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Volume 16 - Issue 9 - September, 2008

Commentary
Core Curriculum and Standardization of Training for the Catheterization Laboratory Specialist
10/21/2008
Jack P. Chen, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FCCP
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to...
10/21/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Commentary
Core Curriculum and Standardization of Training for the Catheterization Laboratory Specialist
10/21/2008
Jack P. Chen, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FCCP
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to...
10/21/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Educational Update
A Proposal for the Core Curriculum for Training of “Advanced Level Cardiology Specialist Assistants”
10/21/2008
For the Performance of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCIs) and Non-Coronary Interventions: Part II Report of the International Society of Advanced Level Medical Imaging Physician Specialists (ALMIPS) and the Committee on Training...
For the Performance of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCIs) and Non-Coronary Interventions: Part II Report of the International Society of Advanced Level Medical Imaging Physician Specialists (ALMIPS) and the Committee on Training...
For the Performance of...
10/21/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Facility News
Wheeling Hospital’s Cardiac Cath Lab Marks 30th Anniversary From Stopping Heart Attacks to Implanting Pacemakers
09/16/2008
In 1978, Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia, opened the region’s first cardiac catheterization lab. Thirty years and thousands of saved lives later, it remains a vital service for stopping chest pain and heart attacks. Today,...
In 1978, Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia, opened the region’s first cardiac catheterization lab. Thirty years and thousands of saved lives later, it remains a vital service for stopping chest pain and heart attacks. Today,...
In 1978, Wheeling Hospital in...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical and Industry News
Head-to-Head Study Shows Prasugrel Statistically Superior to Clopidogrel in Reducing Recurrent Cardiovascular Events
09/16/2008
Patients taking prasugrel had lower risk of combined endpoint of recurrent heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death after first event than those taking clopidogrel. A new, pre-specified analysis of the landmark Phase III head-to-head...
Patients taking prasugrel had lower risk of combined endpoint of recurrent heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death after first event than those taking clopidogrel. A new, pre-specified analysis of the landmark Phase III head-to-head...
Patients taking prasugrel had...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical and Industry News
Data Show OrbusNeich’s Genous™ Bio-engineered R Stent™ Has Better Outcomes When Compared to Drug-Eluting Stents
09/16/2008
OrbusNeich announced that data presented recently at the 17th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Interventional Cardiology (July 3-5, 2008, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan) demonstrate that the Genou s Bio-engineered R stent has better outcomes...
OrbusNeich announced that data presented recently at the 17th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Interventional Cardiology (July 3-5, 2008, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan) demonstrate that the Genou s Bio-engineered R stent has better outcomes...
OrbusNeich announced that data...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical and Industry News
Geneva College Offers First Cardiovascular Technology Graduate Program in the Nation, with M.S. Focusing on Electrophysiology
09/16/2008
Anticipating the needs of the future, Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA, will launch the first Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) graduate degree program in the nation. Drawing on Geneva’s long-standing affiliation with INOVA Fairfax Hospital in...
Anticipating the needs of the future, Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA, will launch the first Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) graduate degree program in the nation. Drawing on Geneva’s long-standing affiliation with INOVA Fairfax Hospital in...
Anticipating the needs of the...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical and Industry News
Vascular Solutions Launches Jiffy™ 0.035” Specialty Guidewire
09/16/2008
Vascular Solutions, Inc. recently launched the Jiffy Wire, an 80 cm 0.035” specialty guidewire. The Jiffy Wire offers the benefits of both a straight floppy tip and a 3 mm J-tip in one double-ended guidewire. The 80 cm working length and...
Vascular Solutions, Inc. recently launched the Jiffy Wire, an 80 cm 0.035” specialty guidewire. The Jiffy Wire offers the benefits of both a straight floppy tip and a 3 mm J-tip in one double-ended guidewire. The 80 cm working length and...
Vascular Solutions, Inc....
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical and Industry News
Radial Artery May be Safest Route for Threading Catheter to Heart
09/16/2008
Cooks believe the way to a person’s heart is through the stomach, but interventional cardiologists may soon be paying close attention to the wrist. New research shows that radial artery access significantly reduces bleeding complications...
Cooks believe the way to a person’s heart is through the stomach, but interventional cardiologists may soon be paying close attention to the wrist. New research shows that radial artery access significantly reduces bleeding complications...
