Opelousas General Health System Chosen as Expert Training Site for Closure Device
Opelousas, LA (PRWEB) May 15, 2016 -- Physicians at Opelousas General Health System (OGHS) and Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) are among the first to use a new revolutionary closure device, Vascade, at the catheterization lab at OGHS, which has been chosen as one of five expert training sites for installation of the device.
Vascade, manufactured by Cardiva Medical Inc., has been the closing device of choice at OGHS for the past three years. The device is used to close punctures in the femoral artery during a catheterization procedure in the cath lab. A sheath is placed inside the femoral artery to gain access to the area needing treatment. Once a patient is treated, the sheath is removed from the artery, leaving the puncture origin open. Vascade serves as a plug that closes the puncture wound, thus stopping internal and external bleeding. The closure device eventually dissolves, leaving no residual damage to the artery.
“This device causes less discomfort to the patient when compared to other closure products,” explained Nick Trahan, director of the cardiac cath lab at OGHS. “It reduces the risk for post-procedural complications such as excessive bleeding, which can lead to a drop in heart rate or blood pressure.”
Opelousas General Health System was chosen as a training facility for this device because of the expertise of the interventional cardiologists and catheterization technologists on staff, and also because of its low complication rates compared to other facilities across the nation. As a training site, Opelousas General welcomes cath lab staff from all over the country once or twice a month to observe how the device is used.
“In our ongoing commitment to providing excellent health care, the most important factor of this device is that patients will have little to no complications, allowing them to return home sooner. Their satisfaction and comfort is our priority,” said Dr. Robert Menuet, interventional cardiologist with CIS.
Recently, radiology technicians from Chicago, Illinois visited OGHS to be trained on using the Vascade closure device. “The process and staff work like a well-oiled machine,” said Bryan Kowalski, one of the technicians. “The staff was very accommodating and extremely skilled in using Vascade.”
About Cardiva Medical, Inc.: Cardiva Medical, Inc. designs and develops vascular access management products that facilitate rapid hemostasis following diagnostic and interventional endovascular procedures. Since its founding, Cardiva has introduced a series of advanced vascular access management technologies designed to help the body heal itself. Cardiva Medical, Inc. is a privately-held company funded by leading venture capital investors, including PTV Sciences, Canepa Advanced Healthcare Fund, L.P, Amkey Ventures LLC and TriVentures. Cardiva was presented the prestigious Frost & Sullivan Entrepreneurial Company Award, which recognizes entrepreneurial excellence in the U.S. angioplasty and vascular closure device markets.
About Opelousas General Health System: Since 1957, Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality health care through its strong commitment and high standards. Central to the success of OGHS's commitment for excellence is the presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists and other personnel who provide professional treatment in a caring environment. Serving as the region's referral medical center, OGHS is a 241-bed, full service medical center, and the area's most comprehensive community health care facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art technology. Visit us at http://www.opelousasgeneral.com
About Cardiovascular Institute of the South: Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is the largest single specialty cardiology practice in Louisiana. CIS cardiologists represent nearly every specialty in heart and vascular medicine. CIS is a world-leader in preventing, detecting, and treating cardiovascular disease. The institute offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with specialized medical professionals trained in nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, prevention services, and lipid management, as well as interventional cardiovascular procedures. CIS is also world-renowned for making significant advancements in the development of non-surgical treatments to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). CIS has earned international acclaim as a leader of research, development and education. Dr. Walker is chairman of New Cardiovascular Horizons, the largest medical education meeting of its type. With a team of more than 525 dedicated members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care to communities throughout Louisiana, as well as national and international patients, at its 16 clinics. CIS consistently positions itself at the forefront of technology by providing the most up-to-date technology coupled with compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 32 years of service to south Louisiana. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit http://www.cardio.com.
Deanna LeJeune, Opelousas General Health System, http://www.opelousasgeneral.com, +1 337-948-5170, [email protected]
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