MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- AGA Medical Corporation, in conjunction with Medical Simulation Corporation, today announced the introduction of a new simulation training tool for the AMPLATZER PFO procedure. The new training process will provide the opportunity to perform the PFO procedure on a simulated, computerized mannequin, which is programmed to represent real PFO cases. Physicians will be able to see the new simulation procedure during a CME course on PFO closure at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference in Washington, D.C., from October 16 - 21, 2005, and experience the simulator at other learning opportunities at the conference. TCT is sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation.
The AMPLATZER PFO simulation training, co-developed by AGA Medical and Medical Simulation Corporation, will be integrated into the certification training program for physicians wishing to implant the device under AGA's Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) program. The AMPLATZER PFO procedure was developed for transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) with the implantable AMPLATZER PFO Occluder.
Based on actual patient scenarios and images, the new training tool provides valuable physician experience performing the PFO procedure, without compromising patient safety. Benefits of simulation proctoring for physicians include: standardized and consistent training, exposure to difficult cases, less risk to the patient, shortened physician learning curve, standardized and guided training of procedural risks, and potential reduction in complications related to the procedure.
The simulation includes introducing the AMPLATZER PFO Occluder via catheter, using echocardiography and fluoroscopy to place and assess the device in the heart, deploying the discs, and removing the cable and sheath from the simulated patient.
"We are very excited to offer this first-of-its-kind, hands-on learning experience in PFO simulation to physicians," said Mike Smithson, Director of US Sales and Marketing. "The new technology that the AMPLATZER PFO procedure simulation offers will help to train medical professionals in a realistic, more comprehensive way and with zero risk to patients."
"I believe medical simulation of cardiovascular care situations greatly improves the efficiency and efficacy of training and testing for a broad range of skills necessary to practice medicine," said Dr. John Carroll, Chief of Cardiology, University of Colorado Hospital and Director, Cardiac and Vascular Center. "The ultimate outcome is to improve patient care and there is no doubt in my mind we are already seeing the benefits of simulation on patient care. Simulation transfers the experience of the interventional team who have performed PFO closure for years to the interventionalists who are just starting their program. Simulation is truly an amazing new paradigm to improve the quality of care."
The AMPLATZER PFO simulation will be utilized during the TCT conference at the following dates and times:
-- Sunday, October 16, from 1 to 6:30 p.m. during the CME Techniques and Devices for PFO and ASD Closure Workshop, which will meet in Room 204 ABC of the Washington Convention Center. To participate, please sign up before arrival through the TCT conference, available on line at http://www.tct2005.com . -- Monday, October 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Simulation Learning Center (look for the Medical Simulation Corporation Training Area). To participate, please sign up on site or contact Jill Gray at 303-906-4034. Limited seats are available. -- Tuesday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Simulation Learning Center (look for the Medical Simulation Corporation Training Area). To participate, please sign up on site or contact Jill Gray at 303-906-4034. Limited seats are available.
Starting in November 2005, the simulation training will be available each month as part of AGA's proctored certification training for PFO Closure under the company's PFO HDE program. The November and December 2005 sessions will be located in Denver, Colo., with Dr. John Carroll proctoring. There will be five to six openings for each session. To participate or for more information, please contact your AGA Medical Field Clinical Specialist, or send an email to simulationtraining@amplatzer.com .
The TCT conference, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, is a symposium for physicians and other health care professionals who specialize in the field of interventional vascular therapy. For more information, visit http://www.TCT2005.com .
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) is a global leader in bringing together research, education and patient care -- the three aspects of medical science. Founded in 1990, CRF has played a key role in the development of non-surgical and drug-based treatments of heart and vascular diseases. For more information, visit http://www.crf.org .
Medical Simulation Corporation (MSC) is an education services company that provides medical product and clinical procedure training as well as education services to medical product manufacturers, medical societies, and hospital personnel. For more information, visit http://www.medsimulation.com .
AGA Medical Corporation, a Minneapolis-based company, is the world's leading manufacturer of transcatheter occlusion devices that empower minimally invasive treatment of congenital heart defects. For more information, visit http://www.amplatzer.com .
AGA Medical CorporationCONTACT: Katie Welch Peterson for AGA Medical Corporation,+1-952-294-9814, or cell, +1-612-720-9374
