Dear Friends and Colleagues
It gives us again great pleasure to invite you to attend the 8th Symposium on Aortic and Mitral Recontructive Surgery, to be held in Brussels, Belgium, June 20-21, 2008. As in previous years, the course will focus on the diagnosis and surgical aspects of aortic valve diseases, with particular emphasis on the technical aspects of valve repair and on echocardiographic assessment. Attendees of previous meetings know what to expect: an attractive and diversified scientific program which offers a full spectrum of learning opportunities, from continuing medical education to presentations on the most recent surgical advances in valve repair. The program will also offer several live surgery demonstrations that will illustrate the various surgical procedures.
Valve repair surgery necessitates a permanent discussion between cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists. This is illustrated by the particular and great attention to the pre-per and post procedures echocardiographic aspects and their contributions to the valve management.
This year we will focus on the technical aspect of valve sparing surgery and its influence on leaflet coaptation and prolapse.We have developed a systematic and step-by-step sparing technique. Our challenge is to achieve a competent and durable repaired or preserved valve. Our goal is to allow the cardiac surgeon to achieve our excellent rate of immediate and long term success.
Eight live surgeries and demonstrations from the operating rooms will illustrate our systematic and standardized techniques for sparing procedures.
The venue will be in Brussels, a capital of the Europe Union and a city steeped in Europe an history. There is much to enjoy in this city and its environments.
We are looking forward to two exciting days of learning, exploration of new directions, scientific stimulation and meeting international colleagues.
Prof G. El Khoury
on behalf of, The Scientific Committee
