Dubai Cardiac 2007 discuss medical innovations during Cardiovascular Update 2007

Dubai International Cardiovascular Update 2007, a regional conference on cardiovascular diseases organized by Index Holding Dubai.

The event is being held under the patronage OF H.H.Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai Minister of Finance and Industry, President Dubai Health Authority and the support of Dubai Health Authority in collaboration with the Emirates Cardiac Society and the Gulf Heart Association.

Said Joseph Maalouf, M.D., professor of medicine, is the course director.

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 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.