Aortic Dissection Awareness at SCTS 2026: Belfast Highlights
The Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery (SCTS) held its annual meeting in Belfast last week, bringing together leading surgeons, clinicians and healthcare professionals from across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
As in previous years, Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland was honoured to be invited to attend the conference, participate in key discussions and exhibit as part of the event.
Our presence at SCTS continues to play an important role in advancing the global THINK AORTA® campaign—an initiative focused on saving lives by improving recognition and treatment pathways for patients presenting with severe unexplained chest or abdominal pain.
Strengthening the Patient Voice
A key highlight of this year’s meeting was the opportunity to strengthen the patient voice within a clinical and professional setting. Members of our leadership team were joined by guests from our patient buddy group, including a B-type aortic dissection survivor and the wife of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) survivor.
These personal perspectives are invaluable. They offer clinicians rare and meaningful insights into the lived experiences behind the conditions they treat every day—helping to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and patient reality.
A Unique Two-Pronged Approach
SCTS continues to welcome Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland each year because of our distinctive dual approach:
- Patient Advocacy: As the dedicated patient charity, we provide a vital platform for sharing real-world experiences, ensuring patient perspectives remain central to ongoing conversations in cardiothoracic care.
- Clinical Awareness: Through the THINK AORTA® campaign, we actively support healthcare professionals in recognising symptoms early and following the correct diagnostic pathways—an approach that is increasingly recognised for its global impact, now in 13 countries.
This collaboration between clinicians and patient advocates is essential in driving better outcomes and ultimately saving lives.
Watch Our SCTS Belfast Experience
To capture the spirit of this year’s event, we’ve created a short film showcasing our time in Belfast—from insightful discussions to meaningful connections made throughout the conference.
In March 2026, The Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery invited Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland and the THINK AORTA campaign to their annual meeting in Belfast.
