The main objective of this conference is to focus on the current problems associated with pediatric cardiac patients during and after acute or chronic cardiac support. This conference will bring together as many distinguished clinicians, bioengineers, and basic scientists as possible, in order to precisely define the current problems and suggest solutions with novel approaches. This will be the only national/international conference that focuses solely on pediatric cardiac patients.

The main topics will include: neuroprotection during CPB, pediatric heart valves, pediatric cardiac assist devices; axial, centrifugal, rotary, and pulsatile pumps; ECMO; pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass, pediatric heart-lung machines and membrane oxygenators; pulsatile versus non-pulsatile perfusion; nanotechnology; pediatric heart transplantation; systemic inflammation during acute and chronic support; computational fluid dynamics; novel designs of future pediatric heart pumps; coagulation issues; and the effects of acute and chronic mechanical circulatory support on vital organs in neonates and infants.

The scientific program will include a Keynote Lecture, Invited lectures, Regular Slide Presentations and Moderated Poster Presentations. Manuscripts from all contributors, including key note, invited, slide and poster presenters, will be peer-reviewed and published in the November 2010 issue of the Artificial Organs.