Sponsored Symposia Overview

Speakers:
Michele N. Gilbert,RN, MSN, NP-C, CCRN, CNN
Lenore Blank, MSN, APN,C

Program Overview:
Definition of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Incidence and prevalence, Survival statistics, Classification of pulmonary hypertension based on Venice 2003 WHO symposium includes five major groups; PAH (Idiopathic, familial, and associated diseases), Pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease, Pulmonary hypertension associated with lung disease and/or hypoxemia, Pulmonary hypertension due to chronic thrombotic and/or embolic disease and Miscellaneous.

Sponsored by Gilead

Speakers:
Sara Paul, RN, MSN, FNP
Barb Feider RRT, RPSGT
Denise Hartsell RRT, RPSGT

Program Overview:
Studies have shown that treating sleep apnea can decrease blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function. Hear sleep and heart failure experts discuss the connections between cardiovascular diseases and sleep apnea, best practices in assessing sleep apnea and patient aftercare when working with a service provider.

Sponsored by ResMed

Speakers:
John Teerlink, MD
Susan Ammon, NP

Program Overview:
This program will provide a review of: Acute decompensated heart failure: presentation, characteristics and common treatments. The underlying mechanisms of the cardiorenal syndrome. The potential role of adenosine receptor antagonists: mechanisms of action, research findings and future implications.

Sponsored by Merck

Speakers:
Andy Boyle, MD
Lenore Blank, MSN, APN,C
Leslie Macho, NP, RNFA

Program Overview:
Clinical outcomes show that Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) offer significant improvement in survival, functional status and quality of life for advanced heart failure patients.

Sponsored by Thoratec

Speakers:
J. Thomas Heywood, MD, FACC
Lisa Rathman, CRNP, MSN

Program Overview:
The purpose of this Medtronic sponsored educational program is to provide clinicians the most current information on device based diagnostics. Recently published findings strongly support the clinical utility of OptiVol and the Heart Failure Management Report. New CPT codes make the routine review of heart failure device diagnostics a viable option in the management of heart failure.

Sponsored by Medtronic

Speakers:
Teresa D. Valerio, APN, FNP-BC
Jessie Christopherson, RRT

Program Overview:
The program will review what occurs when a patient is referred to a sleep center for a sleep apnea evaluation. This program will include content regarding screening tools, diagnostic options available for patients, what a patient may experience in the sleep center along with tips to help follow up with the patient after they have completed their diagnostic and treatment studies.

Sponsored by Respironics

Speakers:
Vera Barton-Caro, MSN, C-FNP
Beki Angerstein, RN, MA, MSN, BC, CCRN, CNS, FAHA

Program Overview:
Ischemic heart disease is, by far, the primary cause of heart failure. Thus, many heart failure patients are bothered by anginal symptoms. Little education has been offered on recent findings within trials.

Sponsored by Gilead Sciences Medical Affairs