This educational activity consists of recorded presentations from 20th Annual National Conference held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 4-6, 2011.
There have been important advances in VAD technology over the past decade. By improving the characterization and selection of VAD patients, as well as the timing of surgery, VADs are now seen as a credible lifesaving option to support the failing heart for short- and long-term therapy. This presentation will outline how this advancing technology is impacting clinical implications for its use and the future of the health care system.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this educational activity, participants should be able to

1. Outline how advancing VAD technology is impacting clinical implications for use.
2. Describe the risks and effects of VAD implantation
3. Review how costs and benefit design will impact the future of the current health care system

Faculty
Joseph G. Rogers, MD, FACC
Associate Professor of Medicine
Medical Director, Cardiac Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina

Disclosures
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Method of Participation
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• Completing the entire activity
• Completing the Pre- and Post-Activity Assessments, Activity Evaluation, and Application for Certificate of Credit forms

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Sponsor
This activity is sponsored by OptumHealth Education.

Commercial Support
This activity is supported by Purdue Pharma LP.

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