Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists

7th International Congress of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

The 7th International Congress of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia was held prior to the 12th World Congress in Quebec City, June 1-3, 2000. It was an ideal setting for a conference as the city and surroundings are unique and offered numerous historical and cultural landmarks, natural attractions and outstanding cuisine. Historical old Quebec City, the only walled city north of Mexico was the first North American City to receive UNESCO'S prestigious world heritage listing. Dr. Jean Bussières from Laval University and his Local Arrangements Committee were responsible for all the venues and local activities and should be congratulated for a job well done.

The conference was attended by 300 registrants from 39 difference countries making it a true international meeting.

Dr. John Murkin (Chair) and his Scientific Program Committee consisting of Drs. Fiona Ralley, Mark Newman, Steven Konstadt, and David Mazer did an outstanding job in putting together a broad program, which was very highly rated by the attendees.

The plenary sessions, pro-con debates, and breakfast panels provided the audience with up-to-date information on high risk patient management strategies including alternatives to revascularization, updates on cardiomyoplasty, laser myotomy, robotics, and newer developments in myocardial cell transplantation; transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of valves, intracardiac structural defects, the thoracic aorta and its application in CABG surgery; perioperative brain and spinal cord protection; pediatric anesthesia controversies; and several issues related to hematology and coagulation, transfusion alternatives, and the inflammatory response.

There were a total of 70 scientific abstracts presented in a poster/discussion format over the three days of the Congress.

The Program was concluded with a Bayer sponsored Satellite Symposium on the effect of the protease inhibitor aprotinin on the systemic inflammatory response and neuroprotection, as well as implications of the drug.

In all, more than 55 expert faculty were responsible for the high quality educational aspects of the meeting. Interactive touch pad technology and adequate discussion time enabled speakers and audience to actively interact throughout the Congress.

I would like to thank all those individuals who participated in making this conference such a great learning and social success. I would also like to thank industry for their various generous support in the form of unrestricted education grants, and Ruggles for steering everything in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Dr. Peter C. Duke

Peter C. Duke, MD, FRCPC, FACA
Chair, International Committee, S.C.A.
Convenor, 7th I.C.C.V.A., June 2000

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