Each year at the International Conference, the meeting organizers attempt to increase the educational offerings by infusing special sessions on topics that are germane to practicing perfusionists. Last year, the Virtual Operating Room session was especially well attended and many commented on the value of the opportunity to see how other medical centers perform specific cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. The manufacturers generously provided extracorporeal devices to equip four complete operating rooms, and perfusionists from an equal number of centers were there to present their protocols for perfusion. This year the organizers are continuing to expand the conference by adding an adjunctive symposium totally dedicated to patients suffering from heart failure with specific emphasis on ventricular assist devices and long-term extracorporeal support.

The special one-day symposium, entitled Techniques and Modalities of Ventricular Assistance will be held in conjunction with the International Conference.

The symposium has been designed to support AmSECT’s continuing effort to expand practical knowledge in the techniques and practices of long-term ventricular support. A secondary goal of the symposium is to increase the role of perfusionists in the treatment of patients in heart failure. The symposium consists of two major sections: a scientific session for the dissemination of clinical and managerial aspects for ventricular assist utilization, and a hands-on session demonstrating the devices in use throughout the world. Because of the unique nature of this symposium, it will be conducted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, the day before the opening of the plenary sessions, beginning at 8:00 am and concluding at 5:00 pm. Registration is limited to 100 individuals to facilitate a more personal and intensive educational environment. Registration is separate from that of the general meeting and attendees will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the symposium.

We hope that any perfusionist seeking to grow their practice into this exciting and expanding area registers for this special event. Further information can be obtained at the AmSECT website of by contacting either myself at astammers@aol.com or Craig Vocelka at crv730@msn.com