In collaboration with Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery (APACVS), the Getinge Group has launched a new “Harvesting Heroes” campaign. The campaign seeks to recognise healthcare professionals in the field of cardiac surgery as well as celebrate 20 years since the endoscopic vessel harvesting technique was pioneered. The technique is used during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Through the “Harvesting Heroes” campaign, Getinge Group and APACVS are asking healthcare professionals to nominate one of their peers who have made a difference both inside and outside the operating room, focusing on those who support cardiac surgeons during bypass surgery. For each nomination, Getinge Group will donate US $20 to the American Heart Association.
Raoul Quintero, president of the Americas at Getinge Group, comments: “We want to recognize and thank the healthcare professionals who have contributed to the 20 years of endoscopic vessel harvesting and give back to those who help save patient lives day in and day out. Through our ‘Harvesting Heroes’ campaign, we are committed not only to celebrating those in the operating room, but also to ensuring the continued advancement of cardiovascular research through the donations provided to the American Heart Association. All you have to do is nominate a hero.”
A press release reports that endoscopic vessel harvesting has increasingly become the standard of care for bypass surgery given the significant clinical and cosmetic benefits without compromising long-term patient outcomes or safety. It adds that, today, nearly all US hospitals are performing the technique, with more than two million procedures completed worldwide since the technique was first introduced in 1996. It is performed in the operating room by a harvester, who is typically a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, surgical or medical assistant.
Ed Cueto, senior cardiac surgical assistant with MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Washington, DC, USA), says: “It takes an entire team of healthcare professionals to perform bypass surgery. The ‘Harvesting Heroes’ campaign spotlights those physician assistants, surgical assistants, medical assistants and nurse practitioners who are critical to ensuring the success of the surgery and providing the patient with the best outcome possible.”
See EVHHeroes for more information
