Sponsored by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME)

Target Audience

Physicians, nurses and technologists

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this educational symposium, participants should be able to:

• evaluate the role of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation
• review clinical trial results of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation
• discuss ongoing clinical investigations of patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

CME Accreditation

This activity is sponsored by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME). NACCME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NACCME designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity has been planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Essential Areas and Policies.

AHRA Accreditation

Approved for 1 Category A, ARRT continuing education credit by The American Healthcare Radiology Administrators.

CNE Accreditation

ANCC: NACCME is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the PA State Nurses Association for 1.5 contact hours (Provider Number 110-3-E-06). Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 13255, for 1.5 contact hours.

A score of 70 percent or above will comprise a passing grade. A documentation of credit will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the exam. Those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form online may immediately print their documentation of credit.

There is no fee for the activity.

Release Date: June 18, 2008

Expiration Date: June 16,  2009

Grant Support

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Biotronik.

Participating Faculty

Co-Chairpersons:
Mark Josephson, MD, Hein J. Wellens, MD

Daniel Gras, MD
Nantes, FR

Nassir F. Marrouche, MD
Salt Lake City, UT

Johannes Brachmann, MD, PhD, FESC
Coburg, DE

Agenda

Introduction:
Mark Josephson, MD Boston, MA 

Is CRT Indicated in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation?
Daniel Gras, MD Nantes, FR

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: State of the Art
Nassir F. Marrouche, MD Salt Lake City, UT

New horizons for patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure
Johannes Brachmann, MD, PhD, FESC Coburg, DE

Summary
Hein J. Wellens, MD Maastricht, NL

Financial Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

All those with control over the content of continuing education programs sponsored by NACCME are expected to disclose whether they do or do not have any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest or other relationships related to the content of their presentation(s). It is not assumed that these relationships will have an adverse impact on presentations; they are simply noted here to fully inform participants.

Dr. Wellens has disclosed that he is a consultant to Medtronic and a scientific advisor to Cryocor.

Dr. Gras has disclosed that he is a consultant to Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Guidant, and St. Jude Medical.

Dr. Marrouche has disclosed that he has received grant/research support from Surgivision, Medtronic, and Siemens. He is a consultant to Reliant, Biosense Webster, MDT, and Biotronik.

Dr. Brachmann has disclosed that he has received grant/research support from Biotronik Gmbh.

Reviewer: Dr. Dieter has disclosed taht he has no financial relationship with any organization that could be perceived as a conflict of interest.