Endoscopic cardiac surgeons addressing media persons in Madurai on Friday.
In a ground-breaking event for cardiac surgery in Asia, the first endoscopic cardiac surgery conference in south and southeast Asia was inaugurated in Madurai on Friday.
Speaking to media persons on the inaugural day, organising secretary and cardiothoracic surgery director Ramprassath of Velammal Medical College Hospital said that the event has over 400 delegates, including renowned surgeons from across the globe.
The pioneers of endoscopic surgery from Italy, France, Greece, the UK among others are sharing their experiences.
He said that only about 50 surgeons had pioneered in this work and that he was one among them in the globe. Many delegates from different parts of the country have gathered to learn the nuances of performing open heart surgery in two inches.
Velammal Educational Trust chairman M.V. Muthuramalingam said that the world-class academic platform dedicated entirely to the evolution of endoscopic techniques in cardiac surgery should benefit the masses.
“This conference reflects the rapid progress and global collaboration that are reshaping how we approach heart surgery. We are proud to host such an international assembly of experts here in Madurai,” he added.
The academic programme featured surgical demonstrations and interactive panels, covering a wide range of topics, including totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (minimally valve repairs and replacements and heart defects closure as well as coronary artery bypass) surgery.
Among the prominent international delegates who graced the event were Prof. Patrick Perier (France), Chairman of the Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons Club (ECSC) and a global authority on minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, Dr. Joseph Zacharias (UK), Secretary of the ECSC, who brought valuable insights into endoscopic coronary and hybrid procedures, Dr. Marco (Italy), a well-known innovator in endoscopic aortic valve surgery, Dr. A. Pitsis (Greece), an expert in Aortic and adult congenital endoscopic cardiac surgery and training.
The faculty members from different parts of the globe shared their techniques pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cardiac care, Dr. Ramprassath said and added that live-streamed surgeries from internationally renowned centres added tremendous practical value to the attendees, many of whom were early adopters of endoscopic approaches in their own institutions.
Many delegates said that the resounding success of this conference had laid the foundation for a new era in cardiac surgery in Asia and the organisers have already expressed intent to make it an annual event, rotating across countries in the region to continue fostering knowledge exchange and surgical excellence.
Published – June 13, 2025 08:21 pm IST