The Department of Cardiology at AIIMS Patna, in collaboration with the Terumo India Skill Lab (TISL), conducted the first edition of the MASTR KAIZEN (Masterclass in Advanced Stent Techniques and Reconstruction) programme on 8-9 July 2026. This two-day national training initiative aims to equip young cardiologists and super-specialty trainees with advanced skills in complex coronary interventions through a blend of live workshops, didactic lectures, and simulation-based learning.
Simulation-Based Learning Enhances Patient Safety
Simulation-based learning allows trainees to practice complex coronary intervention procedures on high-fidelity simulators before performing them on patients. This approach enables participants to repeatedly refine their procedural skills, improve clinical decision-making, and build confidence in a controlled environment, thereby enhancing patient safety and improving clinical outcomes. Simulators can replicate challenging coronary anatomies and procedural scenarios, allowing participants to master advanced techniques, recognize potential complications, and develop appropriate responses without exposing patients to any procedural risk.
Focus on Advanced Bifurcation and CTO PCI Strategies
The inaugural MASTR KAIZEN programme focuses on Advanced Bifurcation and Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) strategies, two of the most technically demanding areas of interventional cardiology. Participants receive hands-on training in advanced stent techniques, intravascular imaging, procedural planning, and complication management through interactive workshops, expert lectures, case-based discussions, and simulator-assisted learning. The programme also provides participants with valuable international exposure through direct interaction with globally renowned experts, enabling them to learn contemporary techniques and globally accepted best practices in complex coronary interventions.
Leadership and Collaboration
The programme is 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, served as the Chief Guest. Academic sessions are jointly directed by Dr. Kenichiro Shimoji, an internationally acclaimed interventional cardiologist from Japan, and Dr. Anupam Bhambhani, Head of the Department of Cardiology, AIIMS Patna. Their collaboration reflects a unique academic partnership aimed at bringing global expertise and advanced procedural training to young cardiologists.
Quotes from Key Figures
Mr. Shishir Agarwal, President & Managing Director, Terumo India, said, "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 added, "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 has been carefully structured around a combination of live workshops, didactic lectures supported by real-life case examples, and simulation-based technical skill development. This integrated approach enables participants to first understand the scientific principles and procedural nuances of complex coronary interventions and then repeatedly practice these techniques on high-fidelity simulators before performing them on patients. Simulation-based training allows young cardiologists to refine their technical skills, improve procedural decision-making, and learn to recognize and manage complications in a completely risk-free environment. By building competence and confidence before entering the catheterization laboratory, this training model significantly enhances patient safety while preparing participants to deliver better clinical outcomes."
Dr. Anudeep Sandhu, Director Medical Affairs and Clinical Affairs at Terumo India, stated, "Terumo India Skill Lab equips healthcare professionals with the advanced skills needed to manage complicated procedures effectively. With our learning and training programmes, we are addressing the critical need for enhanced HCP training in India, particularly as complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) become increasingly important in contemporary cardiovascular care." She further added that "today's cardiac stents, imaging systems, and catheter-based procedures demand more than product knowledge, they require procedural familiarity, tactile confidence, and real-time decision-making skills."
Impact and Future Outlook
Through the MASTR KAIZEN programme, the collaboration between Terumo India Skill Lab and AIIMS Patna continues to strengthen its position as a centre of excellence in cardiovascular sciences, advanced medical education, and clinical innovation. The initiative is expected to create a sustainable platform for skill development, international collaboration, and capacity building, ultimately contributing to safer, more precise, and patient-centred cardiac care in India.