Cooks believe the way to a...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical and Industry News
Still Puzzling: Best Care for the Frail and Elderly with Coronary Artery Disease
09/16/2008
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that patients treated solely with medications after suffering from chest pain, heart attack or coronary artery disease are more likely to die during the first year following their initial...
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that patients treated solely with medications after suffering from chest pain, heart attack or coronary artery disease are more likely to die during the first year following their initial...
A new study from Duke University...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
SICP Section
September 2008 Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) News
09/16/2008
The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals held their annual meeting July 31st–August 2nd at Harrah’s Las Vegas hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Emerald Coast Chapter is calling for nomination of the local officers of its SICP...
The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals held their annual meeting July 31st–August 2nd at Harrah’s Las Vegas hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Emerald Coast Chapter is calling for nomination of the local officers of its SICP...
The Society of Invasive...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Discussion Group
What Do You Think?
09/16/2008
Multiple new and ongoing questions from readers. Your responses are welcome! Answer or pose a question at cathlabdigest@aol.com. Sheaths Left in Place When an arterial sheath is left in place for whatever reason, what is the accepted...
Multiple new and ongoing questions from readers. Your responses are welcome! Answer or pose a question at cathlabdigest@aol.com. Sheaths Left in Place When an arterial sheath is left in place for whatever reason, what is the accepted...
Multiple new and ongoing...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Your Path to Success: Expert Advice
The Key Steps of a Cardiac Cath Lab Operational Assessment
09/16/2008
Jayne Kulp
In today’s economy, getting the most value from your cath lab, in terms of operational throughput, human capital, and patient and physician satisfaction, is crucial to survival in the increasingly competitive market for cardiovascular...
In today’s economy, getting the most value from your cath lab, in terms of operational throughput, human capital, and patient and physician satisfaction, is crucial to survival in the increasingly competitive market for cardiovascular...
In today’s economy, getting the...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
ACVP Management Corner
Turf Battles – Navigating the Landscape
09/16/2008
Dan Scharbach, CCPT, MBA
When I agreed to write this article, it seemed to me that I would be painting a large bull’s eye on my back. No matter how I approached this subject, it would be controversial. I accepted the task only because there are plenty of places to...
When I agreed to write this article, it seemed to me that I would be painting a large bull’s eye on my back. No matter how I approached this subject, it would be controversial. I accepted the task only because there are plenty of places to...
When I agreed to write this...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
SICP Section
The Ten-Minute Interview with… Erik Hushelpeck, RCIS, FSICP
09/16/2008
Erik Hushelpeck, RCIS, FSICP
I have lived in Utica, New York, Ashville, North Carolina, and Denver, Colorado, among other places, but I have been living in Gainesville, Florida, since 1980. I graduated from the CVT (cardiovascular technology) program at Santa Fe College...
I have lived in Utica, New York, Ashville, North Carolina, and Denver, Colorado, among other places, but I have been living in Gainesville, Florida, since 1980. I graduated from the CVT (cardiovascular technology) program at Santa Fe College...
I have lived in Utica, New York,...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Ask the Clinical Instructor
Ask the Clinical Instructor
09/16/2008
Todd Ginapp, EMT-P, RCIS, FSICP
Todd is the Cardiology Manager for Memorial Hermann Southeast in Houston, Texas. He also teaches an online RCIS Review course for Spokane Community College, in Spokane, Washington, and regularly presents with RCIS Review Courses. I get...
Todd is the Cardiology Manager for Memorial Hermann Southeast in Houston, Texas. He also teaches an online RCIS Review course for Spokane Community College, in Spokane, Washington, and regularly presents with RCIS Review Courses. I get...
Todd is the Cardiology Manager...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Next-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents
09/16/2008
Cindy L. Grines, MD, FACC, FSCAI
This monthly column in Cath Lab Digest reviews important points of distinction in drug-eluting stents, from characteristics to techniques, to provide valuable and relevant information about this technology. Dr. Grines is the Vice Chief of...
This monthly column in Cath Lab Digest reviews important points of distinction in drug-eluting stents, from characteristics to techniques, to provide valuable and relevant information about this technology. Dr. Grines is the Vice Chief of...
This monthly column in Cath Lab...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Ask the Expert
Generational Diversity in the Healthcare Workforce: A cardiac cath lab perspective
09/16/2008
