The cardiology and interventional cardiology lesson plans are designed for cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and physicians to improve outcomes with patients experiencing a cardiovascular disease, including those who are critically ill and have complex conditions, through a structured and comprehensive approach. Through this course, physicians can also refine their surgical knowledge and skills to a higher level in order to perform advanced procedures that require extensive training and experience, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing angioplasty. Furthermore, lessons aim to help physicians stay updated on the latest advancements in the field, ensuring they are equipped to manage any cardiovascular situation that may arise.
All lessons are held in English. Therefore, the materials and texts related to them are available in English.
Each lesson includes:
- Topic introduction and clinical presentation
- Presentation of a real-world case
- Literature review: All relevant studies
- Expert discussion
- Interactive question and answer
Specific lesson type: Critical Thinking in Cardiology
critica-thinking-cardiologySpecific lesson type: Cath Lab Nightmares
cath-lab-nightmareCalendar
lesson-dcb-enDCB ACADEMY LESSONS
Cath Lab Nightmares specific type of DCB Academy lesson
This lesson covered a common cath lab complication, known as severely calcified lesions. We discussed how these lesions can occur and the steps to prevent them. We also learned how to manage them immediately to avoid any further complications, based on a real-life case.
Angiographic and clinical impact of balloon inflation time in DCB PCI
This lesson delved into the findings of groundbreaking clinical trials that examined the impact of inflation time on drug-coated balloon (DCB) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with sirolimus. These studies explored the effects of different inflation times on angiographic outcomes and clinical efficacy, providing valuable insights for future treatment protocols.
Percutaneus coronary intervention of Aorto-ostial lesions
This lesson provided a comprehensive overview of PCI for aortoostial lesions. We learned about the prevalence of this condition, its underlying pathophysiology, and the methods used for diagnosis and management. Furthermore, we gained valuable insights on how to successfully implement a stent in this type of lesion.
Retrograde CTO PCI
This lesson covered how to perform Retrograde CTO PCI, a procedure used to treat chronic total occlusions in the heart. We discussed the best techniques and provided real life case examples to illustrate the procedure.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
This lesson covered spontaneous coronary dissection, a rare and often life-threatening condition. We discussed the risk factors that can increase the likelihood of this condition, as well as the various methods used for diagnosis and management. Furthermore, we delved into the technical aspects of emergency revascularization and the use of antiplatelet therapy in treating this condition.
Cath Lab Nightmares specific type of DCB Academy lesson
In this lesson, we covered one of the common cath lab nightmares complications: stent loss. We discussed how stent loss can occur, the potential reasons behind it, and how to immediately manage it in order to prevent serious complications.
Physiology guided non-culprit PCI in ACS/STEMI
This lesson provided a comprehensive understanding of Physiology guided non-culprit PCI in ACS/STEMI. We learned about the importance of considering non-culprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome or ST-elevation myocardial infarction and the appropriate timing and methods for treatment. Additionally, we discussed the potential benefits and limitations of using physiological parameters to guide non-culprit PCI.
Mechanical Thrombectomy in Pulmonary Embolism (06/07/2024)
This lesson covered the procedure of mechanical thrombectomy. We also reviewed several clinical trials that have evaluated the effectiveness of this technique and discussed various approaches and methods used in performing mechanical thrombectomy. By showcasing real world cases and discussing various techniques, we gained a better understanding of this important medical procedure.
Role of physiology in coronary revascularization (02/07/2024)
Physiology is essential for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular patients. In this lesson, we demonstrated the role of physiology in coronary revascularization.
Critical Thinking in Cardiology (29/05/2024)
Critical Thinking in Cardiology is a specific type of DCB Academy lesson designed to address current debate topics using critical thinking strategies. During this lesson, we discussed the concept of physiology-guided non-culprit PCI in cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We explored the question of whether or not it is necessary to treat non-culprit lesions in these situations, and if so, when and how this treatment should be approached.
Current data on correct DAPT duration after coronary stenting (22/05/2024)
Dr. Felice Gragnano expertly discussed the current data on the appropriate duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after coronary stenting. He delved into the benefits and potential risks of extending or shortening DAPT duration, with a focus on high-risk patients.
Antegrade CTO Techniques (30/04/2024)
This lesson thoroughly addressed the antegrade CTO technique, providing detailed instructions on how to perform it, as well as real-world examples to support the learning. Additionally, strategies were discussed on how to efficiently execute the technique to achieve optimal results.
