Overview

The cardiology fellows program aims to provide comprehensive, hands-on training for individuals at various levels of expertise, including those interested in interventional and general cardiology, as well as residents focusing on cardiovascular medicine. The program begins with an informative evening on Friday, featuring practical lectures covering topics such Building Resilience and Overcoming Challenges: Strategies to Prevent Burnout; Perfecting the Skill of Delivering Compelling Presentations; Navigating Career Paths; and Resilience and Courage for a Fulfilling Professional Journey.

Saturday’s agenda centers around core concepts of interventional cardiology, with case presentations and interactive sessions, along with specialized tracks on advanced coronary/peripheral disease, structural disease, and cardiogenic shock in the afternoon. The event culminates with a fellows’ oral case competition moderated by an esteemed professional, followed by a networking reception fostering meaningful connections among participants.

  • Personal & Professional Development Sessions
  • Case based practical sessions on Coronary and Structural Heart Disease and Cardiogenic Shock
  • Hands-On Interactive Medical Simulation
  • Moderated Poster Session
  • Networking with Faculty & Colleagues

Learning Objectives

After attending CVI’s 7th Annual Cardiology Fellows program attendees will be better able to:

  • Utilize an evidence-based approach to invasive physiological coronary assessment.
  • Explain the core concepts and fundamentals of cardiovascular pathophysiology as it relates to clinical disease.
  • Define the role of various interventional cardiology procedures required to treat cardiovascular disease.
  • Describe the general basis and performance of coronary, peripheral and structural interventions

Clinical Case Poster Submission

  • CVI is now accepting clinical cases for presentation at CVI’s 7th Annual Interventional & General Cardiology Fellows Program. The deadline to submit is Thursday, January 4, 2024 (9:00 PM ET). If you are considering submitting a clinical case for E- poster presentation at the program, please review the following:

Complimentary Hotel Accommodations

Complimentary overnight hotel accommodations are available for Friday night 2/2/2024 and or Saturday night 2/3/2024 with early registration before January 16, 2024.


Diverse and dynamic Philadelphia has plenty to offer visitors, from centuries of history and top-ranked museums to trendy neighborhoods, exceptional restaurants and an exciting nightlife.

Course Directors

Sheldon Goldberg, MD
Sheldon Goldberg, MDPennsylvania Hospital
William Gray, MD
William Gray, MDLankenau Heart Institute
D. Lynn Morris, MD
D. Lynn Morris, MDEast Carolina University

Associate Directors

Sahil Banka, MD
Sahil Banka, MDEinstein Medical Center
Paul Fiorilli, MD
Paul Fiorilli, MDUniversity of Pennsylvania
Ellen Keeley, MD
Ellen Keeley, MDUniversity of Florida Gainsville
Bryan Kluck, DO
Bryan Kluck, DOLehigh Valley Health Network
Richard Kovach, MD
Richard Kovach, MDDeborah Heart and Lung Center
Chirdeep Patel, MD
Chirdeep Patel, MDLehigh Valley Health Network
Antonis Pratsos, MD
Antonis Pratsos, MDMain Line Health
Muhammad Raza, MD
Muhammad Raza, MDCrozer Chester Medical Center
Michael Savage, MD
Michael Savage, MDThomas Jefferson University
Troy Randle, DO
Troy Randle, DORowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Mary Shields, MD
Mary Shields, MDUniversity of Pennsylvania

Fellow Case Presenters

Register for CVI Fellows 2024

Parking
Parking at the hotel is valet or self-park.
Valet entrance is at the main circular driveway. Self parking garage entrance is at the overpass just beyond the hotel main driveway entrance.
Please Note:  There may be a sign saying “Parking for Hotel Guests Only,” as an attendee to this program, you are a guest.

Thanks to our Elite Sponsors

Session 8 – 12/7/2021

Tuesday December 7, 2021 at 6:45pm
“The Clinical Conundrum of Cardiogenic Shock”
Guest Faculty & Moderator

Sanjog Kalra, MD
University of Toronto
Moderator

D. Lynn Morris, MD
East Carolina University

Session Description

Despite enormous advances in the therapy of acute myocardial infarction, with marked reduction in death, the mortality for patients with cardiogenic shock remains unacceptable high.  In this interactive program, the definition, classification and new approaches to therapy of cardiogenic shock will be discussed.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Describe the definition and pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock due to ischemic and non ischemic causes
  • Utilize appropriate revascularization strategies for shock due to myocardial infarction
  • Select appropriate mechanical circulatory support devices, including intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, axial flow pumps ( Impella), left atrial-femoral bypass (Tandem Heart) and ECMO.

