Education and Training 2025 International Pediatric Heart Failure and VAD Summit

Target Audience

Professions - Advanced Practice Provider, Fellow, Nurse, Physician, Resident

Overview

This two-day conference will bring together leading experts and frontline clinicians—including pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, cardiac surgeons, nurse practitioners, and VAD coordinators—to explore the latest advancements in pediatric heart failure management and mechanical circulatory support. The program will feature:

• Expert-led sessions on emerging therapies and technologies related to cardiogenic shock, cardiomyopathies, cardio-renal syndrome, gene therapies, short-term mechanical circulatory support, miniature VADs, durable total artificial heart, and emerging therapies.
• Case-based discussions to share real-world insights
• Controversial Pro/Con debate
• Panel discussions with experienced clinicians
• Hands-on workshop prior to the conference designed to enhance clinical skills and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Session dedicated to nurses and VAD coordinators
• Abstract poster session and competition.

A special pre-conference event will take place on Wednesday, October 15th. The ACTION Network will host a one-day hands-on and didactic training session “ VAD Boot Camp” for clinicians seeking practical experience and education in VAD management. This optional session is an excellent opportunity for those interested in expanding their clinical skills. More information: https://www.actionlearningnetwork.org/event/vadbootcamp25/.

Collaborating institutions include Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Toronto Hospital for Sick Children.
Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:

1. Describe the unique etiologies, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations and identify treatment options of acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock in children.
2. Describe current and emerging VAD technologies, including device types, surgical techniques and complications.
3. Describe the role and benefits of newer medical therapies for heart failure (i.e., SGLT-2 inhibitors, IV iron replacement, cardiac contractility modulation, gene therapy).
4. Describe the mechanisms of myocardial recovery and regeneration and the methods of weaning from durable VAD support.

Accreditation

Texas Children’s Hospital is accredited by the Texas Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Texas Children’s Hospital designates this Live Activity activity for a maximum of 10.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Additional Information

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received in writing no less than 20 days before the course will be refunded, less a 20% administrative fee. No refunds will be made on cancellations received after that date. Please send cancellation requests to cepd@texaschildrens.org.

Texas Children's Hospital reserves the right to cancel or postpone this program if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs incurred such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties.

Accessibility Statement

Texas Children's Hospital is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodations, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME Conference Coordinator.