Accreditation

Statement of Need
Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity around the globe. Major advances in these conditions continue to be made at a rapid pace. Improvements in diagnostic techniques as well as interventional approaches to treatment, both surgical and percutaneous, challenge the clinical practitioner to remain current. Increasingly sophisticated technology to accomplish these aims is being developed and introduced into clinical practice. Exciting advances in basic and clinical science offer opportunities for participation in scientific studies and clinical trials. All of these elements create a significant educational need for the practicing cardiothoracic surgeon. The AATS Annual Meeting fills this need through a combination of lectures, original scientific presentations and discussion forums.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of the AATS Annual Meeting, through comprehensive lectures and discussions, participants will be able to:

• Assess the latest techniques and current research specifically related to Adult Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Heart Disease, General Thoracic Surgery and Aortic/Endovascular Surgery.
• Analyze the pros and cons of each presentation and subsequent discussion to gain an overall perspective of their current practices.
• Select appropriate surgical procedures and other interventions for their own patients based upon results presented.
• Integrate state-of-the art knowledge into their current practices.
• Identify the basic science developments and emerging technologies and techniques across the spectrum of cardiothoracic surgery.

Accreditation
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

This live activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

This program will be submitted to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners for continuing education credit.

Conference organizers plan to request AAPA Category I CME credit from the Physician Assistant Review Panel. Total number of approved credits yet to be determined.

Disclosure Policy
It is the policy of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery that any individual who is involved in planning, presenting or is an author on a program designated for AMA Physician's Recognition Award Category 1 Credit™ must disclose any financial interest or other relationship (grant, research support, consultant, etc.) that individual has with any manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) that may be discussed in the individual's presentation. This information is disclosed to the audience prior to an activity. The AATS has procedures in place if a conflict of interest should arise. In addition, faculty members are asked to disclose when any discussion of unapproved use of pharmaceutical or medical device occurs.

For further information on the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards of Commercial Support, please visit www.accme.org.