Phil G. Regas, RCIS, RRT, CPFT, FSICP, MSM, FACHE
Many leaders and experienced staff working in their “twilight years” are experiencing new challenges at work in the cath lab. These members of the baby boomer generation, who have been the biggest segment of the workforce for several years,...
Many leaders and experienced staff working in their “twilight years” are experiencing new challenges at work in the cath lab. These members of the baby boomer generation, who have been the biggest segment of the workforce for several years,...
Many leaders and experienced...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Spotlight
The Runthrough NS Guidewire: Lessons after 2,000 uses
09/16/2008
Samin K. Sharma, MD, FACC, FSCAI
We last spoke with Dr. Sharma in March 2008, after he had used the Runthrough wire approximately 120 times (available at http://cathlabdigest.com/article/8531). He commented: “If we find that the Runthrough wire has very low incidence of...
We last spoke with Dr. Sharma in March 2008, after he had used the Runthrough wire approximately 120 times (available at http://cathlabdigest.com/article/8531). He commented: “If we find that the Runthrough wire has very low incidence of...
We last spoke with Dr. Sharma in...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
STEMI Interventions
Improving Door-To-Balloon Time: Partnerships for Excellence
09/16/2008
James F. Ganem, MD, FACC; Michael P. Lum Lung, MD, FACEP; Paula Durston, RN, MN; Maureen Mulligan, RN, CPHQ; Kevin Craven, RN, BSN, MBA; DeAnna K. Deyo, RN; Tammy Janicki, RN, BSN; Wendy Griffith, RN; Lorie Burdette, RN; Lisa Poulos, RN
An estimated 500,000 STEMI events per year occur in the United States. Evidence shows that rapid restoration of flow in the obstructed infarct artery is a key determinant of short- and long-term outcomes of STEMI patients.1 The focus to...
An estimated 500,000 STEMI events per year occur in the United States. Evidence shows that rapid restoration of flow in the obstructed infarct artery is a key determinant of short- and long-term outcomes of STEMI patients.1 The focus to...
An estimated 500,000 STEMI...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Commentary
Core Curriculum and Standardization of Training for the Catheterization Laboratory Specialist
09/16/2008
Jack P. Chen, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FCCP
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Commentary
Core Curriculum and Standardization of Training for the Catheterization Laboratory Specialist
09/16/2008
Jack P. Chen, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FCCP
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to declare, and no grants were received for the preparation of this manuscript. In 1977, amidst immense skepticism, Professor Andreas Gruentzig performed the world’s first angioplasty in Zurich, Switzerland....
The author has no conflicts to...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
STEMI Interventions
STEMI INTERVENTIONS: Commentary I
09/16/2008
Sameer Mehta, MD, FACC, MBA, is studying ST-elevation myocardial infarction interventions in his work with short door-to-balloon time primary PCI and the Single INdividual Community Experience REgistry for Primary PCI (SINCERE) database at 5...
Sameer Mehta, MD, FACC, MBA, is studying ST-elevation myocardial infarction interventions in his work with short door-to-balloon time primary PCI and the Single INdividual Community Experience REgistry for Primary PCI (SINCERE) database at 5...
Sameer Mehta, MD, FACC, MBA, is...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Clinical Editor's Corner
Do You Have a Weight Problem in the Cath Lab?
09/16/2008
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FACC, FAHA
The issue of patient weight for performance of cardiac catheterization is no trivial matter. The excessive weight of the patient can damage the x-ray table, produce poor quality non-diagnostic images, expose the staff to excess radiation and...
The issue of patient weight for performance of cardiac catheterization is no trivial matter. The excessive weight of the patient can damage the x-ray table, produce poor quality non-diagnostic images, expose the staff to excess radiation and...
The issue of patient weight for...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Cath Lab Spotlight
New York Methodist Hospital
09/16/2008
Kathleen P. Treacy, RN, MS; Louise Tangredi-Ruiz, RN, BSN
What is the size of your cath lab facility and number of staff members? New York Methodist Hospital (NYM) currently has three cath labs. Our third and newest lab opened in July 2007. NYM has two prep/recovery areas, giving us a total bed...
What is the size of your cath lab facility and number of staff members? New York Methodist Hospital (NYM) currently has three cath labs. Our third and newest lab opened in July 2007. NYM has two prep/recovery areas, giving us a total bed...
What is the size of your cath...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest
Changing the Standard of Care in STEMI PCI
09/16/2008
Rajesh M. Dave, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Combining mechanical reperfusion and pharmacologic therapy to improve myocardial perfusion Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore coronary blood flow is the current standard of care for ST-elevation myocardial infarction...
Combining mechanical reperfusion and pharmacologic therapy to improve myocardial perfusion Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore coronary blood flow is the current standard of care for ST-elevation myocardial infarction...
Combining mechanical reperfusion...
09/16/2008
Cath Lab Digest

