The Annual Academic Sessions 2024 of the Association of Cardiothoracic and Thoracic Surgeons of Sri Lanka (ACTSSL) kicked off with great fervor at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo on Friday. The academic sessions are set to continue until today, featuring a diverse range of events aimed at advancing knowledge, fostering professional development, and enhancing skills within the cardiothoracic and thoracic surgery field.

In a press release, the ACTSSL expressed pride in hosting only its second clinical meeting and highlighted the inclusion of six satellite events in this year’s program, covering pre and post-congress workshops. The symposiums and workshops were designed to provide insights and discussions on critical topics, catering to various levels of expertise within the medical community.

The Cardiothoracic Doctors Symposium on Jan 6 at Lanka Hospital marked the beginning of the series, bringing together 12 experts to delve into essential topics targeted at intermediate-level doctors. The subsequent Nurses Symposium at Durdans Hospital, held in collaboration with Addmac, received resounding success the following day.

Continuing the educational initiatives, a workshop on ‘Clinical Perfusion’ was conducted at Asiri Surgical Hospital on Jan 11 primarily for Perfusionists, in collaboration with AJ Medichem. On Jan 12, a symposium on minimally invasive Cardiac Surgery, in partnership with Medtronic, was held at Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital.

Looking ahead, the ACTSSL anticipates an Instrument Workshop for Decision Makers on Jan 20 at the Neuron-trauma auditorium of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Aesculap Academy and B Braun. The series concludes with the last satellite symposium on Trans Thoracic and Trans Oesophagial Echocardiography at Asiri Hospital, Kandy, in collaboration with the College of Cardiology on Jan 21.

The press release emphasized the significant developments in adult cardiothoracic and paediatric cardiothoracic surgery over the last 50 years, showcasing advancements in off-pump (beating heart) cardiac surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, thoracoscopic cardiac surgery, and standard open-heart surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Highlighting the progress in thoracic surgery in Sri Lanka, the statement noted the emergence of advanced thoracic surgical procedures and video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures, providing surgical treatment for conditions that were traditionally managed medically.

The path to becoming a specialized surgeon in these fields was outlined in the press release, underscoring the highly competitive MD(Surgery) Part I exam and the subsequent comprehensive training programs and exams. The progression is overseen by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine at the University of Colombo, with specialized training in Sri Lanka and abroad.

ACTSSL, established in March 2013, comprises approximately 50 dedicated members in cardiothoracic surgery, thoracic surgery, paediatric cardiac surgery, and cardiac and thoracic surgical trainees. The association plays a crucial role in overseeing the educational programs, training sessions, and serving as an advisory body to healthcare institutions.

In the past year, ACTSSL has made significant strides in education, providing junior members with opportunities to curate and deliver lectures. Notable achievements include the ACTSSL Position Paper on Cardiac Surgery domains, a plan for establishing a comprehensive national Thoracic Service, and the development of an authoritative document titled ‘Quality Assessment of Surgeons.’

The association also played a pivotal role in the revision of Sri Lanka’s Tissue Act, showcasing its commitment to enhancing healthcare practices and standards in the nation. The Annual Academic Sessions 2024 stand as a testament to the ACTSSL’s dedication to progress and scientific advancements in the field of cardiothoracic and thoracic surgery.