KFSH&RC to Host Mechanical Circulatory Support Conference in Riyadh

Riyadh, June 25, 2024 — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) will host the Mechanical Circulatory Support Conference from June 27 to 29 at the hospital’s King Salman Auditorium in Riyadh, according to an official press release issued by KFSH&RC. The three-day event, titled “The Journey from Veno-Arterial and Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation to Durable Ventricular Assist Device Support,” will convene leading doctors, surgeons, and nurses from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in treating heart and respiratory failure.

Context and Background

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has emerged as a critical intervention for patients with advanced heart failure, providing life-sustaining therapy when conventional treatments are insufficient. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventricular assist devices (VADs), and total artificial hearts represent the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, recognized as a global leader in healthcare, has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year. Its commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care underscores the significance of hosting this international conference.

Key Details

The conference will feature over 20 interactive scientific meetings, discussion sessions, and workshops led by global experts. Topics will include the latest developments in ECMO, VADs, and total artificial hearts, as well as strategies for managing respiratory failure using ECMO. According to the press release, the primary goal is to introduce the latest surgical treatments for heart failure and mechanical circulatory support, apply evidence-based standards for patient selection and risk stratification, and enhance communication among healthcare practitioners. The event targets cardiothoracic and cardiac surgeons, critical care physicians, intensive care nurses, respiratory therapists, and perfusionists, offering intensive hands-on training sessions. It also aims to address ethical considerations and develop effective patient education strategies.

Implications and Impact

By bringing together specialists from diverse countries and specialties, the conference will facilitate the exchange of ideas and experience, ultimately improving medical practices and patient care in the Kingdom and beyond. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to position itself as a hub for medical innovation and international collaboration. The event underscores KFSH&RC’s role as a pioneer in healthcare, further solidifying its reputation as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, as recognized by the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Moreover, it reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing healthcare under Vision 2030, which prioritizes the development of a robust healthcare sector and the enhancement of quality of life for all citizens and residents.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Hosting this conference is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and innovation in healthcare, key pillars of Vision 2030. By attracting global experts and facilitating discussions on cutting-edge treatments, KFSH&RC is contributing to the Kingdom’s goal of building a world-class healthcare system. This event not only enhances the skills of healthcare professionals but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leader in medical research and patient care, ultimately supporting the Vision’s objective of improving health outcomes and quality of life for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Mechanical Circulatory Support Conference?

A1. The Mechanical Circulatory Support Conference is a three-day event hosted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from June 27 to 29, 2024. It focuses on the latest advancements in mechanical circulatory support technologies for heart and respiratory failure.

Q2. Where will the conference take place?

A2. The conference will be held at the King Salman Auditorium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre.

Q3. What is the title of the conference?

A3. The conference is titled “The Journey from Veno-Arterial and Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation to Durable Ventricular Assist Device Support.”

Q4. Who is organizing the conference?

A4. The conference is organized by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), a leading healthcare institution in Saudi Arabia.

Q5. What are the main topics covered at the conference?

A5. The conference covers the latest developments in mechanical circulatory support technologies, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventricular assist devices (VADs), and total artificial hearts.

Q6. Who is the target audience for the conference?

A6. The conference targets cardiothoracic and cardiac surgeons, critical care physicians, intensive care nurses, respiratory therapists, and perfusionists from around the world.

Q7. How many scientific meetings and workshops will be held?

A7. The event will consist of over 20 interactive scientific meetings, discussion sessions, and workshops presented by global experts in the field.

Q8. What is the primary goal of the conference?

A8. The primary goal is to introduce the latest surgical treatments for heart failure and mechanical circulatory support, manage respiratory failure using ECMO, and apply evidence-based standards for patient selection and risk stratification.

Q9. Will there be hands-on training sessions?

A9. Yes, the conference provides intensive hands-on training sessions to enhance the knowledge and skills of attendees.

Q10. What is ECMO?

A10. ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a technology that provides cardiac and respiratory support by oxygenating blood outside the body.

Q11. What are ventricular assist devices (VADs)?

A11. VADs are mechanical pumps implanted in the heart to help it pump blood, used for patients with advanced heart failure.

Q12. What are total artificial hearts?

A12. Total artificial hearts are devices that replace the heart’s function entirely, used as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy.

Q13. How does the conference aim to improve patient care?

A13. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and experience among healthcare practitioners, the conference aims to improve medical practices and patient care in the Kingdom and beyond.

Q14. What is the significance of KFSH&RC hosting this conference?

A14. KFSH&RC’s hosting underscores its role as a global leader in healthcare and its commitment to advancing medical knowledge, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 healthcare goals.

Q15. What rankings has KFSH&RC achieved recently?

A15. KFSH&RC was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year, and among the world’s best 250 hospitals by Newsweek in 2024.

Q16. What is the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East?

A16. According to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre is recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East.

Q17. How does the conference address ethical considerations?

A17. The conference includes discussions on ethical considerations associated with mechanical circulatory support and heart failure treatment, aiming to develop effective strategies and patient education.

Q18. What role does the conference play in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector?

A18. It enhances the skills of healthcare professionals, fosters international collaboration, and contributes to the Kingdom’s goal of building a world-class healthcare system under Vision 2030.

Q19. Who are the global experts participating in the conference?

A19. The conference brings together a group of doctors, surgeons, and nurses from around the world who are experts in mechanical circulatory support.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the conference?

A20. The conference aims to improve medical practices, enhance patient care, and contribute to the advancement of mechanical circulatory support technologies globally, benefiting patients with heart and respiratory failure.

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