Abstract
This course is an annual event presented jointly by the National Heart and Lung Institute and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Trust, UK. As always for a course organized by Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, an abundance of exquisite orchids in bloom greets the participants on arrival to the institute. This 30th course carried on the tradition of reviewing exciting developments in cardiac surgery with the emphasis this year on molecular biology and basic sciences and their potential applications in the surgical arena. One half day was devoted to cellular differentiation, sources of cells for transplantation, and immunogenicity. This was complemented by another half day's pre-sentations on types of homografts in congenital heart disease and tissue engineering of heart valves. Preservation and donor-recipient human leucocyte antigens matching were discussed. In view of the diversity of cells involved in the morphogenesis of heart valves, there must be a fine balance of key cellular genes to ensure normal development.
On more immediate clinical aspects, there was an anatomical demonstration followed by a teleconference on repair of ventricular septal defect. Issues related to chronic rejection in cardiac allografts were presented on another day. The comprehensive program also included discussions on healthcare and delivery with presentations on the Australian, French, and UK systems. Over the five days of the course, there were key lectures by distinguished speakers and it concluded as usual with a morning of anatomical demonstrations. It had been an intensive course that balanced the latest developments in basic sciences with surgical issues. The orchids were a perfect backdrop for cross-fertilization of ideas for further research bridging the two disciplines.