The emergence of drug-eluting stents has meant a giant step forward for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) as the therapeutic strategy of choice for ischemic heart disease. Patients with complex lesion types which used to be problematic for PCI were previously indicated for bypass surgery but can now be treated efficiently and successfully with PCI, thanks to drug-eluting stents. This expansion of the indications for PCI and the global standardization of PCI treatments will be lasting improvements resulting directly from the increased possibilities these devices offer.

Since its inception, the CCT has consistently concentrated its focus on PCI for complex lesions, namely CTOs, left main trunk lesions and triple vessel disease, and explored ways to expand PCI to reduce the number of these patients ultimately referred for surgery. The CCT2005 meeting showcased the very latest PCI strategies and approaches for complex lesions, and also included research into ways to ensure that PCI becomes the undisputed global standard for these lesions, on the strength of the clinical usefulness and applicability of drug-eluting stents.

The CCT has for some time been about more than simply PCI and ischemic heart disease. The CCT2005 meeting expanded its remit for other treatment strategies - carotid and peripheral intervention, electrophysiology and surgery all receive due attention in the form of dedicated courses. Our theme of "From Asia to the World" and the choice of English as the official language of the meeting helped ensure the active and enthusiastic participation in the debates and discussions of experts from Japan and abroad, while the contribution from numerous sites in Asia, Europe and the United States facilitated truly world-class live case demonstrations.

At CCT2006, we also aim to further consolidate the use of PCI for complex lesions by giving a platform to newly developing strategies and treatments. The meeting will cover new approaches for complex CTOs, as well as the latest state-of-the-art strategies for left main disease and bifurcation lesions. But this year's meeting will not focus solely on expanding the possibilities for PCI for ischemic heart disease. The meeting will also shine the spotlight on the diagnosis, treatment and management of vulnerable plaques, which have increasingly attracted attention in recent years.

Other key elements of this year's revamped program include a new expanded Peripheral Course with increased content to reflect a more global perspective. The Surgical Course will look beyond routine bypass surgery to include an introduction to the latest surgical techniques and the potential for their expansion. The Electrophysiology Course for the second year running offered live demonstrations, but this year will see a heightened emphasis on "real-world" live cases. The use once more of English as the official language will ensure maximum opportunities for real international and cross-cultural exchange, while the expansion of live demonstrations from sites in Asia and the increased numbers attending from overseas will facilitate smoother communication and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas − the ideal platform for mutual learning and advancement.