This session made possible in part through an Elite Exhibit from:

View Recorded Session 7 – 11/16/2021

Tuesday November 16, 2021 at 6:45pm
“Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Embolism”
Guest Faculty & Moderator

Jay Giri, MD
University of Pennsylvania
Moderator

Bryan Kluck, DO
Fellow Case Presenters
       

Storm de Klerk, MD          Hillary Cox-Johnston, MD

Session Description

This interactive CVI Fellows session includes case presentations by fellows and a state-of-the-art review on the diagnosis, classification, and management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Describe the clinical presentation, classification, and pathophysiology of acute pulmonary embolism
  • Explain the utility of various diagnostic modalities
  • Select the most appropriate therapeutic approach, including catheter based and surgical therapies

View Recorded Session 6 – 10/19/21

Tuesday October 19, 2021 at 6:45pm
“Treatment of Patients with Aortic Stenosis-from Hemodynamic Principles to Valve Replacement in the TAVR Era”
Guest Faculty

James Hermiller, MD
The Heart Center of Indiana
Moderators
   
Muhammad Raza,MD   Paul Fiorilli, MD
Fellow Case Presenters
   

Rim Halaby, MD            Kevin Ball, MD

Session Description

This interactive CVI Fellows session focuses on hemodynamic principles and imaging techniques to evaluate AS severity, including the full range of aortic stenosis from normal flow, high gradient AS through low flow, low gradient AS.  The evaluation and workup of the AS patient will be reviewed, including imaging and planning for TAVR.  TAVR procedural techniques and best practices will be discussed, including the challenging situations of coexistent CAD, bicuspid valves, embolic protection and challenging vascular access.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Utilize clinical, hemodynamic and imaging findings to assess the severity of aortic stenosis
  • Describe the pathophysiology and clinical outcomes of patients with low flow, low gradient AS
  • Recognize challenges posed by patients with coexistent CAD, bicuspid valves, challenging vascular access, and to discuss techniques and data for embolic protection for stroke prevention during TAVR

Session 5 – 9/28/21

Tuesday September 28, 2021 at 6:45pm
“Complex Coronary Intervention:
Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best”
Guest Faculty

Emmanouil Brilakis, MD
Minneapolis Heart Institute
Moderators
   
Richard Kovach, MD     Antonis Pratsos, MD
Fellow Case Presenters
      
Yashasvi Chugh, MD    Rita Butler, MD              Adam Burow, DO

Session Description

<p><strong>Session Description</strong></p><p>The use of adjunctive antiplatelet and antithrombotic strategies for PCI will be the focus of this case-based session.  The role of heparin vs bivalirudin, 2b/3a inhibitors, intravenous antiplatelet agents, and the various P2Y12 inhibitors will be discussed.  We will compare clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cangrelor in real-world practice.  The critical issue of duration of dual antiplatelet therapy will be reviewed with emphasis on clinical presentation, lesion complexity, bleeding risk and the stent/drug interface.  Finally the specific issue of PCI in patients requiring anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation will be addressed.</p><p><strong>Learning Objectives</strong></p><p>After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:</p><ul><li>Recognize the benefits and risks of the various anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents used in conjunction with PCI</li><li>Understand the factors which influence drug selection and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy</li><li>Address various strategies when combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet are required, for example, PCI in patients with atrial fibrillation</li></ul>

Complex coronary intervention requires careful planning, not only for the procedure itself, but also for the potential complications inherent in these types of procedures.  The importance of the heart team approach to these patients will be the starting point for discussion.  We will review the approach to patients with calcified lesions, left main and bifurcation disease and LV dysfunction.  Lesion preparation by rotational or orbital atherectomy, and lithotripsy, provisional vs bifurcation stenting and the role of LV support by IABP or Impella will be addressed.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Appreciate and understand the importance of the heart team approach in managing patients with complex and high-risk coronary anatomy
  • Identify and define what constitutes high risk and complex PCI
  • Construct a logical and appropriate interventional plan for complex coronary cases
  • Anticipate potential complications of complex and high-risk PCI while simultaneously having a plan to rapidly deal with them if they occur

View Recorded Session 5

SESSION 5 – “Complex Coronary Interventions: Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best”

Tuesday September 28, 2021 at 6:45pm
“Complex Coronary Intervention:
Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best”
Guest Faculty

Emmanouil Brilakis, MD
Minneapolis Heart Institute
Moderators
   
Richard Kovach, MD     Antonis Pratsos, MD
Fellow Case Presenters
      
Yashasvi Chugh, MD    Rita Butler, MD              Adam Burow, DO

Session Description

The use of adjunctive antiplatelet and antithrombotic strategies for PCI will be the focus of this case-based session.  The role of heparin vs bivalirudin, 2b/3a inhibitors, intravenous antiplatelet agents, and the various P2Y12 inhibitors will be discussed.  We will compare clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cangrelor in real-world practice.  The critical issue of duration of dual antiplatelet therapy will be reviewed with emphasis on clinical presentation, lesion complexity, bleeding risk and the stent/drug interface.  Finally the specific issue of PCI in patients requiring anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation will be addressed.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Recognize the benefits and risks of the various anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents used in conjunction with PCI
  • Understand the factors which influence drug selection and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy
  • Address various strategies when combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet are required, for example, PCI in patients with atrial fibrillation

