The Department of Cardiology at AIIMS Patna, with support from Terumo India Skill Lab (TISL), has launched the inaugural edition of MASTR KAIZEN (Masterclass in Advanced Stent Techniques and Reconstruction), a two-day national training programme held on 8–9 July 2026 at AIIMS Patna. Designed for young cardiologists and super-specialty trainees, the initiative focuses on building advanced skills in complex coronary interventions through live workshops, didactic lectures and simulation-based learning, with a strong emphasis on patient safety and competency-based medical education.
Simulation-based learning lies at the heart of the programme, allowing participants to practise complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on high-fidelity simulators before performing them on patients. By replicating challenging coronary anatomies and procedural scenarios, these simulators enable trainees to repeatedly refine their technical skills, improve procedural decision-making and build confidence in a controlled environment. This modern training approach helps future cardiologists master advanced techniques, recognise potential complications and develop appropriate responses without exposing patients to procedural risk, thereby enhancing clinical outcomes.
The inaugural MASTR KAIZEN programme focuses on advanced bifurcation and chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI strategies, among the most technically demanding areas in interventional cardiology. Participants receive hands-on training in stent techniques, intravascular imaging, procedural planning and complication management through interactive workshops, expert lectures, case-based discussions and simulator-assisted sessions. The course also offers valuable international exposure, with direct interaction with globally renowned experts to help attendees learn contemporary techniques and globally accepted best practices in complex coronary interventions.
“Our mission of contributing to society through healthcare is reflected in our commitment to better patient outcomes,” said Shishir Agarwal, President and Managing Director, Terumo India. He noted that Terumo India Skill Lab aims 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 that simulation-based education is redefining the future of medical training by enabling trainees to master complex procedures on advanced simulators before entering the catheterization laboratory, thereby improving both clinical competence and patient safety.
Dr Anupam Bhambhani, Organizing Chairman of the programme and Head of Cardiology at AIIMS Patna, explained that the curriculum is carefully structured around live workshops, didactic lectures supported by real-life case examples and simulation-based technical skill development. This integrated approach allows participants to first understand the scientific principles and procedural nuances of complex coronary interventions and then repeatedly practise these techniques on high-fidelity simulators before performing them on patients. According to him, simulation-based training helps young cardiologists refine technical skills, improve procedural decision-making and learn to recognise and manage complications in a completely risk-free environment, significantly enhancing patient safety and preparing participants to deliver better clinical outcomes.
Dr Anudeep Sandhu, Director Medical Affairs and Clinical Affairs at Terumo India, highlighted that Terumo India Skill Lab equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills needed to manage complicated procedures effectively. She noted that as complex PCI becomes increasingly important in contemporary cardiovascular care, structured learning and training programmes are essential to address the critical need for enhanced healthcare professional training in India. She further emphasised 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.
Through the MASTR KAIZEN programme, the collaboration between AIIMS Patna and Terumo India Skill Lab 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 across India.
