The World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WSPCHS) is the largest professional organization in the world dedicated to pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery. On July 22-26, 2018, the 6th Scientific Meeting of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WSPCHS 2018) will join the 18th International Symposium on Congenital Heart Disease at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club in Orlando, Florida.

This event will bring together 1,000 cardiac professionals from all over the world for lectures by preeminent speakers, late-breaking research updates, clinical abstracts and networking opportunities with global cardiovascular experts in public health. The scientific program includes tracks for Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology/Fetal, Anesthesia, Intensive Care, Nursing, Perfusion, Administration and Post-Graduate Training.

Sunday, July 22, is the opening day for CHD18, with a focus on Transposition of the Great Arteries and the Arterial Switch Operation: Lessons Learned After 40 Years and Future Steps for Improvement. CHD18 will merge with the WSPCHS18 scientific meeting from Monday through Wednesday. Each morning will feature engaging plenary sessions with individualized specialty tracks in the afternoons.

The optional surgical skills lab on Thursday, July 26, featuring 3D-printed hearts, will provide unique opportunities to improve surgical skills on a variety of anomalies. Participants may take their 3D-printed hearts back to their home institutions for future reference.

The vision of the WSPCHS is that every child born anywhere in the world with a congenital heart defect should have access to appropriate medical and surgical care. The society's mission is to promote the highest quality comprehensive cardiac care to all patients with congenital heart disease, from the fetus to the adult, regardless of the patient’s economic means, with an emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and community service.

Target Audience
This conference is designed for cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac sonographers, cardiac intensivists, cardiac anesthesiologists, perfusionists, PAs, ARNPs, RNs, and cardiac program administrators.

Learning Objectives
After attending this activity, participants will demonstrate the ability to:

• Evaluate the treatment options for patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts, based on current research presented at this conference.
• Prepare an appropriate plan of care for patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts, based on clinical presentation.
• Describe the echocardiographic features of patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts.
• Formulate an educational plan to enhance the skills and knowledge of the multi-disciplinary team in caring for patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts.
• Correctly identify cardiac anatomy and the cardiac morphology of patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts through examination of morphological specimens of human hearts with these lesions.
• Define ethical issues related to congenital cardiac disease, especially in the domain of patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts.
• Discuss the challenges of caring for adults with congenital cardiac disease, especially in the domain of patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts.
• Describe the clinical assessment, ICU management, and implications for education of the patient and family for patients with hypoplastic (small) ventricles and patients with functionally univentricular hearts.
• Apply strategies to standardize practice and care across institutions.
• Describe strategies for collaborative multi-institutional research within a heart institute model.

For more info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/events/6th-scientific-meeting-of-the-world-society-for-pediatric-and-congenital-heart-surgery/event-summary-7f53a0c01ccd45cf86a739b3ac5d15db.aspx