Outcomes of the ninth international conference on pediatric mechanical circulatory support systems and pediatric cardiopulmonary perfusion.

The overall objective of this annual conference remains to bring together internationally known clinicians, bioengineers, and basic scientists involved in research on pediatric mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems and pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures.The main focus is to explicitly describe the problems with current pediatric MCS systems, methods, and techniques during acute and chronic support, and to suggest solutions and future directions for research. During the past 9 years, the main focus has not changed but has given the highest possible educational opportunities to the diverse participants. More hands-on wet labs and simulations with the newest devices and techniques have been added (1,2).