Abbott Vascular Devices Launches Perclose® ProGlide Next Generation Suture-Mediated Vessel Closure System

Abbott Vascular Devices, a division of Abbott Laboratories, announced the launch of the next generation Perclose® suture-mediated vessel closure system, Perclose ProGlide, featuring polypropylene monofilament suture. The device received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the first quarter of 2004. Perclose closure devices are designed to close femoral artery puncture sites following diagnostic or interventional procedures.

*Betty Ashdown has since left her position at the Sentara School.

Why and how did you become an educator?

I am a Navy-trained Cardiopulmonary Technologist with 18 years experience in the invasive cardiovascular field. I recently earned my fellowship with the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP). In 2002, I designed and developed the Oregon Cardiology Diagnostic Center, a physician-owned freestanding cardiac cath lab located in Eugene, Oregon. I am currently the manager of this facility.

Why did you choose to work in the invasive cardiology field?

I attended the Navy's CPT (Cardiopulmonary Technologist) School in the mid-80's. I was fortunate to be trained in all aspects of respiratory, pulmonary, and invasive and non-invasive cardiology. During training, the cath lab seemed the place for me; it was exciting and challenging, as well as highly technology-driven. I would not have worked in any other modality.

What do you like best about it?

Morton J. Kern, Editor.
Philadelphia, PA: Mosby, An Affiliate of Elsevier Science, 2003.
650 pages, with 496 illustrations.
Softcover $49.95
ISBN:0323022472
www.elsevierhealth.com

The Cardiac Catheterization Handbook, 4th Edition is designed as a resource for health care professionals who provide care in the arena of the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The topics are presented in a multi-disciplinary style, so health care providers from all disciplines will find it applicable. It is probably the first book that entry-level staff should purchase and read. The fourth edition is an updated work that adds new procedures, techniques and devices.

I am honored to acknowledge all Cath Lab Digest Annual Symposium on Cardiovascular Care (ASOCC) attendees in Orlando, Florida, June 3-5. Thank you for attending ASOCC! The Cath Lab Digest Annual Symposium provides a chance to learn, network and ask questions of the experts our engaging, experienced faculty and your fellow professionals, who just may have the hands-on knowledge you’re looking for. ASOCC attendees also received a unique bumper sticker:

If you weren’t able to make it to ASOCC this year, I hope to see you in 2005!

Those of us who have been in the cath lab setting for the past 15 years or more have witnessed dramatic changes, the majority of which are for the better, but some of which we may not be too sure. However, there are certainly many positive developments which have resulted in an improved work environment, such as streamlined operations, identification and definition of specific accountabilities and responsibilities, and a redefining of the team concept. Positive changes have also occurred in imaging technology, as well as with device improvements, such as drug-eluting stents and plaque ablation technology. However, one change that may not easily come to mind, but is significant, is the professional climate among cath lab peers. The era of comradery, the feeling of security and helpfulness, that is so important for old-timers as well as newcomers, as they try to deal with the cath lab demands, has been lost.

This image was taken by Dr. Jason H Rogers, Assistant Clinical Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine; University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California.

It is two o’clock in the morning when your pager goes off. The sound of this obnoxious device awakens you from warmth of your bed. You fight the darkness, trying to put your thoughts together to partake in the normally simple task of dialing the phone. The hospital operator informs you that there is an acute MI in the ER that the cardiologist wants to cath emergently. As your heart races from the adrenaline that starts circulating and from being suddenly awakened, you manage to get dressed, get into your car, and drive yourself to the hospital within 30 minutes. As you enter the cath lab area, your teammates have arrived and you all start gathering information on the person you are about to meet and potentially save from death.

Michael Savage is a first-year student in the Cardiovascular Technology Program at Grossmont College in El Cajon, California. On October 17, 2003, one day after his 54th birthday, he was at home alone studying for an exam. The exam was to cover the anatomy and physiology of the coronary arteries and the signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction.

Cross-training