By: Robert Remler
William C. Scott, MD, chairman of Winthrop's Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, employed the FDA-approved device called the Symmetry Bypass Aortic Connector to attach a healthy vein graft to a diseased aorta. The sutureless mechanical procedure, which rerouted blood around blockages in the major artery that feeds the heart, took seconds - compared to the five-to-10 minutes it usually takes to complete similar attachments with stitches. The Aortic Connector, produced by St. Jude Medical, Inc., is a star-shaped rivet constructed of Nitinol, a unique material long used successfully in cardiovascular applications. Experts in the field are hailing this revolutionary technology and technique as the beginning of a new era in heart surgery, which could ultimately enable surgeons to perform bypass surgery less invasively and with fewer risks. "The grafts take less time to complete, making the entire experience more patient friendly," Scott said. "It also eliminates the need to put a clamp on the aorta, which can reduce the risk of neurological side effects that are often linked to cardiac surgery."The new technique uses a delivery system involving a long, slim tube that carries the replacement vessel. One end of the tube has a cutting mechanism that makes a smooth-edged round hole in the aorta. After cutting the hole, the tube is inserted into the aorta, placing a portion of the vein on the inside of the artery. The surgeon then pushes a button at the other end of the tube, deploying a tiny web of wires that unfolds and forms the Aortic Connector that joins the two vessels. The opening between the two channels is immediate, and when the tube is withdrawn, it leaves a strong link between the vessels with no bleeding at the juncture. "This is only the first of a whole raft of devices that will make it possible to perform cardiac surgery less and less invasively, and make the operation safer and more effective," Scott said, "and Winthrop will continue to be at the cutting edge of these new developments. For more information about the sutureless cardiac surgery or Winthrop's other advanced cardiac care programs, call the Winthrop Institute for heart Care at (800) 443-2788 or visit winthrop.org.
Mercy honored by Department of Health
Mercy Medical Center recently received high honors from the New York State Department of Health. Several Mercy employees attended a special presentation on New York State's Commitment to Patient Safety. The event was held to honor healthcare institutions who were being recognized for their efforts in the area of patient safety. Mercy submitted a report for a medication error reduction program, including some of the steps Mercy has taken to reduce medical errors in our Cancer Care Unit. The 100 percent error-free level in chemotherapy (when the drugs have gotten stronger and the number of patients have increased) proved the efforts have worked, showing Mercy's ongoing commitment to quality care for patients. When providing the keynote address, DOH Commissioner, Dr. Antonia Novello explained that all of the applications went to a panel of experts at Johns Hopkins University. The applications were unmarked, making them unidentifiable and preventing favoritism Two winners were selected and seven other hospitals, including Mercy, the only Long Island hospital, received an honorable mention. Mercy was included in the ranks of New York Presbyterian, Albany Medical Center and the Hospital for Joint Diseases. Vincent DiRubbio, Mercy's president and CEO, who was presented with the plaque from Dr. Novello said, "We couldn't have done it without our dedicated employees. I am so proud of what our staff does each and every day."
