NorthBay Heart and Vascular Center takes another step forward

Heart center takes another step forward
By Reporter Staff
Article Launched: 11/03/2008 01:01:16 AM PST

In another step toward opening the NorthBay Heart and Vascular Center next year, NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield will host the Boston Scientific Mobile Simulation Training Unit on Nov. 12 and 13 to provide state-of-the-art, hands-on education for its cardiac catheterization lab physicians and staff.

The Mobile Simulation Training Unit replicates a cardiac catheterization lab with realistic simulation technology that enables practitioners to explore new procedural solutions and to "perform" percutaneous coronary interventions in a risk-free environment. These procedures typically involve opening clogged arteries around the heart.

"Coronary artery disease affects approximately 11 million Americans and is the single leading killer of American men and women," says Diana Sullivan, NorthBay Healthcare cardiovascular service line director. "When our Heart and Vascular Center opens in 2009 we will be the first hospital in Solano County to offer the interventional cardiac care needed to save lives. The mobile simulation lab is training our interventional cardiologists and nursing staff on the latest technology to battle this deadly disease."

The Boston Scientific Mobile Training Unit is a 35-foot bus, complete with a pre-procedure patient briefing area, an area for performing interventions on a simulated patient named "Simantha" and a post-procedure metric evaluation computer station.
"This kind of simulation not only gives us a unique opportunity to learn new approaches to challenging cases, but also allows us to hone our skills and technique," Sullivan added. "Partnering with Boston Scientific enables hands-on training in the latest treatment methods to come right to our door, so it is accessible and convenient."