ISHLT Academy: Core Competencies in Pulmonary Hypertension 2015 (Videos)

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: A Comprehensive Overview for Healthcare Professionals

The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) Academies Acropolis Congrès Centre in Nice, France, hosted a series of educational programs in 2015, focusing on Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). This article aims to provide an in-depth overview of each program, highlighting the key concepts and clinical advancements presented.

PH Academy: Core Competencies

Led by program chairs Mardi Gomberg-Maitland, MD, and Dana McGlothlin, MD, this academy covered a wide range of topics related to PH. The following sessions provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the disease:

– CCPHg: Risk Prognostication in PAH: Why, When, and How
This session explored the importance of risk assessment in patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Participants learned about various prognostic markers, their clinical implications, and the appropriate timing for risk stratification.

– CCPHh: When Medical Therapy is Not Enough: Management of Advanced PAH
In this session, experts discussed the therapeutic options available for patients with advanced PAH, including advanced medical therapies, surgical interventions, and bridging strategies for transplant candidates.

– CCPHj: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Diagnosis of WHO Group 2 PH
Participants gained insights into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria for WHO Group 2 PH, which includes conditions such as PH associated with left heart disease and lung diseases.

– CCPHq: From PE to CTEPH: Diagnosis and Risk Stratification
This session provided an overview of the diagnosis and risk stratification of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a rare but serious condition resulting from untreated pulmonary embolism.

– CCPHr: CTEPH Therapies: Surgical, Interventional, and Medical Options
Attendees learned about the various treatment options for CTEPH, including surgical embolectomy, balloon pulmonary angioplasty, and medical therapies aimed at improving vascular function and reducing symptoms.

– CCPHu: Surgery and Anesthesia in PH: Risks and Management Principles
This session emphasized the complexities of surgical and anesthetic management in patients with PH. Experts discussed the specific risks and considerations for each type of surgical procedure and provided guidance on optimizing patient outcomes.

– CCPHy: Closing Address
The closing address summarized the key takeaways from the academy, reinforcing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to PH management and the need for ongoing research to improve patient care.