AATS 2013 Annual Meeting

Join us in Minneapolis, MN, USA at the Minneapolis Convention Center from May 4 – 8, 2013 for the American Association for Thoracic Surgery's 93rd Annual Meeting. This robust, high-quality program, chaired by Hartzell V. Schaff, MD of Mayo Clinic, is designed with a primary focus on improving cardiothoracic surgical practice and patient care. Gather with the world's leading scientists and medical professionals at this premier continuing medical education event. Statement of Need Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity around the globe. Major advances in these conditions continue to be made at a rapid pace. Improvements in diagnostic techniques as well as interventional approaches to treatment, both surgical and percutaneous, challenge the clinical practitioner to remain current. Increasingly sophisticated technology to accomplish these aims is being developed and introduced into clinical practice. Exciting advances in basic and clinical science offer opportunities for participation in scientific studies and clinical trials. All of these elements create a significant educational need for the practicing cardiothoracic surgeon. The AATS Annual Meeting fills this need through a combination of lectures, original scientific presentations and discussion forums. Educational Objectives At the conclusion of the AATS Annual Meeting, through comprehensive lectures and discussions, participants will be able to: • Assess the latest techniques and current research specifically related to Adult Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Heart Disease, General Thoracic Surgery and Aortic/Endovascular Surgery. • Analyze the pros and cons of each presentation and subsequent discussion to gain an overall perspective of their current practices. • Select appropriate surgical procedures and other interventions for their own patients based upon results presented. • Integrate state-of-the art knowledge into their current practice. • Identify the basic science developments and emerging technologies and techniques across the spectrum of cardiothoracic surgery. Who Should Attend The AATS Annual Meeting is specifically designed to meet the educational needs of: • Cardiothoracic Surgeons • Physicians in related specialties including Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Critical Care, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Radiology, Gastroenterology, Thoracic Oncology and Vascular Surgery • Fellows and Residents in Cardiothoracic and General Surgical training programs • Allied Health Professionals involved in the care of cardiothoracic surgical patients including Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Surgical Assistants and Perfusionists • Medical students with an interest in cardiothoracic surgery AATS Annual Meeting Accreditation The American Association for Thoracic Surgery is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This live activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.