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Crossroads' New Structural Heart program: Atrial trans-septal puncture techniques
Brussels, Dec. 7, 2011 - Crossroads has developed an exciting new program for practicing physicians who perform or plan to perform trans-septal punctures. Atrial trans-septal puncture is a technique used for different interventions and indications, guided by different imaging techniques: Fluoroscopy, TEE and ICE. Through interactive discussions and presentations, different topics will be covered in the program: anatomy of the Fossa Ovalis, indications and contra-indications, devices, techniques, complications and tips-and-tricks. This one-day program is organized with Prof. Dr. Vahanian (Bichat Hospital, France) as program chair, and will be conducted under the scientific auspices of Prof. E. Eeckhout – Switzerland. The program comes to Crossroads as of february 2012. Program dates for 2012 are: February 9, March 8, April 12 and June 14, 2012.
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Abbott Opens State-of-the-Art Medical Training and Education Center in Shanghai
Shanghai, Oct. 26, 2011 – Abbott announces the opening of the China Crossroads Institute, a state-of-the-art training and education center in Shanghai. This institute is the latest addition to Abbott's medical education network of Crossroads training facilities in Brussels, Tokyo and Johannesburg. The Crossroads Institute provides multidisciplinary training in coronary, endovascular and structural heart interventions for healthcare practitioners in a number of specialties to benefit their patients with vascular diseases. It represents Abbott’s commitment to advancing patient care.
"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in China and is one of the most critical public health issues we confront today," says Dr. Run Lin Gao. "Physicians must improve their knowledge and master the latest technologies to treat patients with heart disease. The Crossroads Institute will play a role in enhancing the quality of medical training and education for many health care professionals in China."
The programs feature opportunities for intensive learning and exchanging experiences with peers and experts, including hands-on experiences using technologies such as 3-D models and state-of-the-art imaging equipment. Curricula are developed by an independent advisory board of leading physicians and renowned faculty members. The programs are held in small group sessions and taught by international faculty.
Nearly 1,000 health care professionals and instructors are expected to participate in training sessions in China in 2012.
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Panama hosts very first Latin American Crossroads Bifurcation Lesions Program
August 23th 2011 - Panama was the first country in Latin America to pilot a Crossroads Medical Education Program 
on ‘Management of Coronary Artery Bifurcation lesions’. Crossroads collaborated with the Medical College of Panama and local Abbott Vascular and distributor organizations to offer a three day training program to eighteen Panamanian interventional cardiologists. This resulted in CME accreditation of the program by the Medical College of Panama, making it possible for interventional cardiologists to get certified in Panama.The Crossroads program, similar to programs organized at the Crossroads Institute in Brussels, focused on treatment of patients with complex bifurcation lesions. Recognized experts in treatment of bifurcations such as Prof. Dr. G. Stankovic and Prof. Dr E. Ribeiro, shared experiences with delegates, including patient case discussions and practical hands-on exercises. Crossroads hybrid flow models were made available to ensure the hands-on exercises allowed participants to focus on important technical aspects of procedures. One of the participating physicians explained spot-on: “Our highly experienced faculty guided us through the world of advanced patient treatment. It was a great experience to be able to work with guidance of these experts.”
4-EH-5-1240-01 07/2011