The VLN Right Heart Symposium
The 2023 Right Heart Symposium, hosted by Vasculearn Network (VLN), brought together leading cardiologists, pulmonologists, and industry leaders for two days of cutting-edge education and discussion.The program focused on advancing understanding of right heart dysfunction and pulmonary vascular disease, while creating a highly interactive environment where more than 125 participants engaged equally in didactic learning and collaborative discussion.
Structure & Format
Unlike traditional conferences that emphasize one-way lectures, the Right Heart Symposium was deliberately designed with balance in mind:
50% didactic lectures delivered by internationally recognized faculty, ensuring that attendees received authoritative updates on imaging, hemodynamics, interventional approaches, and pharmacology.
50% discussion and panel time, where attendees and faculty debated clinical dilemmas, shared practical strategies, and directly engaged with experts.
This unique format fostered dynamic exchanges that bridged the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world clinical application.
Program Highlights
Day 1:
Imaging the right ventricle with novel approaches (strain imaging, PET, advanced remodeling assessments).
Critical strategies for managing the failing right heart, including vasopressor and inotropic support, mechanical circulatory support, and transplant considerations.
Keynote lecture on assessing right ventricular function using exercise, imaging, and hemodynamics.
Hemodynamics deep dive: RV-PA coupling, vascular physiology, and clinical implications of afterload reduction.
Day 2:
Pulmonary embolism management, from clot-in-transit to anticoagulation strategies.
Novel therapeutic approaches, including balloon pumps and disease-modifying agents.
Pulmonary vascular pathology beyond pulmonary hypertension, such as AVMs, anomalous venous return, and aneurysms.
Interactivity & Engagement
Attendees consistently remarked on the interactive nature of the symposium, where robust panel discussions encouraged direct audience participation. Complex clinical questions were explored in depth, and diverse perspectives helped refine strategies for diagnosis and treatment.
The format created an atmosphere of shared learning, with faculty and participants alike contributing to a deeper understanding of evolving right heart management.
Outcomes & Impact
Knowledge Exchange: Faculty and attendees highlighted the equal balance of lectures and discussions as a distinguishing strength of the symposium.
Practical Relevance: Case-based questions and panel interactions gave clinicians actionable insights they could apply immediately in practice.
Community Building: By connecting specialists across cardiology, pulmonology, critical care, and vascular medicine, the symposium strengthened the collaborative network advancing care for patients with right heart and pulmonary vascular disease.
The VLN Right Heart Symposium demonstrated how thoughtfully balancing didactic teaching with interactive discussion creates a richer, more practical learning environment. By fostering real-time dialogue between experts and clinicians, VLN continues to set a standard for medical education that is engaging, collaborative, and directly impactful for patient care.
Interested in Hosting an Educational Program?
Hosting an educational program with VLN connects you to a trusted network of clinicians and patients, leverages our proven expertise in evidence-based education, and amplifies your impact through meaningful dialogue, data-driven reach, and long-term community engagement.
Contact: Kathryn Mikkelsen, MBA Executive Director, Vasculearn Network
kmikkelsen@thrombosis.org
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