Atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in our society and is an area of significant research and investigation as to its cause and possible therapies. Theories of its pathogenesis are still evolving with new knowledge concerning risk factors and triggering events. The arterial plaque remains the lesion of interest. Advances in therapy have been rapidly evolving with new medical therapy, primary prevention and new interventional approaches, both non-surgical and surgical, to established disease.

Using a case based approach, the course will introduce the following areas of interest: 1) the morphology and cellular constituents of native atherosclerotic plaques; 2) complications of atherosclerosis including plaque rupture, erosion and thrombosis; 3) types of arterial and venous grafts used for bypass of atherosclerotic plaques; 4) assessment of bypass graft complications; 5) arterial interventions including angioplasty (PTCA), atherectomy and endarterectomy; 6) the problem of arterial restenosis; 7) stents - mechanisms and complications including in stent restenosis; 8) aortic aneurysms - types and complications; and 9) new interventions for aortic aneurysms including intravascular stents.

This course will be appropriate for residents, fellows and practicing pathologists who must evaluate surgical specimens related to the treatment of atherosclerosis, and for those who perform autopsy examinations on patients with ischemic heart disease. All registrants will be mailed a CD after the meeting. An extensive syllabus will be distributed at the course.

(Last Scheduled Presentation)