Regenerations: Restorative Personal Oasis (17/04/2024)
On April 17, 2024, the Fondazione RIC participated in the event “Regenerations: Restorative Personal Oasis.” It was a significant opportunity to discuss, from multiple points of view, the effects of environments designed to support people’s psychophysical well-being. A new pilot study, RIC-greenerate I, was discussed with the aim of evaluating the effects of environments designed according to the principles of biophilia on physiological and psychological parameters in healthy volunteers, with particular attention to cardiovascular ones.
Cath Lab Nightmares (23/04/2024)
Cath Lab Nightmares is a specific type of DCB Academy lesson that addresses common complications of the catheterization lab. In this lesson, titled “When a Complex Lesion is Not Your Biggest Problem,” we discussed a challenging real-world case and how it was successfully managed.
SGLT2 inhibitors (17/04/2024)
SGLT2 inhibitors have been found to have a potential role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, as they have a multisystem action. However, it is important to identify and understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of using these drugs in the context of cardiovascular diseases. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence and trials surrounding the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, highlighting their role and potential impact on patient outcomes.
How to treat underexpanded stents (05/03/2024)
Stent underexpansion is a serious complication that can occur during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and can increase the risk of in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis. Treatment options for stent underexpansion are limited and include high-pressure balloon angioplasty or the use of new methods such as intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). This lesson will cover the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of stent underexpansion, as well as provide a comprehensive review of current clinical evidence on this issue.
Critical Thinking in Cardiology session (12/03/2024)
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions are considered to be one of the most complex and high-risk procedures in the modern cardiac catheterization lab. These interventions have been linked to procedural complications and poor long-term outcomes. This is due to the challenges involved in diagnosing and treating CTO lesions, which can be difficult even for experienced interventional cardiologists. To address this issue, the Complex CTO and Higher Risk PCI lesson offers a comprehensive update on the most complex CTO procedures, using real-world cases and a critical thinking framework to discuss the best possible diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
Coronary artery aneurysm and ectesia (20/03/2024)
Despite being a silent disorder, coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) and coronary ectasia pose a significant challenge for clinicians to manage. These conditions are typically discovered incidentally during coronary angiography, but if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications such as rupture. The purpose of this lesson is to provide a clear definition of these disorders, discuss the methods of diagnosis, and review current research projects aimed at improving management strategies for these cases.
Complex PCI cases (09/04/2024)
With the increasing prevalence of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, PCI cases are becoming more complex and may carry an elevated risk of complications or failure. It is important for healthcare professionals to stay informed and updated on the latest techniques and strategies for managing these complex cases. This lesson aims to provide a thorough review of two complex real-world PCI cases in order to explore the best possible diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Cath Lab nightmares: Coronary perforations (27/02/2024)
Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This complication can lead to serious consequences such as cardiac tamponade, cardiogenic shock, heart attack, and even death if not treated promptly. It is important to note that even low-risk perforations can have poor outcomes, highlighting the seriousness of this complication. Managing a coronary perforation can be challenging and requires constant monitoring of the patient’s hemodynamic status while attempting to seal the perforation. This lesson aims to provide a thorough understanding of coronary perforation, including its definition, management, and prevention.
Cath lab nightmares: Stent dislodgement (09/02/2024)
Stent dislodgement is a serious issue that requires prompt action to avoid potential life-threatening consequences. It is important for medical professionals to be aware of this complication and have strategies in place to address it. This lesson will explore a specific case involving stent dislodgement and discuss the best possible strategies for retrieval and deployment in order to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety of the patient.
How to manage complex transradial interventions (08/02/2024)
Anomalous coronary vessel lesions can be both benign and life-threatening. While they may be an incidental finding, they can also predispose patients to serious conditions such as myocardial ischemia or arrhythmias. The treatment of these lesions is controversial and can be complex and challenging due to the intricate nature of the anomaly and its potential adverse impact. In this lesson, we will explore the definition, diagnosis, and various surgical management options available for treating anomalous coronary vessel lesions, as well as the challenges associated with these interventions.
All you need to know about microvascular disease (23/01/2024)
While microvascular dysfunction can lead to serious adverse consequences, an accurate diagnosis can help physicians to better tailor treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. Treatment for these conditions can vary depending on the underlying cause, but can be effective in a large majority of cases. In this lesson, we will delve into the definition, diagnosis, and treatment options for microvascular dysfunction in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of this condition.