ANIMAL LAB TRAINING WORKSHOPS
CSI AMERICA 2026
LIVE ANIMAL training WorkshopS
Registration for the animal training workshop is now open. Attendees will gain invaluable hands-on experience with cardiac catheterization and interventional techniques on live animals, as well as expert instruction from renowned faculty!
Spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to register as soon as possible to secure your place.
Please note: These workshops are only available to registered attendees of CSI America. Dates and times will be confirmed by email after registration.
TOPICS
- STRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS
- ICE (2D and 3D)
- Transseptal puncture
- PFO closure
- LAA closure
- Device retrieval
- Tricuspid valve interventions
- CONGENITAL INTERVENTIONS
- ICE (2D and 3D)
- Transseptal puncture
- ASD & PFO closure
- Device retrieval
- Coarctation
- Sinus venosus ASD closure
- PPVI
CSI AMERICA 2026 IS IN COLLABORATION WITH:
| aNIMAL LAB TRAINING WORKSHOP TICKET | |
| Early bird price per workshop | $ 320 |
| Regular price per workshop | $ 400 |
Early bird discount is available only until October 21st!
LOOKING FOR FUNDING?
CSI Foundation can offer a limited number of sponsored scholarships for doctors in the early-career stage and fellows for participating in the animal lab training. If you are interested, please fill out the Fellows sponsorship application below latest by October 24, 2025. CSI Foundation will review the applications and provide confirmation by October 30, 2025.
Please note: Terms and conditions of the Fellows sponsorship are further described below and within the application.
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Learning objectives
Physicians often lack opportunities to learn and practice techniques in a realistic and controlled environment. While simulators and other training methods can be useful, they cannot fully replicate the complexities of performing procedures on a live patient. Live animal training is a valuable tool in the education and training of interventional cardiologists and the delivery of high-quality patient care.
The LIVE ANIMAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS will be ideal for all interventionalists, imaging physicians, and allied staff who work in the catheterization or hybrid laboratory; whether they are involved with a new program (recent graduates) or are part of an established program (experienced interventionalists). It will be a perfect venue for interactive learning that will range from simple procedures to complications.
Participants will be divided into groups of up to 5 and will circulate around the stations to get experience on all devices. CSI will collaborate with the AdventHealth Nicholson Center – a highly specialized research facility with extensive expertise in organizing animal training sessions.
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Workshop structure
We plan to run 4 workshops during CSI America of approximately 4 hours duration each. Seats are filling up quickly, so be sure to register as soon as possible to secure your place!
In advance of the animal training, CSI (with the help of our faculty!) will coordinate online learning material so that trainees can already get familiar with devices they will be training with. This will also include an introduction to the animal training workflow and swine in comparison to human anatomy.
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Preliminary procedure outline
CONGENITAL INTERVENTIONS:
- Handling of ICE (2D and 3D)
- Transseptal puncture under ICE guidance including the use of different sheaths and handling of newer sheaths
- Creation of atrial level communication, use of a compliant balloon to make the defect bigger
- Closure of atrial level communication with different PFO or ASD devices
- Retrieval of released devices with the help of snare and other techniques
- Stenting the superior vena cava to mimic svASD closure
- Stent placement in the aorta to simulate branch pulmonary and COA stenting (time permitting)
- Placement of stents in the RVOT and placement of valve in the stented RVOT
- Step-by-step percutaneous pulmonary valve placement
We are continuously developing the program. The program is subject to change. (Version: 14.08.2024)
STRUCTURAL AND VALVAR INTERVENTIONS:
- Handling of ICE (2D and 3D)
- Transseptal puncture under ICE guidance including the use of different sheaths and handling of newer sheaths
- Creation of atrial level communication, use of a compliant balloon to make the defect bigger
- LAA closure with different devices
- Retrieval of released devices with the help of snare and other techniques
- Closure of atrial level communication with different PFO devices
- Retrieval of released devices with the help of snare and other techniques
- Retrieval of balloon-expandable valve into the descending aorta
- Tricuspid valve repair
We are continuously developing the program. The program is subject to change. (Version: 14.08.2024)
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Terms and conditions of Fellows sponsorship
If awarded a scholarship to attend CSI America 2026 and the live animal training, participants will be reimbursed in the amount specified after the conference and must meet certain conditions to receive reimbursement. These reimbursement amounts and conditions will be detailed further upon acceptance into the program but will include stipulations such as attending the full animal training and each simulator training prior to the animal training.
Stipends may include free registration to the conference and animal training, and/or hotel accommodation. Other expenses, including ground transport, meals, incidentals, etc., will not be reimbursed.
By applying for this scholarship, you acknowledge that your information will be shared with supporting companies if you are selected for participation. This information includes name, institution, email address, specialty or type of fellowship, post-grad year, and NPI number.
For more information, please contact
The use of animals in research, teaching and training is a privilege that requires unique professional and moral obligations. The Advent Health Nicholson Center is dedicated to supporting the education and research mission of CSI America while maintaining compliance with federal and state animal care principles, guidelines, and regulations. The Advent Health Nicholson Center’s Animal Care and Use Program encompasses all animals used by the facility for research, testing, and education.