After the success of 2012 with over 250 delegates, the Congress Presidents, Prof Dr Heinz Jakob, Prof Dr Raimund Erbel and Prof Dr Wilhelm Sandmann expect this year's "Aortic Live 2" to attract even higher numbers of specialists in cardiac and vascular surgery and related inner medicine disciplines of cardiology and angiology. To this end, they have worked with the organisers, the West German Heart Centre in Essen, to extend the programme significantly this time around: As well as around 20 live broadcasts of operations on the entire aorta, delegates will have the opportunity to learn more about the latest surgical, catheter-based and minimally invasive procedures, with almost 40 presentations and round-table discussion groups.
"The focus of this year's event - alongside the latest methods of treatment for various aortic disorders - is clearly to encourage exchanges between the heart and vascular surgeons", explains Prof Dr Heinz Jakob, Director of the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic at the West German Heart Centre in Essen, part of UH Essen.
In selecting the 20 live surgeries that can be followed in 3D in the main auditorium on site and also worldwide in a variety of locations, the team has taken special care to ensure a fair mix of both disciplines. For the first time, international surgeons have also agreed to live transmission beyond their immediate vicinities.
In addition, it will be possible to follow the meeting live from anywhere in the world via the Internet, to ask questions and discuss the experts' experience in treating various aortic disorders.
Attractive programme for young heart and vascular surgeons
As well as exchanging information on latest treatment methods, the congress will offer young doctors, especially the opportunity to train further in both theory and practice and expand their personal networks: "We'll be using so-called 'wet labs' to allow young doctors, for example, to practise certain treatment techniques on simulators under the watchful eye of experienced surgeons", explains Prof Jakob. This offering was extremely well received in 2012. As a result, the organisers decided to dedicate more timetable space to this item.
In addition to this, until 15th August the young doctors will be able to register for a 'Poster Prize' using their own insights and ideas on new treatment methods. "Here, a panel of five experienced heart and vascular surgeons will assess the ideas presented on posters in the main auditorium. The best of them will recive awards - 1,000 euros for the winner and 500 euros for the runner-up", explains Prof Jakob. The programme will also feature an extensive peripheral exhibition in which renowned manufacturers and suppliers will present their cardiac and vascular surgery products.
Media representatives are very welcome to attend "Aortic Live 2" and will have the opportunity to attend the operation transmissions or take part in a wet lab. If interested, please contact:
Petra Courvoisier,
phone: +49 (0) 0201 723-4901,
E-mail: petra.courvoisier(at)uk-essen.de
