This workshop begins with a discussion of laparoscopic instrumentation, suturing techniques, and energy sources. Pelvic trainers will be used extensively to demonstrate and practice laparoscopic instrumentation and suturing. Hands-on experience with energy sources will allow participants to compare various modalities.  Each participant will have an opportunity to perform a simulated laparoscopic myomectomy.

Using unembalmed female cadavers to create a realistic surgical setting, the second day provides a hands-on review of female pelvic anatomy and the principles of dissection. Techniques of laparoscopic hysterectomy will be presented in the hands-on cadaver session.

This course will provide a comprehensive update on techniques and technologies that will allow the gynecologic surgeon to determine individualized educational needs and implement developing surgical skills.  The bulk of the curriculum will focus on advanced laparoscopic skill sets, utilization of innovative energy devices, and pearls to implementing robotic surgery.  New to IMET will be a precis on single incision surgery, where participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with this rekindled surgical technique.

In order to create the best possible learning environment and afford each participant maximum hands-on time, class-size is limited and each laboratory station will be assigned only three to four participants. This workshop is limited to 30 participants and registration is accepted on a first come-first served basis. The hands-on labs will be instructed and moderated by experienced faculty currently using these devices and techniques in their practices. Industry representatives will also be on-site to answer technical questions related to their specific instrumentation and equipment. Ample time will be allowed for questions and interaction with workshop faculty.

Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for practicing Gynecologists seeking laparoscopic training for gynecologic procedures.

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

•Select appropriate instrumentation for use in laparoscopic surgery, including energy sources, which will improve patient outcomes, specifically including patient safety, by improving surgical efficiency and decreasing the risks of complications.

•Perform laparoscopic suturing and extracorporeal knot tying on a pelvic trainer, which, when extended to patient care will improve surgical efficiency, and decrease the likelihood of converting laparoscopic procedures to laparotomy.

•Identify the uterosacral ligaments and surgical layers of the pelvic sidewall on a cadaver model. Demonstrating understanding of this anatomy will improve surgical efficiency and significantly decrease the likelihood of surgical complications, as well as enhance recognition of complications and their management.

•Discuss the indications and contraindications for gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, as well as the appropriateness of laparoscopic operations in comparison to traditional surgery, including risks and complications. Surgeons who transition to more minimally invasive procedures will increase patient satisfaction and decrease costs.

•Perform laparoscopic hysterectomy on a cadaver model. When transitioning this technique to patients, the surgeon will enhance patient outcomes, decrease length of stay and cost, and increase patient satisfaction.

•Identify appropriate patients for single incision surgery and practice basic maneuvers using innovative and adaptable instrumentation in the inanimate setting.

Note: Successful completion of this educational activity is not recognized as certifying competence for performance of these procedures by most credentialing bodies. Privileges and ascertaining skill level are the responsibility of your local hospital and/or licensing authority.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2010

Instructors have been selected for their outstanding teaching abilities and extensive surgical experience with the procedures and techniques that will be presented at this conference.

Conference Director
M. Jonathon Solnik, MD – Director, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery; Assistant Residency Program Director, Dept of Ob/Gyn, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Assistant Clinical Professor, Dept of Ob/Gyn, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)

Scientific Chair
G. Bernard Taylor, MD - Director, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Dept of Ob/Gyn, Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC)

Additional Conference Faculty
Camilo A. Gonima, MD - Attending Physician, Institute for Women’s Health (San Antonio, TX)

Ted Teh Min Lee, MD - Director, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Magee Women’s Hospital, UPMC & Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pittsburg, School of Medicine (Pittsburg, PA)

Malcolm Munro, MD – Professor, Dept of Ob/Gyn, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Director, Gynecologic Services, Kaiser-Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA)

Craig J. Sobolewski, MD - Assistant Clinical Professor; Chief, Division of Gynecologic Specialties; Director, Endoscopic Surgery Education, Duke University Medical Center (Durham, NC)

Faculty Disclosure
IMET has a policy that requires course faculty to disclose any financial interests, arrangements or affiliations with manufacturers of commercial products and/or services, which may be discussed at this activity. It is not assumed that these financial interests or affiliations will have an adverse impact on faculty presentations; they are simply provided to fully inform participants. Faculty financial disclosures are on file at IMET and full disclosure of faculty relationships will be made at the conference.

IMET makes every effort to resolve any potential conflicts of interest for all individuals involved in the planning and implementation of this CME activity.   The content of this CME activity was planned to be balanced, objective, and scientifically rigorous. Occasionally, faculty may express opinions that represent their own viewpoint. Conclusions drawn by participants should be derived from objective analysis of scientific data. IMET has informed all faculty that if any presentations include discussion of off-label or investigational use of a commercial product, therapy or medical device, full disclosure must be made to the course participants.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas & Elements of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the sponsorship of Innovations in Medical Education & Training (IMET). IMET is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. IMET designates this educational activity for a maximum of 17.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has assigned 18 Cognate credits to this CME activity.

