In a significant initiative to strengthen advanced cardiovascular care and competency-based medical education in India, the Department of Cardiology at AIIMS Patna, supported by the Terumo India Skill Lab (TISL), successfully organized the inaugural edition of MASTR KAIZEN (Masterclass in Advanced Stent Techniques and Reconstruction) on 8-9 July 2026.
The two-day national training program was specifically designed to equip young cardiologists and super-specialty trainees with cutting-edge skills in complex coronary interventions. The program combined live workshops, didactic lectures, case-based discussions, and high-fidelity simulation-based learning to provide a comprehensive hands-on experience.
Simulation-based training formed the cornerstone of the program. This modern educational approach allows participants to practice complex procedures on advanced simulators before performing them on actual patients. By replicating challenging coronary anatomies and real-life scenarios, simulators help trainees refine their technical skills, improve clinical decision-making, recognize potential complications early, and respond effectively all in a completely risk-free environment. This method significantly enhances patient safety and contributes to better clinical outcomes.
The inaugural edition of MASTR KAIZEN focused on two of the most technically demanding areas in interventional cardiology: Advanced Bifurcation and Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) strategies. Participants received intensive training in advanced stent techniques, intravascular imaging, procedural planning, and complication management.
A key highlight of the program was the opportunity for participants to interact directly with internationally renowned experts, gaining exposure to contemporary global best practices in complex coronary interventions.
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The program was held under the Chief Patronage of Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director, AIIMS Patna. Dr. Bhanu Duggal, Professor of Cardiology and Vice Chancellor, HNB Uttarakhand Medical University, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The academic sessions were jointly directed by Dr. Kenichiro Shimoji, a distinguished interventional cardiologist from Japan, and Dr. Anupam Bhambhani, Head of the Department of Cardiology, AIIMS Patna. This collaboration brought together global expertise and local academic leadership.
Shishir Agarwal, President & Managing Director, Terumo India, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Our mission of Contributing to Society through Healthcare is reflected in our commitment to better patient outcomes. We aim to empower the next generation of cardiologists with globally benchmarked procedural skills and support the advancement of high-quality, patient-centred cardiovascular care in India".
Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal highlighted the importance of simulation training, stating, “Simulation-based education is redefining the future of medical training. By enabling young cardiologists to master complex procedures on advanced simulators before entering the catheterization laboratory, we are enhancing both clinical competence and patient safety".
Dr. Anupam Bhambhani, Organizing Chairman and Head of the Department of Cardiology, AIIMS Patna, explained the program’s structured approach: “The program combines live workshops, didactic lectures with real-life case examples, and simulation-based skill development. This integrated method allows participants to understand scientific principles first and then repeatedly practice techniques in a risk-free setting, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and better clinical outcomes".
Dr. Anudeep Sandhu, Director of Medical Affairs and Clinical Affairs at Terumo India, added that today’s cardiac procedures demand more than product knowledge they require procedural familiarity, tactile confidence, and real-time decision-making skills.
The successful launch of MASTR KAIZEN marks an important milestone in India’s efforts to build capacity in advanced interventional cardiology. Through this collaboration between AIIMS Patna and Terumo India Skill Lab, the program is expected to create a sustainable platform for continuous skill development, international collaboration, and clinical excellence.
By focusing on simulation-based learning and advanced procedural training, MASTR KAIZEN aims to prepare the next generation of cardiologists to deliver safer, more precise, and patient-centered cardiovascular care across the country.
