It is common knowledge that those who operate in these hearts, particularly in infants and children, require a thorough knowledge of the anatomic arrangements they are liable to encounter. It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain this information. It has been my privilege to collaborate with Gaetano Thiene in providing such exhibitions and demonstrations at the last two meetings. I would like to draw the attention to all surgeons in training also to other courses organised specifically to provide an introduction to the congenitally malformed heart. Those attending the advanced course should have a basic knowledge of the structure of the congenitally malformed heart.
Ample time is provided for discussion.
It is also our intention to provide revision courses in the surgical approach to the congenitally malformed heart, working in this respect with all my surgical colleagues from Great Ormond Street Hospital. Our first course is scheduled to take place on April 5 and 6, and details are given elsewhere in the Newsletter. This course is specifically designed to cover the curriculum laid down by the Royal College of Surgeons to encompass the knowledge required for the final fellowship examination in cardiothoracic surgery. All aspects of the subject will be fully covered, with the morphological parts demonstrated using pertinent specimens displayed using closed-circuit television. Although intended primarily for those training within the United Kingdom, the course will be of equal value for those being trained in Europe or elsewhere.