IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM 2026 | Christian Medical College, Vellore | 28–29 August 2026
Dr. Mohammad Idhrees, a leading cardiothoracic and aortic surgeon, was privileged to participate as a faculty member at the IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM 2026, held on 28–29 August 2026 at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India.
The academic programme brought together cardiac surgeons, cardiothoracic specialists, trainees and medical professionals for discussions on contemporary developments in cardiothoracic surgery. As part of the scientific programme, Dr. Mohammad Idhrees delivered an academic talk on “Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Surgery,” focusing on modern surgical approaches to diseases affecting the aortic root while preserving the patient’s native aortic valve whenever clinically appropriate.
What Is Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Surgery?
The aortic root is the portion of the aorta that connects directly to the heart and supports the aortic valve. Diseases affecting this region, including aortic root aneurysms and aortic root dilatation, may require complex surgical treatment.
In selected patients, it may be possible to treat the diseased aortic root while preserving the patient’s own aortic valve. This approach is known as valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR).
One of the established techniques used for this purpose is the David procedure, named after Canadian cardiac surgeon Tirone E. David.
Unlike conventional aortic root replacement procedures in which the aortic valve may also need to be replaced, the David procedure is designed to replace the diseased aortic root while retaining the patient’s native aortic valve, provided the valve is suitable for preservation or repair.
Understanding the David Procedure
The David procedure is a sophisticated form of valve-sparing aortic root replacement. During the operation, the diseased section of the aortic root is replaced with a vascular graft, while the patient’s own aortic valve is preserved and reimplanted within the graft.
The objective is to restore the normal geometry and function of the aortic root while maintaining the patient’s native valve.
However, valve-sparing surgery is not appropriate for every patient. The decision depends on several factors, including the condition and anatomy of the aortic valve, the extent of aortic root disease, valve leaflet quality, associated aortic disease and the surgeon’s assessment of whether a durable repair can be achieved.
Why Preserve the Patient’s Own Aortic Valve?
When a patient’s native aortic valve is healthy or suitably repairable, preserving it can offer important potential advantages.
A successful valve-sparing procedure can:
- Preserve the patient’s native aortic valve
- Avoid implantation of a mechanical or tissue prosthetic valve
- Reduce the need for lifelong anticoagulation associated with many mechanical valves
- Avoid some long-term prosthetic valve-related considerations
- Preserve the natural characteristics of the patient’s own living valve
- Provide an attractive surgical option for appropriately selected patients
The suitability of valve preservation must always be evaluated on an individual basis. The primary goal remains achieving a safe and durable surgical result.
Dr. Mohammad Idhrees at IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM 2026
Dr. Mohammad Idhrees’ presentation on Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Surgery highlighted the importance of contemporary surgical techniques in the management of complex aortic root disease.
Academic meetings such as the IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM provide an important platform for cardiac and cardiothoracic surgeons to exchange knowledge, discuss challenging cases and learn about evolving surgical strategies.
For complex procedures such as David valve-sparing aortic root surgery, continued academic interaction plays an important role in advancing surgical decision-making and patient care.
Dr. Mohammad Idhrees as a Judge for Poster Presentations
In addition to delivering his scientific presentation, Dr. Mohammad Idhrees was also honoured to serve as one of the judges for the poster presentations at the meeting.
The poster sessions provided an opportunity for young cardiac surgeons, trainees and researchers to present their academic work and research findings.
The enthusiasm and quality of the presentations reflected the growing interest in research, innovation and evidence-based practice among the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.
Advancing Knowledge in Aortic and Cardiothoracic Surgery
Aortic surgery continues to evolve with improvements in imaging, surgical planning, valve repair techniques and a better understanding of aortic root anatomy.
Procedures such as valve-sparing aortic root replacement demonstrate how modern cardiac surgery increasingly focuses not only on treating the underlying disease but also on preserving normal cardiac structures whenever appropriate.
For patients with aortic root disease, determining the most appropriate surgical procedure requires comprehensive evaluation by an experienced multidisciplinary cardiac team. Factors such as the size and anatomy of the aortic root, aortic valve function, connective tissue disorders, family history and other associated cardiovascular conditions may influence treatment decisions.
A Meaningful Academic Contribution
Participation in the IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM 2026 at CMC Vellore was an enriching academic experience for Dr. Mohammad Idhrees.
The opportunity to discuss Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Surgery and the David procedure, interact with fellow cardiac surgeons and contribute to the evaluation of young researchers reflects the importance of continued professional education in cardiothoracic surgery.
Dr. Mohammad Idhrees remains committed to academic engagement, surgical education and the advancement of contemporary approaches in cardiac and aortic surgery.
Conclusion
The IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM 2026, held at Christian Medical College, Vellore, brought together the cardiothoracic surgical community for meaningful academic discussions and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Mohammad Idhrees’ presentation on Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Surgery highlighted an important area of modern aortic surgery, where preserving the patient’s own aortic valve can be considered in appropriately selected patients.
The David procedure represents an advanced surgical technique that combines treatment of the diseased aortic root with preservation of the native aortic valve. With continued research, training and academic collaboration, such techniques contribute to the ongoing evolution of complex cardiac and aortic surgery.
Dr. Mohammad Idhrees is committed to advancing cardiac and aortic surgical care through clinical expertise, academic participation and continued engagement with developments in modern cardiothoracic surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is valve-sparing aortic root surgery?
- Valve-sparing aortic root surgery is a surgical technique used to treat disease of the aortic root while preserving the patient’s own aortic valve when the valve is suitable for preservation or repair.
- What is the David procedure?
- The David procedure is a type of valve-sparing aortic root replacement in which the diseased aortic root is replaced with a graft while the patient’s native aortic valve is preserved and reimplanted.
- Who may be suitable for a valve-sparing aortic root replacement?
- Patients with certain types of aortic root disease may be considered for valve-sparing surgery if their native aortic valve is suitable for preservation or repair. Individual assessment of the aortic root and valve is essential.
- What are the advantages of preserving the native aortic valve?
- Preserving the native valve may help avoid some issues associated with prosthetic valves and, in appropriate patients, can eliminate the need for lifelong anticoagulation that is typically required with mechanical valves.
- Is the David procedure suitable for everyone with an aortic root aneurysm?
- No. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement is not suitable for every patient. The decision depends on the condition of the aortic valve, aortic root anatomy, associated diseases and the possibility of achieving a durable repair.
- Where was IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM 2026 held?
- The IACTS CT CME & Mid-Term GBM 2026 was held at Christian Medical College, Vellore, India, on 28–29 August 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Patients with aortic or heart conditions should consult a qualified cardiovascular or cardiothoracic specialist for an individual evaluation.
