Following the success of our first Aortic Summit in 2019, our second in 2021 and our third in 2023, we proudly announce our 4th edition.

Organ Aorta – Shaping the Future of Multidisciplinary Aortic Care

A Joint Effort by the Aortic Summit and VISAR 2026

Recognizing Complexity – Creating Continuity – Centering the Aorta

 Aortic disease is not confined to a single discipline — nor should its care be. It spans genetic, structural, surgical, and systemic dimensions, demanding integrated thinking across specialties. With this in mind, Aortic Summit & VISAR 2026 brings together leaders in cardiovascular surgery, cardiology, radiology, interventional radiology,vascular surgery, genetics, rehabilitation, and health system innovation. For the first time, two major initiatives – the Aortic Summit of the Aortic Association and VISAR (Vienna Interdisciplinary Symposium on Aortic Repair) – unite to create a platform that not only presents cutting-edge science, but also challenges current structures in aortic care.

Aortic diseases pose a significant health burden across the globe, yet there are no standardized, evidence-based care pathways or dedicated financing structures in place. We advocate for the development of an Aortic Disease Management Program (A-DMP): a structured, guideline-based care model tailored to the complexity of aortic disease. Such a program would enable integrated, patient-centered care-linking cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons, radiologists, genetic counselors, hematologists, primary care, and rehabilitation services. While disease management programs are well established for diabetes or coronary artery disease, the absence of such a framework for aortic pathology represents a major gap in care.

This joint congress is built around a clear mission:

• To recognize the complexity of aortic pathology,

• To create continuity across diagnostic, interventional, and surveillance pathways,

• To place the aorta at the center of an integrated model of care,

• And to drive the advancement of evidence-based clinical guidelines that reflect the multidisciplinary and evolving nature of aortic medicine.

To ensure lasting impact beyond the event, all sessions will incorporate interactive elements, including live polling and moderated audience input. As a final highlight, the congress will conclude with an interactive consensus session, where faculty and participants will collaboratively define priorities for the future of aortic care—covering clinical pathways, registry initiatives, integrated care strategies, and guideline development. The voting results and consensus outcomes will be summarized and published as key statements, serving as a foundation for strategic next steps in multidisciplinary aortic medicine.

 We invite you to join this unique meeting. Let us define what a multidisciplinary future in aortic medicine should look like — not only in theory, but in real-world clinical pathways, education, and system design.

We look forward to welcoming you in Vienna.

The Organizing Committee

Aortic Summit & VISAR 2026