Mayo Clinic physicians to discuss medical innovations during Cardiovascular Update 2007

The event is being held in collaboration with the Emirates Cardiac Society and the Gulf Heart Association. Several Mayo Clinic cardiologists will make presentations during the 3-day event that will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai. Joseph Maalouf, M.D., professor of medicine, is the course director.

Since 1914 when Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, installed its first ECG machine, Mayo's cardiovascular practice has been a forerunner in effective new treatments for heart disease and a number of innovative techniques for treating coronary disorders. More than 170 cardiovascular specialists, covering more than 20 sub-specialties work together to offer a comprehensive approach to medical care. The practice has consistently received annually top rankings in the U.S. News & World Report's 'Best Hospitals' edition.

At Cardiovascular Update 2007, five Mayo Clinic physicians will be among the conference's featured speakers:

Gerald Gau, M.D., professor of preventive cardiology, lipid research and clinical application of medical management for coronary disease, will give three presentations focusing on the COURAGE (Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug/Evaluation) trial and the benefit of optimum medical management of coronary disease. He also will talk about coronary calcium scanning and discuss case management of patients with coronary artery disease.

Charanjit Rihal, M.D., professor of medicine and director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory, will cover the latest in coronary interventional techniques including stent thrombosis, which has been a recent subject of extensive debate and research lately. His research publications have included important clinical issues related to coronary angioplasty and stents. He also will discuss the latest advances in percutaneous (non-surgical) valve repair and replacement techniques. Both Drs. Gau and Rihal will discuss all aspects related to the COURAGE trial, which is changing medical practice for patients with chronic stable angina around the world.

Samuel Asirvatham, M.D, professor of medicine, is involved with heart rhythm services at Mayo Clinic and the development of a new technique to apply cardiac electrophysiological procedures to the brain, allowing the treatment of common disorders that affect the central nervous system. He also has recently developed a technique whereby ablation, a common procedure done for heart rhythm problems, can be performed without risk of clot formation. His four lectures will focus on the use of cardiac pacemakers to improve heart function, the controversy behind the use of defibrillators, radiofrequency ablation therapy and atrial fibrillation, respectively. The last lecture represents one of the major breakthroughs in the field of cardiology. Dr. Asirvatham will discuss the ability to potentially cure and help patients with atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac rhythm disorder and a growing epidemic in developed countries due to the aging population.

Soon Park, M.D., professor of medicine in cardiovascular surgery, is a recognized authority on ventricular assist devices that help support failing hearts and are frequently used as a bridge to transplantation. One of his talks will focus on the current use of these devices and how they fit into clinical practice. He also will provide a surgical perspective on coronary artery bypass surgery in the era of percutaneous coronary interventions and will deliver a talk on the important clinical question of when to operate on the thoracic aorta.

Jamil Tajik, M.D., professor of medicine and pediatrics, is a recognized pioneer and world authority in the field of echocardiography. He will deliver several talks that focus on diseases of the heart valves and heart muscle. He also will deliver a talk on CT coronary angiography, a non-invasive method to image the coronary arteries. This talk will focus on the important clinical question of who benefits from this technology.