The 41st Annual Congress of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC) will take place from September 23 to 25, 2026, in the vibrant and historic city of Maastricht, the Netherlands. With its Roman origins and rich medieval architecture, Maastricht offers a cosmopolitan setting at the heart of Europe, providing an ideal backdrop for a high-level scientific meeting.
Theme: Human Factor & AI
This year’s congress focuses on the intersection of Human Factor and AI within intraoperative and intensive care settings. As we integrate more accurate and reliable monitoring techniques into our clinical practice, we must explore how artificial intelligence can enhance clinical safety and decision-making for cardiothoracic and vascular patients.
New in 2026
On September 22, before the start of the congress, a full day of simulation training will be held at the Sim Lab of the Maastricht Medical University. This program will offer you two scenario CRM sessions and two practical sessions where you can practice advanced bronchoscopy and ultrasound guided thoracic blocks. In addition, fellows and senior residents will have access to two additional sessions with scenario CRM scheduled on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September
Program Highlights
- Specialized Sessions: Dedicated tracks for patient safety, optimal monitoring, and cutting-edge research presented by international experts
- Collaborative Care: Joint sessions with leading European societies in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging, Perfusion, and Nursing.
- New Perspectives: Introduction of a dedicated session on sustainability in healthcare, alongside continued attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Hands-on Workshops: Practical training in Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring, POCUS, Coagulation Testing, Airway Management, Regional Anaesthesia, and ECMO.
- AI Workshop for Beginners: An introductory session exploring the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and its practical applications in cardiothoracic anaesthesia and perioperative care.