Note: Successful completion of this educational activity is not recognized as certifying competence for performance of these procedures by most credentialing bodies. Privileges and ascertaining skill level are the responsibility of your local hospital and/or licensing authority.

Standard Registration Fee:  $2495 USD

Early Bird Registration Fee: $1995 USD - Register by Early Bird Deadline & SAVE $500 (Promo Code: EARLYBIRD)

Resident/Physician Assistant Fee:  $1595 USD - Proof of Resident status required (Promo Code: RESIDENT)

Your registration payment entitles you to participation in all lecture and lab sessions and scheduled meals.  Syllabus materials will be provided on a reusable USB Flash Drive only (with slide presentations in PDF format) in order to lessen our environmental impact and reduce paper waste.

Registration Policies: Payment in full is required to guarantee your space in this workshop. Registrations are processed on a first-come/first-served basis and confirmation will be sent upon receipt of paid registration. All fees are quoted and payable in US dollars.  Payment by check must be drawn on a US bank. It is recommended that you do not book airline tickets until you receive email confirmation of your registration. Registration deadline is indicated above. Registrations received after this date will be accepted only on a space-available basis.

Refunds/Cancellations: All cancellations and requests for refunds must be received in writing no later than 3 weeks prior to course start date. Cancellations received by this deadline will be refunded less a cancellation fee of $150. No refunds will be issued after this date. Should unforeseen circumstances cause the cancellation of this course, all registrants will be notified and reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule the event as soon as possible.

IMET believes that comprehensive education includes a knowledge and awareness of the medical devices and products necessary to perform the procedures presented at this course. Several of the technologies discussed in the lecture sessions will be utilized in the hands-on labs. The real-life surgical setting of this unique educational experience is made possible, in part, through technology donations from the medical device industry.

This activity may be supported, in part, by educational grants from commercial sources.   Any grants received will be disclosed to the participants according to the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support. All grants are provided with the understanding that the supporter will not exert any influence on the content or educational development of this activity as a condition of the gift; nor will they take, or have taken any role in the selection of topics, speakers, or audience for this activity. This activity is for educational purposes and not for the purpose of promoting any product.   Promotional activities will not be allowed in the meeting room and this activity will be presented with objectivity and balance.

Several companies will have representatives on hand to answer questions you may have related to their therapies, products, and/or technology. We encourage you to talk with these representatives during the scheduled break sessions to obtain information that can be a valuable resource to your practice.

All participants must complete an on-line course evaluation at the conclusion of this CME activity.  This information is reviewed by IMET and is used to modify/improve course content, should IMET decide to present this activity again.  Participants are asked to identify the changes they intend to make in their clinical practice as a result of their participation in this CME activity. Three to six months following the activity, IMET will survey the participants to verify whether or not such changes have taken place (if not, why not), and what impact, if any, such changes have had on their patient care.  This additional feedback allows IMET to tailor future CME activities to meet any remaining educational gaps the learners may have related to the content of this activity.  A link to the on-line course evaluation will be available here at the conclusion of this CME activity.

All conference events will be held at the Medical Innovations Training Institute, 1534 W. Warm Springs Road, Suite G Henderson, NV 89014.

Recommended Hotels

IMET attendees receive a 25% discount off the Best Available Rate at these hotels.  Mention Promo Code MITI when making your reservation.

Green Valley Ranch Resort

5.5 miles from the conference site

2300 Paseo Verde Parkway Henderson, NV 89052

For reservations, call (702) 617-7777 or visit www.greenvalleyranchresort.com. Be sure to mention/enter promo code MITI.

Sunset Station Hotel & Casino

1.4 miles from the conference site

1301 West Sunset Road Henderson, NV 89014

For reservations, call (702) 547-7777 or visit www.sunsetstation.com. Be sure to mention/enter promo code MITI.

Shuttle service to the Medical Innovations Training Institute will be provided for IMET conference attendees staying at either Green Valley Ranch Resort or Sunset Station Hotel & Casino.

Local Airport

McCarran International Airport (LAS)

For assistance with air travel, we recommend Main Street Travel - Phone 732-828-8800; E-Mail john@mainstreettravel.net.

Ground Transportation from the Airport

Taxis are available at the airport outside of the baggage claim area. The approximate fare from the airport to either Green Valley Ranch Resort or Sunset Station Hotel & Casino is $35.

Complimentary service is available from the airport to both Green Valley Ranch Resort and Sunset Station Hotel & Casino. For details on shuttle service to Green Valley Ranch, call (702) 617-7777. For details on shuttle service to Sunset Station, call (702) 547-7777.

Visitor Information

Visit www.visitlasvegas.com.

Conference Attire

Please wear scrubs or other comfortable clothing. Thermostats in the lab rooms are kept at 65° F. Layered clothing is recommended as temperatures may vary drastically from room to room.

Seasonal Weather

December Averages – High 57°F/Low 37°F