CVI’s Cardiology Fellows Program
Friday 1/31/2025 & Saturday 2/1/2025
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
Overview
CVI’s Cardiology Fellows Program offers an immersive experience tailored for fellows and residents in cardiovascular medicine, interventional cardiology, and general cardiology. The event kicks off on Friday, January 31, with a networking reception followed by a buffet dinner. The evening continues with a panel discussion on career pathways in cardiology, featuring insights from renowned specialists, and a keynote on the transformative impact of compassion in patient care.
Saturday’s sessions focus on key interventional cardiology trials, coronary and valvular disease case discussions, and hands-on simulation stations. Specialized tracks on coronary interventions, valvular heart disease, and stroke prevention offer focused learning opportunities, concluding with a top poster award presentation and networking reception to facilitate connections and exchange among peers and mentors.
- 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 Cardiology Fellows program attendees will be better able to:
- Examine the impact of compassionate care on patient outcomes and integrate these principles
into clinical practice. - Review and interpret the most influential interventional cardiology trials from the past year.
- Assess the relative benefits of PCI versus CABG for left main coronary artery disease and make
evidence-based treatment decisions. - Develop practical skills through interactive simulation sessions focused on interventional cardiology
techniques. - Prepare for the transition from fellowship to independent practice by learning practical strategies
for success. - Enhance understanding and management of tricuspid valve disease through case reviews and
expert discussions. - Analyze case presentations and discussions on acute coronary syndrome, bleeding and thrombotic
risk management, and coronary imaging techniques. - Explore advancements in TAVR, structural imaging, and the current status of mitral and tricuspid
valve disease. - Discuss the approaches to carotid disease, PFO closure, and left atrial appendage closure
- Review the management of cardiogenic shock by defining the condition, identifying patients, differentiating it from other shock types, implementing effective treatment strategies, and facilitating interprofessional communication.
Clinical Case Poster Submission
Complimentary Hotel Accommodations
Complimentary overnight hotel accommodations are available for Friday night 1/31/2025 and or Saturday night 2/1/2025 with early registration before January 16, 2025.
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
Associate Directors
Faculty
Fellow Case Presenters
Register for CVI Fellows 2025
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>
<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
Brown 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