SAN DIEGO CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY SYMPOSIUM:Science and Techniques of Perfusion



Symposium Overview

Course Description
Since 1981 the San Diego Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium has evolved as the premier educational gathering for perfusionists, physicians and surgeons, and biomedical professionals whose work relates to cardiovascular surgery. This annual four-day Symposium offers in-depth discussions of topics related to cardiovascular surgery and extracorporeal perfusion, and its exhibit show features one of the largest displays of new equipment and technology provided at an educational venue.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, you as a participant should be able to:

* Apply knowledge of biochemistry and engineering to select the most appropriate perfusion techniques for specific patients, and evaluate various perfusion practices and standards to determine whether modifying your current practice would improve outcomes
* Assess the benefits and drawbacks to incorporating new techniques, technologies, and pharmaceuticals in your practice of managing blood and bleeding during surgery
* Identify and evaluate current and future types of mechanical circulatory-assist devices to assess the long-range need for such devices, and determine which might best meet specific needs of different patient populations
* Identify and evaluate the latest advances in valve surgery, drug-eluting stents, and transcatheter interventions for structural heart disease to ascertain whether they might serve as appropriate treatment approaches for your patients
* Increase your knowledge of mini-circuit design, operation, safety, and use; and determine which device best meets the needs of specific patient populations
* Acquire information and strategies for improving your interaction with anesthesiologists and perfusionists to improve patient outcomes
* Improve patient outcomes by applying information learned from analyzing and discussing challenging cases
* Increase awareness and use of new technologies and techniques related to cardiopulmonary bypass, summarize how the FDA regulates CPB components, and decide whether adopting new technologies or techniques might benefit your current practice

Attendee Profile
CREF2007 is designed to meet the specific educational needs of medical professionals involved with treating cardiac disease: anesthesiologists, biomedical technicians, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, perfusionists, physician assistants, and technology researchers and developers.