LITTLE ROCK (Nov. 2, 2017) – CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute will host a Mobile Learning Lab at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary on Nov. 13, giving health care providers an interactive, firsthand look at the world’s smallest heart pump and other innovative products used in cardiac care.

The mobile lab from device maker Abiomed trains clinicians on the Impella heart pump, a minimally-invasive device that aids patients during certain heart procedures.  From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 13, cardiologists, nurses, cath lab employees and others across central Arkansas have a convenient opportunity to learn about the Impella platform and how these heart pumps can be used for patients in critical need of cardiac support.

 The Nov. 13 event will be the Mobile Learning Lab's only stop in the state.

“This is a rare opportunity for clinicians here in Arkansas to learn more about one of the most innovative cardiology technology solutions available to patients,” said Marcia Atkinson, vice president of CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute. “Not only will this benefit CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute, others from across the state may also take advantage of this training event. The people of our community deserve the best therapies available, and this hands-on learning experience ensures we will be able to effectively use these devices.”

The Abiomed Mobile Learning Lab is a highly interactive, facilitated learning experience brought directly to the hospital. The lab contains various Impella simulators, animations and key information, all presented by a team of Abiomed trainers.

The Impella heart pump is a temporary device that assists the heart in pumping blood to the body’s vital organs, allowing it to rest and potentially recover. The Impella heart pumps are approved by the FDA to provide treatment during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, and in the emergent treatment of cardiogenic shock, a condition that typically occurs during or after a heart attack.

The Impella heart pump is the only therapy approved by the FDA as safe and effective for heart recovery in patients with advanced heart failure requiring Protected PCI, or patients in cardiogenic shock due to a heart attack.

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