The aim of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiologists (EACTA) is to be a forum in Europe for international scientific discussions and exchange of ideas in the field of cardiothoracic anaesthesia and related topics and to promote education and development in this field.

The Association encourages a high standard of scientific presentation; awards scholarships; assists in funding scientific investigation; enables educational visits to centres in other countries; and publishes selected abstracts of papers presented at EACTA meetings in Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia.

EACTA also promotes international exchange with non-European countries, by organising or participating in international meetings on cardiovascular and thoracic anaesthesia.