The first weekend in December brought the first-ever “HAVOC”(Hemostatic and Valvular Operations in Cardiothoracic Surgery) training course. A partnership between UNC and ECU Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the course was deemed a tremendous success. 
Course director Thomas Caranasos, MD described the event: This was an incredible opportunity for residents to learn how to deal with surgical emergencies on the most realistic models available. We plan on expanding the course regionally next year and hope for this to become a national training course.
One of the participating residents described the event as the best simulation course they had ever participated in.
Special thanks to the partners from ECU, to UNC CT Surgeon Aurelie Merlo, MD, to Baxter for their sup port to Cardiothoracic Education and to Edwards for their support for training.
Read more about our Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery’s work, training programs, team, and more here.