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The Aortic Forum will be an in-person meeting and run from 21-23 June 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.

WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE (12:00-17:45)

12:00 Welcome lunch and registration
13:00 Introduction
Session 1: Pros and cons to repair the aortic valve
Live Case
Overview of the long-term results of aortic valve repair
Actual bioprosthetic valve compete and surpass aortic valve repair
The carbon and other synthetic valve strike back
Why TAVI is not a good option
Ross versus repair: Competitor or complementary options
Panel discussion
Abstract presentation
15:15 Break
15:45 Session 2: Basics and principles of aortic valve repair
Echocardiography to describe AI mechanisms
Describing aortic valve and root anatomy with 3D CT reconstruction
Panel discussion
Debate – Repair of isolated AI (TAV and BAV) video presentations:
– Double external ring
– Suture annuloplasty
– Internal ring
– Reimplantation technique
Panel discussion
Abstract presentation
Unifying nomenclature of aortic valve phenotypes
Debate – Repair of BAV with aortopathy video presentations:
– Reimplantation technique
– Remodelling technique and annuloplasty
Panel discussion
17:45 Close

 

THURSDAY 22 JUNE (08:15-17:30)

08:15 Session 3: Ultimate perspectives from the giants
Live Case
Introduction
Personal reflections on reimplantation after 30 years
Personal reflections on remodelling after 30 years
Evolution of leaflets plasty over the years
How geometry has contributed to improve aortic valve repair
Panel discussion
10:15 Break
10:45 Session 4: Alternative techniques and access to aortic valve repair (video session)
Live Case
PEARS, fashion, or evolution of valve sparing
Valve sparing by minimal access: For which patient and which pathology
Single suture for reimplantation. Pros & Cons
The advantages of single sinus remodelling
Debate – Which type of autograft reinforcement?
– Ross full root and loose jacket
– Ross inclusion in native root
– Ross inclusion in vascular graft
Panel discussion
Abstract presentations
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Session 5: Surgical option in the paediatric population
Dilated aortopathies in congenital heart disease
What is on the horizon in valve substitute and update on Ozaki procedure
Unicuspid aortic valve repair in which patient is it worthy (video)
Balance between Ross and valve repair
Panel discussion
Abstract presentation
14:30 Session 6: Aorta review/debate: New ACC/AHA aorta guidelines – what do they tell us?
Introduction to the guidelines
What do the guidelines suggest regarding syndromic aortic conditions?
What do the guidelines suggest regarding aortic dissection?
What do the guidelines suggest regarding thoracic aneurysm/dissection in general (diameters, non-diameter triggers, indexing, etc)
Panel discussion and debate on the guidelines – “What they say and what they don’t say!” for standard practice
16:00 Break
16:30 Session 7: Arch and stroke mini-symposium
Stroke after arch intervention: Consensus definitions, frequency and causes
Cerebral protection strategies in open arch repair
Cerebral embolic protection and/or stroke mitigation during arch TEVAR repair
Pharmacologic neuroprotection and neuro restoration
Abstract presentations
17:30 Close

 

FRIDAY 23 JUNE (08:30-17:40)

08:30 Session 8: Acute aortic dissection: Dilemmas and solutions
Definition of “safe treatment” in acute type A aortic dissection
Individualised treatment in acute type A aortic dissection
Extended aortic arch repair by stent in acute type A aortic dissection the AMDS experience (Video)
Aortic root repair in acute aortic root dissection – Techniques (Video)
Artery cannulation site is the key to success in acute type A aortic dissection surgery
The rationale to abolish the false lumen in acute type A aortic dissection
Panel discussion
10:00 Break
10:30 Session 9: Chronic aortic dissection treatment: A Prometheus challenge
FET surgery: Facts after 20 years of experience
Debate – Treatment of chronic aortic dissection after proximal repair:
– Frozen Elephant Trunk
– Open descending aortic repair
Panel discussion
Endovascular repair of chronic dissected aortic arch after ascending aorta replacement – Prerequisites for patient selection
Endovascular aortic arch repair in chronic aortic dissection (Video)
Spinal cord protection in open and endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic repair
Panel discussion
Optimal medical treatment in chronic aortic dissection patients
Abstract presentation
12:00 Lunch
13:30 Session 10: Acute and chronic aortic syndromes involving the descending aorta- natural disease course and treatment strategies
FET as a landing zone – distal extension as a concept
10 points from the recent STS/AATS guidelines for the treatment of type B aortic dissection
IMH and PAU- how to predict the natural course and when to intervene
Panel discussion
Contemporary practice in treating acute and chronic thoracoabdominal aortic pathology in high volume centers
How to address the LSA – bypass and transposition
dSINE- mechanisms, understanding, importance and prevention
Panel discussion
Abstract presentation
15:00 Break
15:30 Session 11: Acute and chronic aortic syndromes involving the descending aorta- the next level of complexity in understanding the disease and to individualise treatment
Ruptured type B- FET, TEVAR or open TA replacement
Ruptured descending thoracic aorta- is it done after TEVAR?
Endovascular treatment of ruptured TAAA – expensive prestige or economic alternative
Panel discussion
Secondary endovascular conversions for failed open repair
Secondary open conversions for failed endovascular repair
TEVAR for the treatment of organ fistulation in acute aortic syndromes – bridge to open conversion or durable treatment approach
Panel discussion
Abstract presentation
17:40 Closing remarks

 

Programme and faculty subject to change

Submit your abstract today!

Abstract submission is now open – Click HERE for full submission details.

Please ensure you submit your abstract no later
than 14 April 2023.

FORUM INFORMATION

Date/Duration
21-23 June 2023 (2.5 day meeting)

Location
Brussels, Belgium

Aortic Forum Taskforce Chairman
R De Paulis, Rome
Local Chairmen
G El Khoury and L de Kerchove, Brussels
Vascular Disease Domain Chairman
K Tsagakis, Essen

Aortic Forum Taskforce
J Bavaria; F Casselman; M Czerny; L de Kerchove; G El Khoury; I El-Hamamsy; A Estrera; S Fernandez; E Lansac; T Macgillivray; A Oo; D Pacini; S Ronchey; R Sádaba; HJ Schäfers; M Shrestha; K Tsagakis; J Vojáček

Registration Fee
EACTS Member: €595 inclusive of VAT
Non-Member: €695 inclusive of VAT
Resident/Trainee: €375 inclusive of VAT

Registration fee includes lunch and refreshments.

Format
In-person meeting, live surgical cases, interactive lectures, live-in-a-box videos and abstract presentations

Engage with pioneers in the specialty
This year’s Aortic Forum will celebrate the lifetime contributions from two of the masters, Professor El Khoury and Professor Schäfers.

Professor El Khoury, a pioneer in aortic valve repair surgery, joins us to share his expertise and techniques that have made him a renowned expert around the world. You will also have the opportunity to learn from Professor Schäfers, whose dedicated approach to the collection of sound scientific data has been instrumental in the standardisation and reproducibility of aortic valve repair. A special session will take place to celebrate their careers and will also feature two giants in our specialty: Sir Magdi Yacoub and Dr Tirone David who paved the way to this type of surgery more than thirty years ago.
This session is not to be missed!