View Recorded Session 4

SESSION 4 – “Optimal Interventional Pharmacology: Tailoring the Drug to the Specific Patient”

Held Tuesday July 20, 2021 at 6:45pm
Optimal Interventional Pharmacology: Tailoring the Drug to the
Specific Patient”
Guest Faculty

Roxana Mehran, MD
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
Moderators
   
D. Lynn Morris, MD       Michael Savage, MD
Panelists
     
Bryan Kluck, DO              Alec Vishnevsky, MD
Fellow Case Presenters 
    
Anton Camaj, MD           John Lawrence, MD      

Session Description

The use of adjunctive antiplatelet and antithrombotic strategies for PCI will be the focus of this case-based session.  The role of heparin vs bivalirudin, 2b/3a inhibitors, intravenous antiplatelet agents, and the various P2Y12 inhibitors will be discussed.  We will compare clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cangrelor in real-world practice.  The critical issue of duration of dual antiplatelet therapy will be reviewed with emphasis on clinical presentation, lesion complexity, bleeding risk and the stent/drug interface.  Finally the specific issue of PCI in patients requiring anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation will be addressed.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Recognize the benefits and risks of the various anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents used in conjunction with PCI
  • Understand the factors which influence drug selection and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy
  • Address various strategies when combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet are required, for example, PCI in patients with atrial fibrillation

View Recorded Session 3

SESSION 3 – “How Should I Use FFR/iFR, IVUS, OCT and NIRS In Preparation for PCI And to Assess My Results”

Held Tuesday June 15, 2021 at 6:45pm
“How Should I Use FFR/IFR, IVUS, OCT and NIRS in Preparation for PCI and to Assess My Results”
Guest Faculty


James Goldstein, MD
Beaumont Health
Moderators
       
Sahil Banka, MD                Ellen Keeley, MD
Fellow Case Presenters
                
Mohammad AlSarie MD   Jason Schott, DO               Morgan Randall, MD

SESSION DESCRIPTION

This CVI Fellows 2021 interactive session reviews the scientific basis for and clinical importance of the various imaging technologies in pre-PCI assessment of lesion characteristics and lesion severity.  Additionally, the evaluation of post procedure results to minimize the risks of stent thrombosis and restenosis will be discussed.

Learning Objectives
After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Describe the role of coronary imaging technologies in real work clinical practice
  • Select the most appropriate technology to characterize lesions prior to and after PCI

View Recorded Session 2

SESSION 2 – “Fundamentals of Coronary Intervention: How to Fly on My Own”

Session 2 – 5/18/21

Held Tuesday May 18, 2021 
“Fundamentals of Coronary Intervention: How to Fly on My Own”
Guest Faculty

Farouc Jaffer, MD

Harvard Medical School
Moderators
        
Richard Kovach, MD        Muhammad Raza, MD
Fellow Case Presenters
       
Michael Bode, MD             Parthiv Amin, MD

Session Description

This CVI Fellows 2021 interactive session teaches the basics for achieving a safe and successful PCI, beginning with optimal angiographic views, and following through to definitive treatment and procedure completion. Specifics will involve basic decisions on vascular access site and guide catheter choice. Techniques for optimal visualization of the coronary arteries with focus on accurate target lesion assessment will be discussed.  Balloon and stent choices, as well as when adjunctive therapies such as atherectomy might be useful will be covered. Specific attention as to how these choices contribute to successful stent delivery, optimal deployment and long-term patency will also be a point of focus.

Learning Objectives
After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Describe techniques for accurate lesion/vessel assessment and optimal coronary revascularization
  • Discuss how to logically choose interventional devices including guide catheters, wires, stents, and atherectomy devices, rotational, orbital and lithotripsy
  • Explain the techniques that will result in successful stent delivery and optimal stent deployment

View Recorded Session 1

SESSION 1 – “The Art and Science of STEMI”

Guest Faculty

J Dawn Abbott, MD
Br
own University 

Moderators                         
               
Sheldon Goldberg, MD     Ellen Keeley, MD                David Goldberg, MD

Fellow Case Presenters
       
         
Christopher Lee, MD   Karla Astorius Gonzalez MD  Adam Syed Hafeez, MD                                                                                                                           

Session Description
This CVI Fellows ‘21 session provides an in-depth review of the critical issues in STEMI treatment based on the most recent science and guideline recommendations. This interactive session incorporates fellow case presentations, and focused expert lecture and comments with ample opportunities for audience questions. Specific topics to be addressed during this session include:

  • Emergency pharmacologic management
  • Choice of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs: beta blockers, ACE/ARB inhibitors, statins
  • Choice of stents and new stent technologies including the status of thrombus removal and revascularization strategies in patients with multi-vessel disease.
  • Aftercare and follow up including time course of myocardial stunning, indications for defibrillators, the problem of LV thrombus.

Learning Objectives: After viewing this session, attendees will be better able to:

  • Perform effective reperfusion of myocardium at risk
  • Select optimal stent strategy
  • Select patients for non-culprit vessel PCI- who is a candidate, and when to perform