A One-day workshop on Advanced Techniques in Preclinical Cardiovascular Research jointly organized by CARET, MAHE, Manipal, under the aegis of CARF, Manipal in association with KMC, Manipal & MCOPS, Manipal along with AD Instruments (South Asia) was conducted successfully with 24 registered delegates. The event aimed to provide participants with a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cutting-edge cardiovascular drug screening and discovery methodologies. The day began with an informal inaugural address by Dr. Nandakumar, Co-ordinator of CARET, who welcomed the participants and set the tone for the workshop by discussing the importance of innovative in vitro and in vivo techniques in addressing unmet needs in cardiovascular therapeutics.

The first session focused on the scope of cardiovascular discovery, where Dr. Lokesh Kumar Bhatt highlighted the challenges faced in the field and the pressing need for advanced technologies in drug research. He explained various methods used in preclinical studies and emphasized their relevance in improving outcomes in cardiovascular medicine. This was followed by an engaging talk by Mr. Suman Bhat, who introduced the delegates to state-of-the-art instruments available at AD Instruments. He detailed their applications and significance in preclinical research, providing valuable insights into how modern tools enhance the precision and reliability of experimental data.

The forenoon session included a practical demonstration of non-invasive blood pressure measurement using the tail-cuff method. This demonstration offered participants hands-on exposure to a widely used technique for monitoring blood pressure in small animals, ensuring they understood its advantages and limitations. Post-lunch, the workshop shifted focus to surgical techniques with live demonstrations of carotid and jugular vein cannulation. These techniques, critical for monitoring blood pressure and administering drugs, were presented in detail, giving attendees a thorough understanding of their application in cardiovascular research.

The final session featured an in vitro experiment using an organ bath setup to study the effects of acetylcholine and related drugs on chick ileum. This practical exercise employed a force transducer to measure muscle contractions, allowing participants to understand the process of calculating drug concentrations required to elicit specific physiological responses. The demonstration highlighted the relevance of in vitro systems in evaluating drug efficacy and potency.

The workshop concluded with a valedictory ceremony, where the chief guests, Dr. Rajeshkrishna Bhandary, Chair, RER Vertical and Associate Professor, Psychiatry, KMC, Manipal and Dr. Vandana K E, Advisor, CARET and Professor and Head, Microbiology, KMC, Manipal, addressed the participants. Dr. Vandana presented a memento to Mr. Suman Bhat in recognition of his valuable contribution, while Dr. Rajeshkrishna Bhandary P felicitated Dr. Lokesh Bhat for conducting the hands-on session. The workshop ended on a positive note, leaving the delegates equipped with basic techniques and handling skills in cardiovascular research. Dr. Rahul Dutta and Dr. Amrita Parida, co-coordinators of CARET where present throughout the session and obtained the feedback form and compiled related to the workshop. There was extremely positive feedback given by the participants on the content and conduct of the workshop.