DENVER – Today, former United States President Bill Clinton presents the keynote address at the Opening Plenary Session at Heart Rhythm 2013, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 34th Annual Scientific Sessions and this year’s premier conference on cardiac arrhythmias. Taking place at the Colorado Convention Center, Heart Rhythm 2013 builds on years of tradition and will once again bring together the world’s most noted experts to network and explore advancements in the cardiac arrhythmia field.
“The Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions is an opportunity for international collaboration of physicians, allied healthcare professionals and scientists to showcase the latest education and research in cardiac rhythm care,” stated Anne M. Gillis, MD, FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. “This year, we will celebrate the Society’s evolution, focusing on honoring our past and shaping our future. Special presentations will highlight groundbreaking events of our past that led to science and technology that continue to influence our dynamic field today and improve patient care.”
Along with the influential and powerful voices of progress during the opening session led by President Bill Clinton, new additions to Heart Rhythm 2013 include:
- Lead Management Forum:On Wednesday, May 8, a new, “hot topic” for the field that will be held to explore practical aspects of lead development, implantation, follow up and extraction.
- VT/VF Summit:On Wednesday, May 8, a one-time, day-long session will discuss the historical development and state-of-the-art application of strategies to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients with ventricular arrhythmias in the context of different cardiac disease.
- Arrest the Risk Awareness Campaign Session:On Thursday, May 9, Walter Clair, MD, FHRS and Kevin Thomas, MD lead this special session to discuss the Society’s latest research in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) to help identify current awareness levels and perceptions of SCA by electrophysiologists, general cardiologists, primary care practitioners and consumers.
- Battle of the Titans:On Thursday, May 9, for the first time at Heart Rhythm, two debates chaired first by N. A. Mark Estes, III, MD, FHRS, CCDS and then Anne B. Curtis, MD, FHRS, CCDS will take place. Each debate will feature two world-renowned experts going head to head on the topics of Warfarin and ICD usage.
- Rapid Fire Sessions:On Thursday, May 9, two rapid fire sessions on AF and Devices will feature five 4-minute case presentations followed by a 7-minute expert panel discussion to evaluate each case and discuss potential treatment options. The sessions, chaired by John D. Day, MD, FHRS and Byron K. Lee, MD, UCSF will include a Q&A.
- Pioneers Unplugged:On Thursday, May 9, in recognition of our historic past, a new session will highlight the history, technical changes, and evolution of modern practice and patient care. Three sessions on Pacing, Clinical and Basic Electrophysiology, and Ablation will be chaired by David L. Hayes, MD, FHRS, CCDS; Douglas P. Zipes, MD, FHRS; and Eric N. Prystowsky, MD, FHRS; respectively.
Scientists, physicians and Heart Rhythm Society leadership will be available to discuss specific sessions and heart rhythm innovations further. Visit the HRS Press Room (Room 610) at the Colorado Convention Center or contact Kennesha Baldwin, (202) 464-3441. Qualified media are invited to attend and can visit www.hrsonline.org/Sessions/media.cfm for more information.
Heart Rhythm 2013 is the most comprehensive educational program for heart rhythm professionals, featuring more than 8,000 attendees, 250 educational sections and more than 130 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services. The Heart Rhythm Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions have become the must-attend event of the year, allowing the exchange of new vital ideas and information among colleagues from every corner of the globe.
