New device helps support heart's blood-pumping duties
Individuals who buy Plavix can reduce their risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack, two major health concerns that affect millions of Americans each year.
Individuals who buy Plavix can reduce their risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack, two major health concerns that affect millions of Americans each year. Recently, a new device designed to improve blood circulation and pressure in high-risk patients showed improved outcomes compared to the traditional balloon pump treatment. These findings were presented at the 2011 Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions in Baltimore, Maryland.
The device decreases the heart's workload, helping the organ pump blood and increase blood pressure in critical situations, such as after having a heart attack. For years, intraaortic balloon pumps have been used for this purpose. The new tool is small enough to be inserted like a catheter through the groin and has been shown to be more effective than standard treatment.
"As percutaneous coronary intervention advances, we're increasingly able to treat sicker patients, but often those patients have great strains on their hearts and need extra blood support," explained study author William O'Neill.
He added that the new device is small enough to be inserted directly into the heart, leading to effective management of blood circulation throughout the body.
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