- SCS 2026 showcases next-generation coronary artery bypass techniques, robotic surgery and AI-driven innovations to combat India’s growing heart disease burden
- Nation’s foremost cardiac surgeons and global experts deliberate on personalised treatment strategies to improve survival and quality of life
- India now performs nearly 3 lakh bypass surgeries annually, with an alarming rise in younger and women patients, experts reveal
- Scientific conclave reinforces Ahmedabad’s emergence as a leading destination for advanced cardiac sciences and surgical excellence
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 18
With cardiovascular disease striking Indians at increasingly younger ages, over 500 of the country’s leading coronary artery bypass surgeons, alongside internationally acclaimed experts, converged in Ahmedabad to exchange cutting-edge knowledge, refine surgical techniques and chart the future of heart surgery at the 5th Annual Conference of the Society of Coronary Surgeons (SCS 2026)—a landmark scientific gathering expected to benefit thousands of cardiac patients across the country.
Held on July 18 and 19 at Club Babylon & Sheraton Convention Centre and endorsed by the Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS), the prestigious conclave revolved around the theme “Gifted Hands, Future Minds”, highlighting transformative advances in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), minimally invasive and robotic surgery, artificial intelligence, personalised surgical decision-making and evidence-based innovations designed to improve patient outcomes.
A senior cardiac surgery stalwart addresses delegates during the inaugural session of SCS 2026, highlighting emerging advances in coronary artery bypass surgery and personalised cardiac care. – NE photo
Dr. Sanjeeth Peter, Organising Chairman of SCS 2026 and Secretary of the Society of Coronary Surgeons, described the conference as a significant milestone for cardiac surgery in India.
“Ahmedabad had the privilege of hosting some of the finest minds in coronary surgery. The conference provided an exceptional academic platform for sharing knowledge, discussing challenging clinical cases and exploring cutting-edge surgical innovations that will shape the future of coronary artery bypass surgery. Our collective goal remained to improve patient outcomes through scientific excellence and collaborative learning.”
Highlighting the changing face of coronary artery disease in India, Dr. Dhiren Shah, Organising Secretary of SCS 2026 and Joint Secretary of the Society of Coronary Surgeons, said coronary artery bypass surgery has emerged as one of the most effective treatment options for patients with advanced coronary artery disease.
“India now performs nearly 2.75 to 3 lakh coronary artery bypass surgeries annually, making it one of the world’s highest-volume countries for CABG. Nearly 15 to 20 per cent of these patients are below the age of 45 years, underlining the disturbing rise of premature coronary artery disease among younger Indians. Equally significant is the fact that around 20 per cent of bypass surgery patients are women, many of them below 40 years of age, reflecting the changing epidemiology of heart disease among young women.”
He emphasised that the conference was far more than an academic exercise.
“SCS 2026 was conceived to strengthen surgical expertise by enabling surgeons to exchange experiences, understand emerging technologies and adopt globally accepted best practices. Ultimately, the knowledge shared here will translate into safer surgeries, faster recovery, superior long-term outcomes and a better quality of life for thousands of heart patients across India.”
Experts noted that coronary artery disease continues to be one of India’s leading causes of death, with increasingly complex heart blockages being diagnosed in younger individuals. Modern coronary bypass surgery has evolved significantly over the past decade, enabling surgeons to tailor procedures according to each patient’s age, disease severity, heart function, associated illnesses and anatomical complexity, thereby delivering more precise and personalised cardiac care.
Unlike conventional medical conferences, SCS 2026 featured real-world case discussions, live operative videos, interactive workshops, expert panel debates and landmark clinical trial analyses, allowing participants to engage in practical learning. Scientific deliberations focused on multi-arterial grafting, minimally invasive CABG, robotic bypass surgery, hybrid coronary revascularisation, complex redo bypass procedures, perioperative optimisation, AI-assisted surgical planning and the future direction of coronary surgery.
The conference was organised under the patronage of Dr. Sukumar H. Mehta, with Dr. Sanjeeth Peter serving as Organising Chairman, Dr. Dhiren Shah as Organising Secretary, Dr. Bhupesh D. Shah and Dr. Gaurav Goel as Organising Joint Secretaries, and Dr. Nikunj Vyas as Organising Treasurer. Eminent national and international faculty enriched the scientific programme with their expertise and experience.
The successful hosting of SCS 2026 has further strengthened Ahmedabad’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence in advanced cardiac sciences while reaffirming India’s commitment to driving innovation, collaboration and continuous medical education in coronary artery bypass surgery.
