Heart Rhythm Society to host first ever live remote ablation demonstration

Magnetically guided catheter navigation conducted from Boston will deliver radio frequency ablation treatment to patient in Milan, Italy

The Heart Rhythm Society will host a remote atrial fibrillation ablation demonstration as part of a certified medical education (CME) course at Heart Rhythm 2006, the Society's annual scientific sessions, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, May 17, 2006. For the first time ever, a live ablation case will be performed remotely over the lecture podium in Boston with the patient in Milan, using the latest advanced equipment and satellite technology. Cutting-edge ablation techniques will also be featured.

What: Live Demonstration of Remote Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Who: Michel Haissaguerre, MD, Université De Bordeaux
Koonlawee Nademanee, MD, Pacific Rim EP Research Institute
Andrea Natale, MD, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Carlo Pappone, MD, PhD, Hospital San Raffaele

When: Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Live case presented at 11:00 a.m. EST

Where: Ballroom West, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, MA

Background: Radio frequency ablation is a technique used to treat atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder caused by a problem in the conduction of electrical impulses in the upper chambers, or atria, of the heart. In ablation, one or more flexible, thin tubes (catheters) are guided via x-ray into the blood vessels and directed to the heart muscle. A burst of radiofrequency energy destroys very small areas of tissue that give rise to abnormal electrical signals. The technique being presented as part of this certified medical education (CME) course uses a computer to control a magnetic field that remotely moves the catheter tip into position.

Clinical research has shown that computer directed magnets can provide more precise catheter control and may carry less risk of complications from surgery.

HEART RHYTHM 2006 takes place May 17-20 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston. The meeting is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering over 400 educational opportunities in multiple formats and over 125 innovative products and services for the heart rhythm management field.

For more information, please visit the Heart Rhythm 2006 website at www.heartrhythm2006.org.

About Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of over 3,700 physicians and associated professionals in over 65 countries around the world.

Editor's Note: Please contact Rebecca Leaf at 202-745-5051 or rleaf@gymr.com to receive complimentary registration to attend HEART RHYTHM 2006.

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009
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