Kaitlyn Dmyterko, senior  writer

“San Francisco, open your Golden Gate,” sang Judy Garland.  When The Heart Rhythm Society’s 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions kicks off tomorrow in San Francisco, a full agenda outlining the best strategies to treat cardiac arrhythmias and how healthcare reform will impact the field of EP, awaits attendees. This event features 250 educational sessions, 900 faculty and 130 exhibitors focused on research or delivery of arrhythmia care or services. The message is clear: successful collaboration among physicians, scientists, allied professionals and industry across the globe can dramatically improve patient care and outcomes.

New this year are a networked EP lab in the exhibit hall, innovators abstracts, late-breaking science abstracts and a one-day program for hospital administrators. Special emphasis is put on connecting the EP lab to the healthcare enterprise with discussions taking place in the Networked EP Lab located in the Exhibit Hall at booth #402. Experts will share the best strategy for success including standards for sharing patient data and common health IT infrastructures

Where we are and where we’re headed in AF ablation will be the focus of the day-long “Status and Future of AF Therapeutic Technology” on Wednesday May 4. From imaging and robots to ablation tools and guidelines, this forum offers something for everyone.

Pushing the Limits of Science and Technology is the topic of another full-day session on Wednesday delving into experimental EP, mechanisms of heart rhythm disorders and novel therapeutics with an emphasis on emerging technologies and strategies relevant to arrhythmia mechanisms and therapy.

Other sessions will discuss the role of iPads, iPhones and DROIDS in the EP lab to dealing with malpractice changes and regulatory updates as well as a new HRS clinical guidance document on physician-industry collaboration.

In between, be sure to listen in this year’s late-breaking trial presentations, which will center on ICD and CRT-D therapy and its outcomes (Altitude study) and the incidence of AF after radiofrequency (discern AF), among others. Live case presentations will also offer debate and provide multiple strategies and solutions for managing VT/VF ablation and AF ablation procedures.

Also new this year is an Innovators Abstracts Session where physicians and scientists will share new and novel approaches, techniques and technologies.

Even with all the diverse educational opportunities at HRS.11, attendees are focused on one thing: Optimizing patient care. This meeting is sure to allow physicians and clinicians to broaden their knowledge of exciting research and best practices, put them into context—and then into practice. For more detailed session information, visit: http://www.hrsonline.org/Sessions/ScientificProgram/

“San Francisco, I don't mean Frisco. San Francisco, here I come!” Be sure to follow Cardiovascular Business’ live coverage of HRS.11 from San Francisco starting on Thursday.

Kaitlyn Dmyterko
Senior Writer
Cardiovascular Business