Dal 1° al 3 ottobre "Viaggio nel cuore"

A three-day event focused on the latest innovations in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The 12th edition of "Viaggio nel Cuore – Le novità controverse in Cardiologia" (Journey into the Heart – Controversial Developments in Cardiology)—a scientific update dedicated to the key challenges of contemporary cardiovascular medicine—will take place from October 1 to 3, 2026, at the Hotel Catalunya in Alghero.

The congress is scheduled to open on Thursday, October 1, at 9:30 AM. Official opening remarks will be delivered by Alghero Mayor Raimondo Cacciotto, the Rector of the University of Sassari Gavino Mariotti, and the Medical Director of the Sassari University Hospital (AOU), Lucia Anna Mameli. The three-day program will feature morning and afternoon scientific sessions, comprising plenary meetings and parallel sessions dedicated to various areas of cardiology and cardiac surgery.

The event’s scientific directors are Gavino Casu—Director of Clinical and Interventional Cardiology at the Sassari University Hospital and Head of the Residency Program in Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Sassari—and Michele Portoghese—Director of the Cardiovascular Department at the Sassari University Hospital and Head of the Cardiac Surgery Unit at Santissima Annunziata Hospital.

"Viaggio nel Cuore was launched in 2010 with a goal that still guides us today: bringing the latest knowledge on cardiovascular diseases to Sardinia and offering the island’s professionals the opportunity to exchange ideas with national and international experts," says Gavino Casu. "Together with Michele Portoghese, the AOU [University Hospital], and the University of Sassari, we promote this congress so that what professionals learn and share can translate into more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better care pathways for Sardinian patients. The participation of so many highly experienced speakers and the scientific value of their presentations demonstrate our shared commitment to advancing cardiology in Sardinia."

"This year’s program addresses some of the most complex decisions in cardiovascular practice: the choice between surgical and transcatheter treatment for valvular heart disease, the management of complex coronary artery disease, and the role of new technologies in procedure planning," stated Michele Portoghese. "We have focused on clinical controversies because it is precisely in cases where multiple therapeutic options exist that rigorous discussion among specialists is required. Discussing the indications, outcomes, and limitations of each approach helps translate scientific evidence into appropriate decisions for the individual patient."

The congress will bring together national and international experts in Alghero to address key topics currently at the forefront of research and clinical practice: obesity, diabetes and lipid metabolism, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. These will be complemented by specialized sessions dedicated to arrhythmology, interventional cardiology, cardiovascular rehabilitation, telemedicine, and digital health.

Particular attention will be paid to new technologies applied to cardiology, with in-depth looks at artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, novel interventional cardiology strategies, and telemedicine applications in cardiovascular patient management. The program includes, among other topics, the use of artificial intelligence in interventional cardiology and the use of advanced digital models—such as "digital twins"—to support research and clinical decision-making.

One of the highlights will be the "live case"—a clinical procedure broadcast live from the Sassari Hemodynamics Laboratory—scheduled for the morning of Friday, October 2nd. This live link-up will allow participants to follow and discuss an interventional cardiology case, bridging clinical practice with scientific dialogue among specialists.

"The quality of care depends on the ability of professionals to stay up-to-date, exchange ideas, and share experiences and expertise," states Lucia Anna Mameli, Medical Director of the Sassari University Hospital (AOU). "A congress like 'Viaggio nel Cuore' [Journey into the Heart], which brings nationally and internationally renowned specialists to our region, represents a significant opportunity for professional and scientific growth. As a university hospital, we strongly believe in the integration of patient care, education, and research: investing in knowledge means helping to make diagnostic and therapeutic pathways increasingly innovative, appropriate, and aligned with patient needs."

There is also a focus on the training of the next generation. A session dedicated to abstracts—scientific papers by medical residents specializing in cardiovascular diseases practicing in Sardinia—is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd, featuring an awards ceremony for the top three papers. That same day, discussions will also cover cardiac rehabilitation, physical activity, nutrition, psychological aspects, sleep, telemedicine, cybersecurity, and digital health.

The event is accredited for Continuing Medical Education (ECM) and is expected to draw 450 professionals.