The DEFY Foundation, in partnership with The Marfan Foundation and The VEDS Movement, invites you to participate in the 5th Scientific Meeting on Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS).

The goal of this meeting is to bring together the international VEDS research and treatment communities to enable interaction and networking. Scientists and clinicians will be able to focus on state-of-the-art research using mouse models, natural history experience, critical patient outcomes, and management issues and start collaborations in order to help encourage participation in upcoming clinical trials. The meeting will have three to five general session topics driven by abstract submissions, where young investigators present their state-of-the-art science. A poster session will follow the general session to allow interaction and networking.

All presentations (in both oral and poster formats) will be selected from the abstracts. Abstracts are welcome in all disciplines aimed at identifying or testing medical or surgical interventions, unveiling molecular mechanisms, insights derived from animal models, innovative technologies, provocative concepts, mutation-specific patient-reported natural history, and surgical outcomes for both children and adults.

In collaboration with:

The 11th International Research Symposium on Marfan, Loeys-Dietz (LDS), and Related Conditions is a two-day state-of-the-art meeting where new cutting-edge research in diagnosis, treatment, and pathogenesis of Marfan, LDS, and related conditions will be presented and discussed. The goal is to bring together young and senior investigators in both clinical and basic research to investigate mechanisms by which mutations are translated to phenotype, recognition of the broad clinical range of aneurysm-related syndromes, and identification of genes that harbor mutations, and investigate effective therapies. All research and management issues in major disciplines – including cardiology, surgery, orthopedics, genetics, and ophthalmology – are encouraged. Young investigators are encouraged to submit their research for review, and state-of-the-art science will be selected for oral presentation through abstract submission. A poster session will follow the general session to allow interaction and networking.

All presentations (in both oral and poster formats) will be selected from the abstracts. Submissions are welcomed in state-of-the-art research and management in cardiology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and orthopedic issues; new imaging and biomarkers, genotype/ phenotype/modifiers, groundbreaking technologies, challenging concepts, and development of therapeutic options, animal models, and pathogenesis; pregnancy; exercise; and quality of life.

The agenda for the GenTAC Aortic Summit focuses on clinical science in the field of genetically triggered thoracic aortic aneurysms. The goal of the Aortic Summit is to recognize the similarities and differences, as well as the critical management and surgical issues facing patients with thoracic aortic disease.

Key sessions include presentations on the following topics from experts in the field:

Familial Aortopathy

• • The Current Genetic Library & Likely Prospects
  • Gene-specific Decision-making Using Imaging
  • Gene-specific Decision-making Using Surgical Cut Points
  • Gene-specific Management in Pregnancy

Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)

• • The Search for Genetic Underpinnings
  • Phenotypic Variations – The Valve
  • Phenotypic Variations – The Aorta
  • Pediatric Controversies, including Exercise and Sports
  • Debate: Should the surgical cut point for BAV be the same or different from non-genetic aortopathies?

Turner Syndrome

• • Advances in Genetic Understanding
  • Pearls in Managing Patients

Acute Aortic Syndrome

• • Current Classification Schemes
  • Debate: Should we operate on ascending intramural hematoma?
  • Debate: Should we stent stable Type B?
  • How to Use Biomarkers Acutely & Chronically

Abstract submissions addressing the similarities and differences and the critical management and surgical issues facing patients with thoracic aortic disease, the natural history of disease, and patient outcomes are welcome.