On October 17-18, 2024, as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Astana Medical University, the Central Asian Arrhythmia Summit took place in Astana. This year, the summit brought together over 200 doctors from more than 20 countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, the USA, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Poland, Hungary, China, and others, making it a significant event in the field of global cardiology.

The summit opened with welcome speeches from the Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Shakirovich Nurlybayev, and the Rector of Astana Medical University, Kamalzhan Talgatovich Nadyrov. In their addresses, they emphasized the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange for advancing arrhythmology in Central Asia. They also expressed confidence that the summit would stimulate further scientific discoveries and innovations in the field of arrhythmia treatment.

One of the highlights of the summit was the live streaming of unique surgeries in a Life Case format, allowing participants to observe the latest techniques in real time and discuss clinical cases with leading global experts.

1. Life Case from the Czech Republic: The transmission was conducted from the operating room of the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM, Czech Republic), where Professor Josef Kautzner demonstrated a pulsed-field ablation (PFA) procedure using the Afera Medtronic system for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This method, due to its safety and effectiveness, has sparked great interest among specialists and opened new possibilities for treating arrhythmias.

2. Life Case from Turkey: The second transmission was conducted from the operating room of Hacettepe University Hospital (Ankara, Turkey), where Professor Hikmet Yorgun presented a technique for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of ischemic ventricular tachycardia. This session demonstrated the latest technologies and approaches becoming the standard in interventional cardiology.

The summit gathered representatives of various organizations and associations, including the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the World Society of Arrhythmias (WSA), the Kazakh Society of Arrhythmologists, and the Silk Road Heart Rhythm Society. Among the prominent speakers were José Merino (Spain), Ali Oto (Turkey), Josef Kautzner (Czech Republic), Sergey Popov (Russia), Thomas Deering (USA), László Geller (Hungary), and many other leading experts.

A special mention goes to Professor Ayan Suleimenovich Abdrakhmanov, who delivered a presentation on establishing the Institute of Heart Rhythm at Astana Medical University and developing the arrhythmology service in Kazakhstan. As the President of the Kazakh Society of Arrhythmologists and the President of the Silk Road Heart Rhythm Society, as well as a recognized international expert, Professor Abdrakhmanov chaired the summit’s organizing committee and actively participated in its implementation.

The summit provided a unique platform to discuss the latest recommendations and treatment standards, present advanced methods and technologies, and exchange experiences. Participants outlined future cooperation perspectives and identified new directions for the development of arrhythmology in the region.

One of the summit's significant additions was the series of masterclasses conducted by leading global experts. These events provided participants with a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills and explore the latest advancements and innovations in arrhythmology.

1. September 25-26, 2024 – Pulsed-Field Ablation (PFA) for Atrial Fibrillation, led by Dr. Serge Boveda, France.

   This masterclass was dedicated to the new promising method of pulsed-field ablation, actively being implemented in atrial fibrillation treatment. Serge Boveda presented modern technologies and demonstrated their use in real clinical cases, providing valuable educational experience.

2. October 15, 2024 – Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP), Operator: Jacek Gajek, Poland.

   Jacek Gajek conducted a masterclass on the LBBAP technique, which is becoming a promising alternative to traditional pacing. Participants received practical recommendations for applying this technique in clinical practice.

3. October 16, 2024 – Launch of the TrueForce™ Contact Force Catheter in Kazakhstan, Operator: Yan Yao, China (supported by EverPace).

   Yan Yao introduced the new TrueForce™ contact force catheter technology, supported by EverPace. This masterclass was an essential step in integrating advanced technologies into clinical practice in Kazakhstan.

These masterclasses enabled participants to familiarize themselves with cutting-edge methods and technologies, fostering professional connections and furthering international cooperation in arrhythmology.

The Central Asian Arrhythmia Summit confirmed the high status of Astana Medical University as a leader in medical science and education. This event not only enhanced the professional level of specialists but also demonstrated that Kazakhstan is becoming a vital center for international collaboration in the field of arrhythmology.