Join us for a full-day symposium and PhD defence focused on aortic valve repair and cardiovascular research. The symposium features several internationally recognised experts and some of the world’s leading cardiac surgeons within the field of valve repair, who will share their perspectives on surgical techniques, imaging, innovation, computational modelling, and the future of aortic valve repair.

Please reply no later than Tuesday, 2 June 2026 and indicate whether you will be attending the symposium, the PhD defence, or both, as catering will be provided.

Aim of the symposium

The aim of the symposium is to promote collaboration, scientific discussion, and exchange of experience across disciplines involved in aortic valve repair and cardiovascular research.

Recommended participants

Cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, researchers, perfusionists, anaesthesiologists, engineers, medical students, and healthcare professionals with an interest in heart valve disease and cardiovascular research. 

Language

The presentations will be in English.

What participants will gain

• Current perspectives on aortic valve repair and future developments within the field

• Insights into echocardiographic assessment and computational modelling in valve surgery

• Perspectives on translational and experimental cardiovascular research

• Opportunities for interdisciplinary discussion and networking

Confirmed speakers

Leila Louise Benhassen (DK)
Robert Klautz (NL)
Torsten Bloch Rasmussen (DK)
Morten Smerup (DK)
Mark Hazekamp (NL)
Meindert Palmen (NL)
Jesper Hjortnaes (NL)
Emmanuel Lansac (FR)
 

Programme

10.00–10.15
Leila Louise Benhassen: Cardiovascular experimental research at AUH

10.15–10.35
Robert Klautz: The future of valve repair

10.35–10.55
Torsten Bloch Rasmussen: Echocardiographic evaluation of aortic valve repair

10.55–11.15
Morten Smerup: Aortic valve repair in children

11.15–12.00
Break and lunch (sandwich)

12.00–12.20
Mark Hazekamp: Innovation Committee EACTS

12.20–12.40
Meindert Palmen: Minimally invasive valve repair

12.40–13.00
Jesper Hjortnaes: Computational modelling of the aortic root to predict surgical outcomes

13.00–13.30
Emmanuel Lansac: How to establish a new program in aortic valve repair

13.30–14.00
Coffee break

14.00–16.00
PhD Defence: Experimental Evaluation of a Novel Annuloplasty Ring for Aortic Valve Repair

16.00
Reception

We are excited to welcome you to a day dedicated to aortic valve repair, cardiovascular research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific discussion.