CREF Program and Scientific Agenda

The 2018 CREF program and scientific agenda will focus on the following general topics areas:

  • Blood Management
  • Sexual Harassment in Medicine
  • ECLS Training & Management
  • Cardiac Surgery Team Updates
  • Myocardial Protection
  • Safety and Quality Improvement
  • Team Dynamics in the OR
  • Renal and Neurological Protection

The CREF meeting, an annual CME and CEU conference, offers an experience you won't find anywhere else: quality scientific presentations from leading experts, hands-on training workshops, informal group fireside chats, panel and case discussions, and Product Theater sessions on topics related to cardiac surgery and extracorporeal perfusion. The CREF agenda also features an impressive exhibit show, showcasing new equipment and technology for use in your practice, plus fun team-building activities, interactive games, and a prize drawing.

Preliminary CREF Agenda

Below is a preliminary program for the 38th Annual Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium, subject to change. Check back regularly or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter to be informed of updates to the 2018 CREF program.

Ready to learn more? Download the preliminary brochure now!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

How to Start an ECMO Program 
  • How to Start an ECMO Program: From Staffing to Funding to Establishing Medical Need
    William Hiesinger MD
  • Developing and Expanding an ECMO Program
    Amit A. Pawale MD
  • What NOT to Do: ECMO Start-Up Mistakes
    Linda B. Mongero BS CCP
  • Panel Discussion
ECMO: The Next Level 
  • Nuts & Bolts of an ECMO Practice
    Linda B. Mongero BS CCP
  • Anticoagulation for ECMO
    Amit A. Pawale MD
  • Cannulation Strategies for ECMO
    Linda B. Mongero BS CCP
  • Care of the ECMO Patient
    Vadim Gudzenko MD
Patient Selection and Ethical Concerns 
  • Clinical and Ethical Considerations of ECMO
    William Hiesinger MD 
  • Patient Selection: A Critical-Care Perspective
    Vadim Gudzenko MD
  • Challenging Case Presentations
  • Panel Discussion
Debate and Discussion 
  • Who Should Be in Charge of the ECMO Patient?
    Joanna Chickwe MD and Alfred H. Stammers MSA CCP
Abstract Presentations 
  • Swain Scholarship Award Presentation
  • Abstract presentations TBA
Biomed Simulation ECMO Workshop
Getinge ECMO Workshop
Fireside Chats
Hospitality Suites
Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Blood: I 
  • Indications for Plasma Transfusion
    Lawrence Tim Goodnough MD
  • The STS / SCA / AmSECT Anticoagulation Clinical Practice Guidelines
    David C. Fitzgerald MPH CCP LP
  • Leveraging Clinical Data and Benchmarking to Improve Cardiovascular Perfusion Practices
    Donald S. Likosky PhD
Break & Exhibits 
 
Keynote 
  • Keynote: The TRICS III Trial: Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities
    C. David Mazer MD FRCPC
  • Patient Blood Management: RBC Transfusion
    Lawrence Tim Goodnough MD

Break & Exhibits 

Medtronic Lunch Product Theater

Blood: II 
  • Update on Blood Conservation in Cardiac Surgery
    C. David Mazer MD FRCPC
  • Comparative Evaluation of Blood-Salvage Techniques in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass
    Serdar Gunaydin MD PhD
  • Collaborative Quality Improvement Reduces Post-operative Pneumonia following Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery
    Donald S. Likosky PhD
  • Case Presentations
  • Panel Discussions
Break & Exhibits 
Medtronic Autotransfusion Workshop
LivaNova Autotransfusion Workshop
Fireside Chats
Hospitality Suites

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Safety and Quality Improvement: I
  • Quality Improvement: Owning the Process
    Robert C. Kramer MD 
  • Flow Disruptions in the OR
    Tara Cohen PhD
  • The "Just Culture" Approach to Perfusion Quality and Safety
    David C. Fitzgerald MPH CCP LP
  • Databases & Outcomes
    Tirone E. David MD

Break & Exhibits 

Keynote 
  • Keynote: Heart Valve Surgery: Filling in Gaps Where Knowledge Is Scarce
    Tirone E. David MD
  • Journey to the Stars: Achieving and Sustaining Improved Clinical Quality and Patient Experience
    Joanna Chikwe MD
  • Debate
    Joanna Chikwe MD and Tirone E. David MD
Safety and Quality Improvement: II
  • Human Factors and Safety
    Tara Cohen PhD
  • Improving Team Dynamics in the CVOR
  • Sexual Harassment in Medicine
    Joyce A. Wahr MD FAHA
  • Panel Discussion
CAPS  Workshop
Eight Medical Intraperitoneal & Intrathoracic Hyperthermia
Workshop
Fireside Chats
Hospitality Suites

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

5K/10K Fun Run & Walk

Organ, Cerebral, and Myocardial Protection 
  • Cardiac Surgery Associated Acute Kidney Injury: Old News and New News 
    Robert C. Kramer MD
  • Cerebral Protection During Cardiac Surgery: An Update
    Serdar Gunaydin MD PhD
  • Strategies for the Delivery of Cardioplegia: Best Practices for Myocardial Preservation
    Alfred H. Stammers MSA CCP

Challenging Cases and Near Misses
Afternoon Workshop TBA