Company description::
Kalamazoo, MI – October 30, 2003 – Cardiothoracic surgeons at Borgess Medical Center now perform a new procedure, called surgical ventricular restoration (SVR), using an implant made from bovine pericardium for patients who have certain types of severe congestive heart failure (CHF). The soft and flexible oval-shaped patch used to repair left ventricle damage is part of the CorRestore System made by Somanetics. Alphonse DeLucia, MD; Michael Khaghany, MD; and George Mack, DO, of CardioThoracic Surgery, P.C., in Kalamazoo and surgeons with Borgess Medical Center will present the procedure during a LIVE Webcast at 5:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 6.
"Medication and cardiac-assist devices might alleviate symptoms of heart failure, but these treatments do not address the underlying cause of the disease, which is weakening and enlargement of the heart's main pumping chamber," said Dr. DeLucia. "These treatments are also riskier. SVR with the CorRestore System approaches CHF from the perspective of the illness itself, not only restoring the diseased heart, but, by extension, improving the performance of other organs and the patient's quality of life."
"Our group has consistently focused on new trends in cardiothoracic medicine and surgery, especially those toward treatment of patients with advanced heart disease and heart failure with high mortality. This new surgical ventricular restoration procedure illustrates our commitment to this state-of-the-art level of care that is available at Borgess," said Dr. Khaghnay.
Nearly five million people in the United States have severe congestive heart failure, and more than 500,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. CHF and related causes result in about 250,000 deaths annually and is one of the most common reasons people older than 65 are admitted to hospitals' intensive care units. CHF occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's demand for oxygen and other nutrients.
"Although heart transplantation is an option, there is a limited availability of donor hearts, and the sheer number of patients with heart failure is enormous," said Dr. Mack. "Many of these patients can benefit from alternative treatments for heart failure. SVR with the CorRestore System offers patients the ability to return to a more active lifestyle."
To Access Broadcast:
www.or-live.com/borgess/1136
Contact Information:
Tracy Swartzendruber – Borgess Medical Center
269-226-5666
Carol Green – slp3D
860-953-2900 x214
cgreen@slp3d.com
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