Objective: To provide hands-on training on the step-by-step procedure for aortic root replacement using an aortic allograft valve and/or an On-X Ascending Aortic Prosthesis (AAP) and a pig heart for simulation of implantation.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• Understanding trimming and debulking of the aortic allograft
• How to set up the aorta for aortic root implantation
• Coronary artery button development and mobilization
• How to determine correct valve size
• Understanding suturing techniques for proximal suture line
• Coronary artery reimplantation

Objective: To provide hands-on training on the step-by-step procedure for aortic valve replacement using the On-X Aortic Heart Valve and a pig heart for simulation of implantation.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• How to set up the aorta for aortic valve implantation
• Sizing for the On-X Aortic Heart Valve (ring sizer and replica sizer ends)
• Visualize the key technologic improvements to the On-X Aortic Heart Valve (1 mm flared inlet, leaflet guards)
• Implant positioning of the On-X Aortic Heart Valvealve (intra-supra annular implant)
• Suture techniques for implantation of the On-X Aortic Heart Valve
• Removal of handle/holder from the seated valve
• Seating and knot tying sequence for the On-X Aortic Heart Valve (nadirs first)
• Sequestration of pledgets behind On-X carbon – benefit to flow, turbulence and eliminating pannus
• Rotating the On-X Aortic Heart Valve (when, how and universal aortic rotator)
• Orientation of On-X Aortic Heart Valve in-situ (recommendations and considerations)
• Aortic root enlargement techniques using the PhotoFix Bovine Pericardium as the patch to implant larger On-X Aortic Heart Valve

Objective: To provide learning techniques to repair regurgitant mitral valves, due to degenerative etiologies, using Chord-X pre-measured ePTFE (neo-chord) loops.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• Sizing for proper Chord-X length
• Review and understand the Chord-X device in the package (papillary arm, ‘neo-papillary loop’, chords 1, 2 and 3)
• Anchoring the ‘papillary arm’ of Chord-X: which papillary muscle, where to anchor, hidden second pledget
• Chord-X and control/suture management of its four “arms” during implant
• Three neo-chord arm placement (how far in, how far apart, rolling stitch, cleft closure, can you remove one if not needed)
• How many knots and how tight to tie
• Anterior vs Posterior mitral leaflet neo-chords (length differences)
• Which etiologies of chronic mitral regurgitation can NOT be addressed with Chord-X (tethered leaflets/DCMs)

Objective: To provide hands-on training on the step-by-step procedure for mitral valve replacement using the On-X Mitral Heart Valve and a pig heart for simulation of implantation.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• How to set up the aorta for aortic valve implantation
• Sizing for the On-X Mitral Heart Valve (ring sizer only)
• Visualize the key technologic improvements to the On-X Mitral Heart Valve (1 mm flared inlet, leaflet guards)
• Suture techniques for implantation of the On-X Mital Heart Valve
• Removal of handle/holder from the seated valve
• Seating and knot tying sequence for the On-X Mitral Heart Valve
• Sequestration of pledgets behind On-X carbon – benefit to flow, turbulence and eliminating pannus
• Rotating the On-X Mitral Heart Valve (when, how and universal mitral rotator)
• Orientation of On-X Mitral Heart Valve in-situ (recommendations and considerations

Objective: To provide attendees with the ability to use BioGlue on a pig heart model experimenting with its various applications, as well as PhotoFix Decellularized Bovine Pericardium in procedures where a pericardial patch would be recommended or required. This training can also be incorporated into other cardiac training modules where BioGlue and/or PhotoFix would be incorporated in the procedure (i.e., defect repair for endocarditis simulation on aortic root replacement).

Potential Training Opportunities:

• Simulation of aortic dissection with pig aorta and repair with BioGlue
• Practice set up and proper use of BioGlue on tissue
• Aortic root enlargement techniques using the PhotoFix Bovine Pericardium as the patch
• Determine suture strength of PhotoFix Decellularized Bovine Pericardium
• Implantation of PhotoFix in procedures typically using bovine pericardium (defect repair, etc.)

