|
 |
               |
July 2003 Heart Institute offering newest treatment for clogged arteries Patients in The Heart Institute at Sharon Regional now have an opportunity to receive the most highly anticipated medical product for treating clogged arteries. The CYPHER� Sirolimus-eluting stent, which is now available at The Heart Institute, recently received marketing approval by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The tiny metal stent is coated with a drug called Sirolimus, which is absorbed inside the blood vessel over several weeks after implantation by a cardiologist. The CYPHER� stent has demonstrated positive clinical results in eliminating tissue re-growth inside the artery, which can lead to re-blockage and potential repeat procedures. "We are entering a new era in the treatment of heart disease and it thrills us to be able to offer this advanced therapy to our patients and be the only hospital in Mercer County to use the new stent," says James Landis, Jr., M.D., Cardiologist and medical director of The Heart Institute. "The Heart Institute is committed to bringing patients innovative new technologies that have positive effects." The new, drug-coated stent is a turning point in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It has the potential to spare tens of thousands of patients the need for repeat angioplasties or bypass surgery. Patients treated with the new stent have a greater than 98 percent chance of avoiding a repeat procedure for the same vessel area---patients treated with conventional stents are four times more like to need re-treatment within the first year than those treated with the CYPHER stent. The new stent keeps the artery open while at the same time releasing the drug Sirolimus into the vessel wall. The drug reduces scar tissue from forming and re-blocking the vessel. "The availability of this new stent is one more benefit we're able to offer area residents who choose Sharon Regional for their heart care," adds Dr. Landis. Patients who come to Sharon Regional with chest pain or other heart attack signs have ready access to lifesaving angioplasty or open-heart surgery right here, close to home. No other hospital in Mercer County can provide this level of heart care. For more information on the Heart Institute at Sharon Regional, please call 724-983-3318 or 800-346-7997. |  |
|
