CREF: Coming Attractions

The 29th Annual San Diego Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium (aka CREF) begins next Thursday, February 12. If you haven’t registered, there’s still time do so online, or you can also register on site.

If you have already registered, check out the last-minute updates and attractions below.

GENERAL INFORMATION

It looks like weather for CREF looks will bring sunshine and rain, so prepare for both. Evenings will be chilly regardless, so bring something warm for your strolls along the Marina and through the Gaslamp Quarter.

Registration opens at 8:00 am. on February 12, Marina Ballroom Foyer, Second Floor of the South Tower of the San Diego Marriott. The meeting starts at 9:30 am.

Perfusionists receive credit only for the days they sign in. NOTE: You will have to sign in to pick up your registration materials, so you need not sign again that day. Every other day, though, remember to sign in from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

PROGRAM CHANGES

The scientific agenda printed in the course brochure has changed slightly, so for an updated schedule, download a copy of the final agenda here.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

Saturday afternoon, 1:00 – 3:00, attendees will have an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the following six areas:

1.         Cerebral Oximetry
            Presented by Somanetics
            Location: Rancho Las Palmas (South Tower, 3rd Floor)

2.         Clinical Perfusion of the Future
            Presented by Terumo Medical
            Location: Solana Room (South Tower, 1st Floor)
           
3.         Data Management
            Presented by MAQUET
            Location: CORONADO Room (South Tower, 4TH Floor)

4.         Data Management
            Presented by Sorin Group
            Location: Point Loma Room (South Tower, 1st Floor)

5.         Myocardial Protection
            Presented by Quest Medical
            Location: LEUCADIA Room (South Tower, 1ST Floor)

6.         A Multimodal Approach to Minimally Invasive Perfusion
            Presented by Medtronic
            Location: TORRANCE Room (South Tower, 4TH Floor)

Each 45-minute workshop runs concurrently and will repeat once after a 15-minute break, so attendees may attend two workshops.

For a complete description of these mini-symposia, download the workshop handout here.

SPECIAL INDUSTRY-SPONSORED EVENTS

Just for you on Valentine's Weekend, our Industry Partners have planned several special events:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2009

Medtronic, Inc.

Perfusion Navigation In A Rapidly Changing Environment
Thursday, February 12, 2009
6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

     Join us for an evening educational event featuring Medtronic Cardiopulmonary Products and a relevant discussion focusing on improving patient outcomes.

The decisions you're required to make in the operating room are like those of an F-18 fighter pilot flying a critical mission. Careful planning and flawless execution are paramount for success in both of these highly specialized fields.

Top Gun Patrick "Lips" Houlahan will share the secret techniques fighter pilots use to execute successful missions and help you learn how to apply the Flawless Execution ModelSM to your clinical practice.

Meet in the Marriott lobby and we’ll direct you to the Marina for boarding the California Spirit. It’s just a short walk.

Event details and registration available on-line:
http://www.seeuthere.com/mdtevent

Sorin Group

At Sorin Group, we have a special place in our hearts for you this Valentine’s Day. Join us for our Second Annual Valentine’s Day Soiree at CREF.

Education, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served!

Thursday, February 12, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Seaview Room, Marriott Marina Hotel

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2009

Terumo Cardiovascular

Terumo’s 2009 Optimizing Cardiac Surgery® Symposia Series

Register today for 'Advancing Blood Management'

Attend the 2009 Optimizing Cardiac Surgery® Symposia Series to:
• Hear case studies from a cross-functional faculty on leading a major blood management program.
• Learn step-by-step approaches to reducing hospital blood usage and related costs.
• Return to work with proven best practices in Blood Management.
• Earn additional CEUs.

For more information and registration:
• San Diego Symposia, held during CREF on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 6 p.m.

SAN DIEGO AREA INFORMATION     

Interested in exploring San Diego--from nightlife to dining to special events? Visit the official travel resource for the San Diego region:http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors.

No matter what season you plan to visit San Diego, you will find a wide array of special events and fun adventures, including concerts, festivals, parades, sports events, and more. The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau should be your first stop in planning your local extracurricular activities.