International conference on pediatric mechanical circulatory support systems and pediatric cardiopulmonary perfusion: outcomes and future directions.

Abstract

The overall objective of this unique meeting is to bring together internationally known clinicians, bioengineers, and basic scientists involved in the research of pediatric mechanical cardiac support systems and pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. The primary focus is to explicitly describe the problems with current pediatric mechanical circulatory support systems, methods, and techniques during acute and chronic support. The organizers of these continuing events believe that, in bringing together respected international scholars from 27 different countries, there has been a significant global impact made on the treatment of pediatric cardiac patients during the past three years alone. Over 800 participants from many countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have participated in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 events. To date, this International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion is the only conference solely dedicated to pediatric cardiac devices during acute and chronic mechanical circulatory support. There is no other national or international conference to precisely define the problems with pediatric cardiac patients, and to suggest solutions with new methodologies and devices for pediatric patients, specifically neonates and infants. The objectives of this editorial are to review the outcomes of these three events and share future directions.