EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF CARDIOTHORACIC ANAESTHESIOLOGY AND INTENSIVE CARE

The European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTA) is an international professional body that brings together cardiac, thoracic and vascular anaesthesiologists, as well as intensive-care specialists, to advance the highest standards of patient care. Founded on 10 May 1985 during a symposium in Leiden and formally launched at Cambridge in 1986, the association now organises annual congresses across Europe, offering a platform for the latest research, clinical guidelines and networking opportunities.

EACTA's core activities centre on education and research. Members benefit from a range of programmes, including research grants, exchange training schemes, and the CTVA Fellowship network linking leading centres such as Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital (Bologna), University Hospitals Leuven, and Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin (Berlin). The association also publishes an "Article of the Month," runs specialised ECHO courses, and provides endorsements for best practice. By fostering collaboration and continuous learning, EACTA supports clinicians in delivering cutting-edge cardiovascular and thoracic anaesthesia and intensive-care services throughout Europe.