With 10,987 participants, EuroPCR 2018, the official annual meeting of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), a branch of the European Society of Cardiology, has just come to an end in Paris.
Paris, France, 28 May 2018. There was a true sense of achievement in the air as EuroPCR 2018, the world-leading course in interventional cardiovascular medicine, ended with almost 11,000 participants. In addition, for the first time at EuroPCR, more than 3,000 e-participants enjoyed a selection of live EuroPCR 2018 sessions on PCRonline.
Attendance numbers testify to the value that the EuroPCR experience offers. This is especially true taking into consideration the new codes put in place by the medical device industry on 1 January 2018, to regulate their continuing medical education (CME) endeavours and interaction with healthcare professionals. Attendance speaks of the ongoing appreciation by interventionists and allied professionals alike of the quality of the education, the sharing of experience and the possibilities of networking available during EuroPCR.
The scientific programme was animated by the many late breaking trials and emerging data released throughout the week.
The rich and diverse programme - whether in coronary interventions, valvular interventions, or hypertension, etc. - reassured the community that the technologies and techniques, validated by clinical evidence and optimal synergy between drug- and device-based therapies, bring benefits to their patients presenting with cardiovascular disease.
Specifically, in this regard, two key statements by leading specialists on critical treatment issues were released by PCR.
PCR STATEMENTS ON CLINICAL PRACTICE
PCR statement on Chronic Coronary Syndromes (CCS)
Presented by Prof. M. Haude, this statement, taking into account the emerging data and trials, evaluates the benefit of PCI using the latest-generation DES on top of best medical care. Physiological guidance is an essential asset in planning interventions, and a reliable tool for predicting outcomes. In addition to better symptomatic relief, improved quality of life and effort tolerance, patients benefit from reduced need for urgent intervention, while the risks of spontaneous myocardial infarction and potential mortality are reduced.
PCR statement on device-based therapies for hypertension
Presented by Prof. F. Mahfoud, this statement reviews the challenge of controlling hypertension which, despite decades of efforts to do this through lifestyle adjustment and medication, remains largely unanswered. New trials testing renal denervation show efficacy of device-based approaches and point to a deeper understanding of proper patient selection.
THE ETHICA AWARD
François Bourlon (Association SHARE, Monaco) and Philip Urban (Fondation Coeur de la Tour, Switzerland) received this year’s coveted Ethica award for their pioneering work, focussing on education and transforming cardiac care in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and Dahran, Nepal.
The Ethica award is given annually during EuroPCR to honour outstanding specialists who have made a substantial contribution to interventional medicine patient care.
ABSTRACTS
During EuroPCR 2018, 785 abstracts were presented demonstrating the work of more than 700 authors.
EuroPCR Best Abstract Competition
Anantharaman Ramasamy, Barts Heart Centre, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
“Left main stem trifurcation PCI using a "ping-pong" technique in ACS”
PCR’s Got Talent Competition
Yousif Ahmad, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
“Coronary hemodynamics in patients with severe aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease undergoing TAVI: implications for clinical indices of coronary stenosis severity”
THE PCR COMMUNITY EXPANDS
The Euro4C Project joins PCR
PCR, the EAPCI and members of the Euro4C Project, whose focus is the understanding and treatment of complex patients with advanced, diffuse and calcified atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, have decided to join forces.
As an active contributor to PCR and director of the Euro4C Project, Professor Flavio Ribichini, explains that merging expertise “underlines the need for improving clinical care in this complex field, understanding the importance of joining together the efforts of dedicated experts and the PCR organisation in order to pursue the goal of expanding the best medical practice and education to the largest number of patients and care providers, respectively.”
The Mitral Valve Meeting (MVM) is joining PCR London Valves in 2019
The Mitral Valve Meeting (MVM) is directed by Prof. Francesco Maisano at the University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Prof. Maisano defines MVM as a course designed with the idea that it is only by working “together that we can contribute to and shape the future of valve interventions, defining the complementary role of medical, transcatheter and surgical therapies.”
“MVM has had a massive impact on the field of education in mitral and tricuspid intervention since its inception four years ago”, commented Dr Bernard Prendergast, Course Director of PCR London Valves. “We look forward to embracing the creative talents of Francesco Maisano and the MVM team within the PCR family, working closely together to provide the foundation and framework for the future. By bringing together the expertise of all, and working at international and local level, PCR is committed to improving the quality of cardiovascular continuing education – for the benefit of all specialists and their patients.”
DATES TO REMEMBER:
- PCR London Valves 09-11 Sep 2018
- EuroPCR: 21-24 May 2019
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.