A single day of presentations at the Georgia Tech Learning Center (one day prior to the ACC Scientific Session) designed for the educational benefit of physicians and scientists in academia, research and industry. The participants should be able to recognize and summarize new research findings as well as demonstrate application of scientific and technological advancements. ISCTR provides attendees the ability to integrate the research finding into further advancements as well.
At the completion of this activity, the participants should have a better understanding of:The 2010 ISCTR Symposium is designed specifically for the educational benefit of the scientists, physician researchers, cardiologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and technicians from around the world and the public.
The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 11.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Cultural and Linguistic Competency
This activity is in compliance with California Assembly Bill 1195 which requires continuing Medical education activities with patient care components to include curriculum in the subjects of cultural and linguistic competency. Cultural competency is defined as a set of integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enables health care professionals or organizations to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities. Linguistic competency is defined as the ability of a physician or surgeon to provide patients who do not speak English or who have limited ability to speak English, direct communication in the patient's primary language. Cultural and linguistic competency was incorporated into the planning of this activity. Additional resources on cultural and linguistic competency and information about AB1195 can be found on the UCSD CME website at http://cme.ucsd.edu.
Needs Assessment - ISCTR
Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality despite advances in prevention and treatment. Approximately 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States (AHA website). These individuals suffer severe limitations in physical activity due to poorly functioning myocardium caused by scarring and remodeling after myocardial infarction. Typically subjects with congestive heart failure have a poor long-term prognosis. An assessment from the American Heart Association 2005 Heart and Statistical Update (AHA website) delineates the impact of cardiovascular disease: 22% of male and 46% of female MI victims will become disabled from heart failure within six years. Although current treatment options, such as pharmacological therapies and cardiac resynchronization devices have achieved important advances, the prognosis and quality of life of patients remains poor. Pharmacological treatments may not always be completely effective and often produce intolerable side effects. CRT is currently limited to a subgroup, approximately 30%, of heart failure patients who demonstrate left ventricular dyssynchrony (prolonged QRS > 120 ms) (Kashani and Barold, 2005). Of this group, it is estimated that up to 30% do not improve or worsen (Nesser et al., 2004). Cardiac transplantation is limited to fewer than 2,500 patients per year, requires immunosuppression, carries a high risk of mortality and costs approximately $200,000 (Hunt et al., AHA website). Given the limited options available, there is a need for alternative treatments.
