About ACTACC

Objectives

ACTACC is committed to advancing the highest standards of cardiothoracic anaesthesia and peri-operative care for patients with cardiovascular disease across the full spectrum of cardiac, thoracic, and interventional cardiology practice.

We bring together anaesthetists, intensivists, cardiologists, surgeons, and allied professionals to drive excellence in clinical care, education, and research. Through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practice, we aim to optimise patient outcomes, enhance safety, and shape the future of cardiothoracic and cardiovascular critical care.

Our mission is to support clinicians in delivering consistent, high-quality care to patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgery, cardiology procedures, and those requiring cardiac intensive care.

To further the development of the art and science of cardiothoracic anaesthesia. To that end the ACTACC is committed to: 

• Hold regular meetings.
• Encourage the presentation of original research.
• Encourage national and international links with like-minded groups.
• Be active in all matters concerning the training of future cardiothoracic anaesthetists.
• Represent the views of cardiothoracic anaesthetists to any other interested parties.

History of ACTACC

The Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthetists was founded on 25th May 1984 in Cambridge, initiated by Ray Latimer with colleagues Don Bethune and Ian Hardy at Royal Papworth Hospital. The inaugural meeting, held at the Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, brought together UK anaesthetists in an informal academic setting featuring trainee presentations, invited lectures, and collegiate dining traditions that continue today.

Cambridge remains closely linked to ACTA through its origins and its historical contributions to cardiovascular science—from William Harvey’s early work on the circulation to Starling’s foundational contributions to cardiac physiology. Due to the success of annual Cambridge spring meetings alongside rotating autumn meetings across the UK, in 2014, the spring meeting also began rotating between different cardiothoracic centres across the UK and Northern Ireland, reflecting the growing national reach of the Association.

Around 2017, the Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthetists (ACTA) evolved into the Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care (ACTACC). This change reflected the expanding role of cardiothoracic anaesthetists across the full peri-operative pathway, including cardiothoracic intensive care. The addition of “Critical Care” recognised their role as anaesthetists and intensivists managing complex postoperative patients, extracorporeal support, and multidisciplinary critical care, aligning the Association with modern cardiothoracic practice.