Harvard Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: What Every Clinician Should Know 2022

Comprehensive CME Course on Aortic Disease, Aneurysms, and Acute Aortic Syndromes

Overview

Harvard Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: What Every Clinician Should Know 2022 is a comprehensive CME program focused on the diagnosis, management, surveillance, and treatment of aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, and other acute aortic syndromes.

Directed by leading experts from Massachusetts General Hospital, this one-day educational conference provides clinicians with practical guidance on recognizing aortic disease, understanding genetic and risk factors, selecting appropriate imaging modalities, determining indications for intervention, and managing patients throughout long-term follow-up.

The course is organized into three major sections covering ascending aortic aneurysms, descending thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, and acute aortic syndromes, making it an excellent resource for both specialists and frontline clinicians.

Course Specifications

Format

• 23 Video Lectures
• 19 PDF Presentations

Course Date

December 2, 2022

File Size

4.61 GB

Educational Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Specialty

Aortic Disease & Vascular Medicine

Course Directors

• Arminder Jassar
• Matthew Eagleton
• Eric Isselbacher

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Discuss the etiology and pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms.
• Recognize inherited and genetic causes of aortic disease.
• Identify patients at risk for aortic aneurysm and dissection.
• Select appropriate imaging studies for diagnosis and surveillance.
• Determine indications for surgical and endovascular intervention.
• Diagnose acute aortic syndromes rapidly and accurately.
• Implement evidence-based medical management strategies.
• Develop long-term surveillance plans for patients with aortic disease.

Core Topics Covered

Ascending Aortic Aneurysms

Topics Include

• Ascending Aortic Anatomy
• Aortic Root Disease
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
• Risk Stratification
• Genetic Syndromes
• Surgical Thresholds
• Long-Term Follow-Up

Participants learn contemporary approaches to managing proximal aortic pathology.

Descending Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Topics Include

• Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
• Screening Recommendations
• Natural History of Disease
• Endovascular Repair (EVAR)
• Open Surgical Repair
• Surveillance Protocols

Aortic Dissection

A major focus of the course.

Topics Include

• Stanford Classification
• Type A Aortic Dissection
• Type B Aortic Dissection
• Emergency Diagnosis
• Medical Stabilization
• Surgical Management
• Endovascular Treatment

Special emphasis is placed on early recognition and rapid intervention.

Acute Aortic Syndromes

Topics Include

• Intramural Hematoma
• Penetrating Aortic Ulcer
• Acute Aortic Injury
• Aortic Rupture
• Differential Diagnosis of Chest Pain

Genetics and Hereditary Aortic Disorders

Topics Include

• Marfan Syndrome
• Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
• Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
• Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
• Genetic Testing
• Family Screening

Understanding hereditary risk factors is a key component of modern aortic disease management.

Imaging of Aortic Disease

Topics Include

• Echocardiography
• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• Aortic Measurements
• Imaging Surveillance

Participants learn how imaging guides diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Medical Management

Topics Include

• Blood Pressure Control
• Beta-Blocker Therapy
• ARBs and ACE Inhibitors
• Lifestyle Modification
• Exercise Recommendations
• Risk Factor Reduction

Surgical and Endovascular Treatment

Topics Include

• Open Aortic Surgery
• Aortic Root Replacement
• Ascending Aortic Repair
• TEVAR
• EVAR
• Hybrid Procedures

Long-Term Surveillance

Topics Include

• Imaging Follow-Up
• Postoperative Monitoring
• Prevention of Disease Progression
• Lifelong Management Strategies

Educational Features

Comprehensive Aortic Disease Curriculum

Covers the entire spectrum of thoracic and abdominal aortic pathology.

Multidisciplinary Faculty

Includes expertise from cardiology, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, emergency medicine, and imaging specialists.

Evidence-Based Approach

Integrates current guidelines and contemporary clinical practice.

Practical Clinical Focus

Emphasizes real-world diagnosis, referral decisions, and patient management.

Target Audience

Physicians

• Cardiologists
• Vascular Medicine Specialists
• Vascular Surgeons
• Cardiothoracic Surgeons
• Emergency Physicians
• Family Medicine Physicians
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Critical Care Physicians
• Trauma Surgeons

Advanced Practice Providers

• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants

Nurses

• Cardiac Nurses
• Critical Care Nurses
• Vascular Nurses

Trainees

• Cardiology Fellows
• Vascular Surgery Fellows
• Internal Medicine Residents
• Emergency Medicine Residents

Why This Course Stands Out

• Focuses exclusively on aortic aneurysms and dissections.
• Covers both acute emergencies and chronic disease management.
• Strong emphasis on genetics and hereditary aortic disorders.
• Practical guidance on imaging, intervention, and surveillance.
• Taught by internationally recognized aortic disease experts.