Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our great honor and privilege to extend a warm invitation to you for the 41st Annual Congress of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC). This prestigious event will be held from September 23rd to 25th, 2026, in Maastricht, Netherlands.

The theme of this year’s congress will focus on Patient Safety and Monitoring in modern perioperative, intraoperative, and intensive care settings. Recent advances in clinical safety, particularly in the anaesthesiology and critical care of cardiothoracic and vascular patients, have been significantly driven by the application of more accurate and reliable monitoring techniques. A special session will be dedicated to defining patient safety and exploring the latest evidence and best practices in optimal monitoring for our clinical setting. Distinguished international experts will share cutting-edge scientific research and offer insights into the most pressing questions in this field.

As cardiothoracic and vascular anaesthesiologists and intensivists, we work at the crossroads of multiple specialties and healthcare disciplines. To highlight this, the congress will feature joint sessions in prime time with leading European societies, including those for Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging, Cardiovascular Perfusion, and Nursing.

This year, we also introduce a new session on Sustainability, where we will explore its implications for our clinical practices and promote an environmentally responsible approach to healthcare. Additionally, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will remain central themes, ensuring that all speakers and topics reflect a broad range of perspectives.

Throughout the congress, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a series of Hands-on Workshops. These sessions will cover critical topics such as Advanced Hemodynamic and Respiratory Monitoring, Point-of-Care Ultrasound, Coagulation Testing, Airway Management for Thoracic Surgery, Regional Anaesthesia, and ECMO.

Special attention will be given to our young colleagues who are currently or recently involved in the EACTAIC Fellowship program. They will have access to a dedicated meeting lounge and participate in exclusive didactic sessions designed to support their professional development.

We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to Valencia in November 2025, and we hope that you will join us for what promises to be a truly memorable and impactful event.