A FIRST IN AIX-EN PROVENCE: Video transmission of a complex cardiac operation for an international cardiology congress in India

The Groupement de Coopération Sanitaire (GCS) Axium-Rambot is a benchmark establishment in cardiology, particularly for the installation of stents in arteries. Dr Marc Silvestri and his team will be live on YouTube to share their expertise with their Indian colleagues.

3 questions to Dr Marc Silvestri

What procedure will you be presenting?

"It's a complex coronary angioplasty. In this patient, we are going to operate on the common trunk of the left coronary, the heart's main artery that supplies 4/5 of the heart muscle, by inserting a stent (a small metal spring). Angioplasty is an interventional cardiology procedure that does not require the chest to be opened, unlike cardiac surgery. This technique is used to revascularise an occluded or narrowed artery. It's a complex, sometimes risky and highly technical procedure.

You are now a referral cardiologist. Why is that?

"Because of our age and experience, we're among the pioneers! Back in the 90s, we were among the first to publish an article in an American medical journal demonstrating that the use of stents on the common trunk of the left coronary artery could in many cases replace major bypass surgery. After some reluctance and a few years of scientific confirmation, attitudes have changed. Today, a very large number of patients benefit from this technique, thanks in particular to improved equipment. What's more, our expertise has set an example, as I often go to India to train young cardiologists there.

So how will this video transmission work?

"As a team, with one of my associates, Dr Alain Tavildari, and the staff of our operating theatre, we will be taking part in this Indian medical congress. For almost an hour, we'll be performing the operation while answering live questions from our colleagues. A delicate exercise in concentration. It's worth noting that this video broadcast can be followed around the world on YouTube (see link below). This is great recognition for French cardiology professionals in general and the Axium-Rambot Group in particular.

YouTube link: https ://youtu.be/dBt-NLnZY1o