EACTS Academy November 2014 Courses

Heart Failure: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
10-14 November, Windsor, UK
Course Directors: Gino Gerosa, Padua; Michiel Morshuis, Bad Oeynhausen

Update your knowledge of the theoretical and technical issues regarding surgery for heart failure. This one week masterclass will provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of advanced heart failure, from stem cells to transplantation/ventricular assist device/total artificial heart. The course will consist of presentations delivering theoretical knowledge by outstanding experts, high level interactive discussion, the multimedia presentation of surgical procedures, and a hands-on wetlab.

Advanced Course on the Mitral and Tricuspid Valve
19-21 November, German Heart Centre, Munich, Germany
Course Directors: A. Pieter Kappetein, Rotterdam; Ruediger Lange, Munich

This progressive course brings together world leading figures in mitral valve disease to discuss the interdisciplinary approach and evolving information around diagnostics and advanced imaging of mitral valve disease, state of the art mitral valve repair techniques, minimally invasive and interventional approaches, and long term outcomes. Focusing on the technical aspects of mitral surgery and interventions, the course will emphasize the success of teamwork through demonstration of six challenging live cases, debates around controversial areas of mitral and tricuspid management, and the future of mitral valve repair.

Cardiac surgeons and cardiologists will have the opportunity to collaborate and determine the optimal approach and timing for mitral and tricuspid valve disease, and discuss the clinical data supporting management of functional and degenerative mitral valve disease, and participate in wetlabs.

Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement and Aortic Valve Repair
28-29 November, Windsor, UK
Course Directors: Emmanuel Lansac, Paris & J. Rafael Sádaba, Pamplona

The course will offer (through high-level interactive lectures, discussions, and a wetlab) a step-wise approach to the remodelling root reconstruction associated with aortic annuloplasty for valve sparing root replacement and aortic valve repair (including cusp repair), effective height re-suspension, and aortic annuloplasty technique.

At the end of the event, participants will have an understanding of the steps required to set up a valve-sparing root replacement/aortic valve repair program or to join an existing one. Special attention will be paid to patient selection, echo analysis, cusp assessment and surgical technique, including pitfalls and tricks. An introduction to the prospective AVIATOR registry (Aortic Valve insufficiency and ascending aorta aneurysm International Registry) will also be provided.