoracic Sciences (AICTS), Pune, conducted a hands-on workshop on Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) skills for young surgeons, perfusionists, and physician assistants.

Cardiac surgery became possible with the development of the cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung) machine by John Gibbon, which transformed an once-impossible concept into a life-saving specialty. Today, cardiothoracic surgery is one of the most precise and technically demanding branches of surgery, requiring extensive training and mentorship.

To support budding specialists, the Department of CTVS at AICTS, Pune, in collaboration with industry partners, organized a workshop covering cardiac anatomy, principles of cardiopulmonary bypass, and essential surgical techniques.

The workshop featured eminent faculty member Dr. Anil G. Tendolkar. Participants received hands-on training on bovine hearts, including suturing and valve replacement techniques, along with case discussions and sessions on safe surgical practices.

The programme was attended by 12 CTVS resident doctors from institutions across Maharashtra, including Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Government Medical College, Kolhapur, Dr. DY Patil Medical College, and AICTS, Pune. In addition, 10 final-year MS General Surgery residents, 15 perfusionists, and 10 physician assistants participated.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for skill development, mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning. AICTS, Pune, plans to continue organizing similar academic programmes to strengthen training and inspire the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.