Cincinnati (June 10, 2015) – The Christ Hospital is the only hospital in Ohio chosen to participate in the Abiomed Mobile Learning Lab program, offering a highly-interactive learning experience that will help experts at Greater Cincinnati’s Heart Hospital continue to transform care and provide exceptional outcomes to area patients.
The Mobile Learning Lab will provide education to hospital staff on a new technology currently used by cardiac experts at The Christ Hospital, the Impella heart pump— one of the most innovative and minimally-invasive heart technologies currently expanding treatment options.
“This technology is beneficial for patients in need of certain heart procedures, but at high surgical risk due to a weakened heart, said Eugene Chung, MD, medical director of The Carl and Edyth Lindner Heart Failure Treatment Center at The Christ Hospital. The pump is inserted into the heart through a catheter and assists the pumping function of the heart. Acting almost as an artificial pump, it provides temporary support that allows us the time we need to perform life-saving treatments such as opening blocked arteries.”
The traditional procedure for opening a blocked heart artery limits normal heart function to about 10% or less. With the Impella pump in place during the procedure, physicians are able to open up the blocked artery while maintaining excellent circulatory support and adequate blood flow to the heart and body.
Impella 2.5, the World’s Smallest Heart Pump manufactured by Abiomed, is a percutaneous (through the skin) heart pump that offers hemodynamic support for patients during certain heart procedures including coronary interventions and advanced heart failure procedures. The Impella heart pump family has supported over 25,000 patients in the United States.
The Mobile Learning Lab offers cardiologists, nurses and cath lab staff at The Christ Hospital a convenient opportunity to learn about the Impella® platform. The Mobile Learning Lab contains various Impella simulators, animations and key information, which are all presented by a team of Abiomed trainers.
“Innovative treatment options and specialized expertise are key reasons why The Christ Hospital’s heart and vascular care is known throughout the region,” said Michael Schwebler, executive director of heart and vascular services at The Christ Hospital. “It is extremely unique this educational opportunity is being delivered to our door, enabling our physicians and staff stay up-to-speed on life-saving healthcare solutions without having to travel or take time away from caring for patients.”
The Abiomed Mobile Learning Lab will be on-site at the hospital’s Mt. Auburn campus on Wednesday June 10 to from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The media is invited to tour the lab during its visit to The Christ Hospital. For more information on parking details or to schedule an interview, contact Kendall Herold at 513-585-4900 or
Kendall.Herold@TheChristHospital.com.