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Penumbra recently launched the Lightning Flash® 3.0 Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy (CAVT™) system, which includes significant upgrades that further advance our leading venous thromboembolism (VTE) platform.
Penumbra recently launched the Lightning Flash® 3.0 Computer Assisted Vacuum Thrombectomy (CAVT™) system, which includes significant upgrades that further advance our leading venous thromboembolism (VTE) platform.
Penumbra recently launched the...
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New York, NY – In the lead-up to...
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BURL Concepts Announces First Human Uses of FOQUS Ultrasound System for Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Detection
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The FOQUS ultrasound system, powered by SONAS technology, includes a transcranial headset system. The system introduces a new method to assist physicians in diagnosing a PFO, addressing the need for diagnostic tools that are both faster,...
The FOQUS ultrasound system, powered by SONAS technology, includes a transcranial headset system. The system introduces a new method to assist physicians in diagnosing a PFO, addressing the need for diagnostic tools that are both faster,...
The FOQUS ultrasound system,...
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Cath Lab Digest
AI Plaque analysis
Aetna Approves Coverage for Cleerly's AI Cardiovascular Imaging Analysis
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DENVER, CO – Cleerly, focused on AI-based cardiovascular imaging, announced that Aetna will begin covering Cleerly® LABS plaque analysis effective immediately. Aetna, which covers more than 20+ million lives,...
DENVER, CO – Cleerly, focused on AI-based cardiovascular imaging, announced that Aetna will begin covering Cleerly® LABS plaque analysis effective immediately. Aetna, which covers more than 20+ million lives,...
DENVER,...
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Cath Lab Digest
AI Plaque analysis
Coverage Unlocks Reimbursable AI Plaque Quantification With Circle Cardiovascular Imaging's cvi42|Plaque
01/21/2026
CALGARY, Alberta -- Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. (Circle CVI), focused on cardiovascular imaging post-processing, announced that clinical practices using its FDA 510(k)-cleared cvi42 with AI-enabled plaque...
CALGARY, Alberta -- Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. (Circle CVI), focused on cardiovascular imaging post-processing, announced that clinical practices using its FDA 510(k)-cleared cvi42 with AI-enabled plaque...
CALGARY, Alberta -- Circle...
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Cath Lab Digest
Acquisitions
Haemonetics Acquires Vivasure Medical Limited
01/21/2026
Vivasure's PerQseal® Elite system uses a proprietary bioabsorbable patch to seal large-bore (up to 26 F) arteriotomies and venotomies from inside the vessel, offering a sutureless, fully absorbable solution for structural heart and...
Vivasure's PerQseal® Elite system uses a proprietary bioabsorbable patch to seal large-bore (up to 26 F) arteriotomies and venotomies from inside the vessel, offering a sutureless, fully absorbable solution for structural heart and...
Vivasure's PerQseal® Elite...
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Cath Lab Digest
Early CAD Detection
Mammograms and Hidden Heart Disease: Annual Scans Can Detect This Silent Killer and Help Save Lives, but Awareness Is Key
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In the “Mammography and Breast Arterial Calcification Trial at Mount Sinai,” doctors are sending letters to patients with high breast artery calcification levels, urging them to see a cardiologist or other doctor for further evaluation to...
In the “Mammography and Breast Arterial Calcification Trial at Mount Sinai,” doctors are sending letters to patients with high breast artery calcification levels, urging them to see a cardiologist or other doctor for further evaluation to...
In the “Mammography and Breast...
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Cath Lab Digest
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Final results of NOVARAD clinical study show that use of Nova-X® full-body, team-wide radiation protection system reduces dose received by main operator in interventional neuroradiology by a factor of eleven.
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Cath Lab Digest
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ECRI: Misuse of AI Chatbots Tops Annual List of Health Tech Hazards
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ECRI experts say that chatbots have suggested incorrect diagnoses, recommended unnecessary testing, promoted subpar medical supplies, and even invented body parts in response to medical questions while sounding like a trusted expert.
ECRI experts say that chatbots have suggested incorrect diagnoses, recommended unnecessary testing, promoted subpar medical supplies, and even invented body parts in response to medical questions while sounding like a trusted expert.
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Cath Lab Digest
CAD Risk Factors
North Carolina State University Study Finds Police-Related Stress Associated With Physical Markers of Cardiovascular Health Risk for Black Women
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The paper, “Police-Related Stress and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Among African American Women,” is published in the journal Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine.
The paper, “Police-Related Stress and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Among African American Women,” is published in the journal Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine.
The paper, “Police-Related...
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Cath Lab Digest

September 2008 Volume 16 Issue 9

View Issue Archive
Editorial Staff

Clinical Editor
Morton J. Kern, MD, MSCAI, FAHA, FACC 

Managing Editor
Rebecca Kapur, rkapur@hmpglobal.com

Senior Manager, Production & Audience Development
Elizabeth Vasil

Editorial Correspondence

Rebecca Kapur, Managing Editor, Cath Lab Digest
HMP Global, 70 E. Swedesford Rd
Suite 100, Malvern PA 19355
Telephone: (440) 717-0418
Fax: (866) 896-8762
Email: rkapur@hmpglobal.com

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