Executive Summary

INTRODUCTION

Founded in 2018, the Aortic Association serves as an independent interdisciplinary scientific platform dedicated to advancing the field of aortic medicine through continuous medical education. Our mission is to bridge the gap in knowledge and practice concerning aortic diseases, empowering healthcare professionals with the tools and insights they need to deliver optimal care to their patients. The Aortic Association extensively involves patients and patient organisations to improve their understanding and knowledge of modern aortic medical care and to gain insight in the quality of out patient care.

At the Aortic Association, we actively engage with a diverse array of stakeholders—including healthcare providers, researchers, industry leaders and patients—who share our vision of enhancing treatment standards for aortic conditions. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, we aim to not only improve current therapeutic approaches but also to contribute innovative ideas and treatment strategies for the future of aortic care.

With a foundation built on over 90 years of accumulated expertise in the field of aortic disease, our organization is uniquely positioned to lead discussions and initiatives that shape the understanding, diagnosis, and management of these complex conditions. We are committed to providing a robust platform for education, research collaboration, and advocacy, ensuring that advancements in aortic medicine reach the patients who need them most.

AORTIC SUMMIT

The Aortic Summit series began in 2019 with the primary goal of advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of aortic conditions. Each edition of the summit has successfully gathered experts from various disciplines, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas to enhance patient outcomes related to aortic health.

The objective  have always been:

  • To promote interdisciplinary discussions among healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders.

  • To share the latest research findings, clinical practices, and technological advancements concerning the aorta and related cardiovascular conditions.

  • To establish a platform for networking and collaboration, aiming to identify future research avenues and clinical strategies.

AORTIC 360 WORKSHOPS

The Aortic 360 Basic and Advanced Seminar series, which kicked off in 2022, was designed to provide comprehensive training and education on aortic diseases for various levels of medical professionals.

The Basic Seminar is primarily targeted at first to third-year residents specializing in cardiac and vascular surgery, interventional radiology, and angiology. This foundational program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of early-career physicians by covering essential topics in aortic pathology, diagnosis, and management. The curriculum typically includes lectures, hands-on simulations, and case discussions, providing residents with a solid grounding in the principles of aortic disease intervention.

In contrast, the Advanced Seminar is aimed at experienced cardiac and vascular surgeons and advanced interventional radiologists who are already engaged in treating aortic diseases. This seminar dives deeper into complex cases and latest developments in technology and techniques related to aortic interventions. It often features expert-led discussions, advanced procedural workshops, and updates on innovative treatments and research in the field, empowering seasoned practitioners to enhance their practice and improve patient outcomes. Overall, these seminars are part of a continuing effort to advance the quality of care for patients with aortic disease and foster collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to address the complex needs in this critical area of medicine.

COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

The Aortic Association proudly collaborates with currently over 50affiliated centers, strengthening its role as a vital platform for investigator-initiated scientific activities. This network not only facilitates the sharing of best practices and resources, but also positions the Association as a key stakeholder in the evolving landscape of aortic disease management.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

To further propagate knowledge and clinical expertise, the Young Faculty Committee (YFC) has been established. This distinguished consortium unites a diverse range of specialists, including cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and allied health experts. The YFC is dedicated to fostering the development of young doctors in the aortic field, focusing on dynamic case-based learning (CBL) and educational resources aimed at enhancing clinical practice and patient care.

CASE-BASED LEARNING INITIATIVES

In April 2024, the Aortic Association successfully held a Case-Based Learning Pilot Meeting in Bern. This initiative provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage in expert interactions centered around the treatment of aortic diseases. Attendees explored diverse treatment concepts for various aortic conditions, gaining insights into both open surgical and endovascular therapeutic approaches provided by aortic experts and device providers. This foundational understanding ensures that professionals are equipped with the knowledge and flexibility needed to offer personalized and sustainable treatment solutions for patients suffering from acute and chronic aortic pathologies.

CASE-BASED-E-LEARNING PLATFORM

In our ongoing commitment to education, the Aortic Association implemented the CBL e- learning platform.  Our goal is to arm clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed to improve patient outcomes in aortic disease management.

Upon completing each presentation, participants are awarded CME credits. This accreditation highlights the effort of the Aortic Association to not only educate but also to provide professional development opportunities for healthcare providers. Earning CME credits through these presentations supports ongoing learning and reinforces the importance of staying current in the field.

The Aortic Association Library is a comprehensive educational tool designed for continual professional development. It offers high-quality, peer-reviewed content, fosters interactive learning, and supports healthcare professionals in their pursuit of excellence in aortic care.

QUALITY OF OUT PATIENT CARE

Patients regularly report that health care providers beyond the realm of specialized aortic centers do not have the expertise to sufficiently address the specific medical needs of patients with aortic disease. Aortic disease patients often find themselves treated as “average” cardiovascular patients. They often seek help in social media networks to improve their knowledge on aortic disease. Patient education, aortic disease awareness and a holistic approach to medical care of aortic disease is mandatory. The Aortic Association has committed itself to improve patient education, foster the establishment of dedicated aortic centers and improve medical care of aortic disease patients in all health care sectors.  The Aortic Association supports patient education meetings and collaboration projects that bring together health care providers from all sectors including rehabilitation, social medicine and nursing.

CLOSING

The Aortic Association represents an essential step in advancing the quality of care for patients affected by these conditions. By establishing robust diagnostic pathways and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, the Aortic Association is poised to lead significant improvements in the prevention and management of aortic diseases throughout the EU and surrounding regions. The recognition of the aorta as a critical organ underscores the importance of this initiative in shaping the future landscape of cardiovascular care.