Objective: To provide a learning opportunity for residents of all levels and fellows hands-on training in vascular techniques and vascular anastomoses. Opportunities range from practice with large vessel anastomoses with a pig aorta to smaller vessel anastomoses with saphenous veins or femoral veins/arteries. In addition, there is an opportunity for residents and fellows to practice abdominal aortic replacement through the use of an aortoiliac (AI) simulator.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• Provide an opportunity for surgeons to handle and experience CryoLife processed tissue while practicing suture techniques
• Become confident with techniques such as end to end anastomoses, end to side anastomoses and vein to artery anastomoses
• Evaluate integrity of anastomoses (no leaks or defects) and symmetry of suture line
• Become comfortable utilizing syringes used to pressurize vessels to test suturing effectiveness
• Ability to practice abdominal aortic replacement techniques with aortoiliac simulator

Objective: This course is designed for physicians with limited experience in the endovascular aortic repair for patients suffering from thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) wishing to expand their knowledge of measuring, sizing, and planning for TAAA and endovascular aortic arch procedures.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss an algorithm and main considerations of sizing and planning
• Create a treatment strategy for patients undergoing standard TAAA
• List necessary materials and Stent graft system components
• Demonstrate steps in sizing for a standard EVAR, iBEVAR and endovasuclar aortic arch treatment

Objective: This course is designed for physicians with limited experience in the endovascular aortic repair for patients suffering from infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and/or iliac aneurysm, wishing to expand their knowledge of measuring, sizing, and planning for AAA and iliac aortic procedures.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss an algorithm and main considerations of sizing and planning
• Create a treatment strategy for patients undergoing standard AAA and IBD
• List necessary materials and Stent graft system components
• Demonstrate steps in sizing for a standard EVAR, combined EVAR and IBD or isolated IBD endovasuclar aortic treatment

Objective: To provide a learning opportunity for residents of all levels and fellows hands-on training in endovascular techniques.  Opportunities range from dtsndard EVAR and IBD deployments to more complext and challenging interventions.  In addition, there is an opportunity for residents and fellows to practice endovasulcar abdominal aneurym treatment through the use of an aortoiliac (AI) simulator.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• Provide an opportunity for vascular surgeons to handle and experience Artivion manufactured stentgraft systems while practicing endovascular techniques.
• Become confident with techniques such as contralateral cannulation, identifying X-ray markers and precise stentgraft placement.
• Ability to practice endovascular abdominal aneurysm treatment techniques with aortoiliac simulator.

Objective: To provide a learning opportunity for Aortic Arch surgeons with minimal 2 years of implantation experience. Focus will be on the procedure and device used in acute Type 1 dissections as an adjunct to the ascending aorta repair or Hemiarch procedure. Exclusively on fresh frozen and enbalmed cadavers , depedending on the course location.

Practical preparation, SCAP and BCSAP techniques are discussed and the focus is on procedural considerations, distance to the BCT, specialty on device deployment.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• Treatment algorythm Ascending Arch replacement, Hemiarch
• Preparation technique for the AMDS with extra attention to the inner curvature
• Ascending aortic prosthesis length decision
• Patient selection based on Arch anatomy
• Sizing and device selection

Objectives:

• To provide a learning opportunity for Aortic Arch surgeons with minimal 2 years of implantation experience. The Focus will be on the procedure and device in patients with long segment Aneurysms and dissections in acute and chronic status.
• Exclusively on fresh frozen cadavers, in small groups with peer to peer focus.
• Practical preparation, of the SAVs and implantation in various configurations – depending availability procedural considerations, specialty on device deployment and selection process.

Potential Training Opportunities:

• Treatment algorithm
• Preparation technique for the E-vita Open Neo discussing potential extensions
• Stent length decision and discussion
• Sizing and device selection