New frontiers in aortic surgery and anesthesia

摘要

The term “aortic pathology” includes a number of diseases ranging from the aortic valve to the abdominal tract. It represents not only one of the most prevalent affection of the human being, but also one of the most challenging fields in cardiovascular medicine. During the last 25 years, we witnessed a significant improvement in the results of treatment of this pathology. The important decrease in operative morbidity and mortality reflects the ongoing experience of anesthesiologists and surgeons, the accuracy in patients selection and preoperative assessment, and the impact of advanced technology. Very few medical innovations had such an impact on the management of aortic disease as endovascular techniques. In appropriate patients, endovascular repair has reduced recovery times, major morbidity, and disease-related mortality, really transforming the care of patients with aortic valve disease, type A and type B dissection, descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, penetrating ulcers, and traumatic aortic injury. However, these techniques still represent “a young therapy” and there is much to be learned about patient selection, specific indications, contemporary advanced imaging, device design, procedural techniques, and follow-up. Now at its fourth edition, the International Congress Aortic Surgery and Anesthesia “How to do it” will have a new format in order to offer very intense, dynamic sessions of rapidly paced presentations. An international and truly multidisciplinary faculty has been selected to provide unparalleled expertise in both classical and innovative aspects of aortic interventions. The meeting will have the privilege to bring together vascular, endovascular and cardiothoracic specialists as well as the anaesthesiologists that make surgical efforts possible every day. The mission of our “how to do it” meeting remains strictly practical. All the distinguished speakers will be asked to give very focused answers to particularly specific and relevant questions, including imaging choices and interpretation, selection of patients, preoperative optimization, choice of procedure, technological innovations, technical tips and tricks, bailout options and management of complications, postoperative care and outcomes. The congress is designed for Vascular Surgeons, Cardiac Surgeons, Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and Perfusionists. Its educational objectives include -the natural history, pathology and treatment options of aortic disease -updates on perioperative organ protection -the current surgical trends and treatment for, as well as recognise the risk factors associated with, aneurysms and dissection -prevention and treatment of perioperative complications -the newest surgical and device treatments for aortic valve disease -anesthesiological techniques -the state-of-the-art in open surgery for aortic disease -definition of fit and unfit patients -the current endovascular treatments available for aortic disease -the latest in hybrid treatment for thoraco-abdominal and arch aneurysms Moreover, a parallel Nursing Symposium will offer educational sessions to improve nursing practice in the management of critical aortic diseased patients also this year. We look forward to welcoming you to the 4th International Congress Aortic Surgery and Anesthesia “How to do it” to be held on December 17th-18th, 2010 at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milano.