POLICLINICO TOR VERGATA CARDIAC SURGERY

SAVE THE DATE

Dear Collegue,

Following the success of the inaugural Policlinico Tor Vergata Cardiac Surgery Focus, we are pleased to announce the second edition: Capitulum II – From Practice to Theory that will be held on March 19-20, 2026 at Villa Mondragone Congress Center, Monte Porzio Catone (Rome, IT).

The rationale for this event stems from the observation that the most valuable insights in cardiovascular medicine arise when clinical practice challenges established paradigms and theory provides the framework for innovation. For this reason, the second edition will begin with challenging clinical cases and then progress to the theoretical bases of the available treatment strategies. This format will create a dynamic dialogue between real-world decision-making and the principles that justify and guide those choices.

The scientific program will revolve around five clinical arenas, each introduced through emblematic patient cases and subsequently explored in depth:

• Heart Valves: Complex cases of aortic and mitral disease will highlight dilemmas such as repair versus replacement, surgical versus transcatheter solutions, and durability considerations. These cases will serve as a basis to explore the theoretical underpinnings of valve pathology, device design, and long-term management strategies.
• Coronaries: Scenarios of multivessel disease and left main involvement will illustrate the challenge of balancing surgical, minimally invasive, robotic, and percutaneous approaches. Case discussions will open into theoretical considerations of ischemia, myocardial protection, and the evolving role of hybrid revascularization.
• Aortic Organ: Acute and chronic aortic syndromes will be presented through cases that raise questions about open surgery, endovascular interventions, or hybrid solutions. These clinical realities will lead into an analysis of aortic biomechanics, stent-graft technology, and lifetime surveillance models.
• Arrhythmias: Patient cases involving atrial fibrillation and complex arrhythmic substrates will introduce the debate between surgical, transcatheter, and hybrid options. From these, the theoretical exploration will focus on electrophysiological mechanisms, atrial remodeling, and outcomes of left atrial appendage exclusion.
• Heart Failure: Advanced heart failure scenarios—including mechanical circulatory support, transplant, and emerging therapies—will serve as the clinical anchor for theoretical insights into ventricular mechanics, myocardial recovery, and the integration of novel technologies.

A defining feature of Capitulum II will be the interactive discussion between faculty and audience, ensuring that every session becomes a forum for shared experience and critical debate. Furthermore, the active participation of residents and fellows—also from foreign institutions—will be strongly encouraged, as a way of fostering the growth of the next generation of cardiac specialists and promoting international exchange.

As in the first edition, the event will bring together a prestigious interdisciplinary faculty of national and international experts.

Yours sincerely,
Prof. Augusto D’Onofrio, MD, PhD

E