Getinge Launches New "Harvesting Heroes" Campaign In Collaboration With APACVS To Recognize Healthcare Professionals In Heart Surgery

WAYNE, N.J., June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Getinge Group announced today the launch of a new campaign in collaboration with the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery (APACVS) called "Harvesting Heroes." The campaign recognizes healthcare professionals in the field of cardiac surgery and celebrates 20 years since the endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) technique was pioneered. EVH is performed for patients during coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG, or "bypass surgery") and is done by takingor "harvesting"a healthy blood vessel from the leg or forearm via a minimally invasive procedure, which is then used to bypass a blockage in the patient's heart.

"We are very excited to collaborate with Getinge Group through 'Harvesting Heroes' to acknowledge healthcare professionals across the country who are helping patients every day and giving back to the community," said Steven M. Gottesfeld, PA-C, APACVS Vice President and Board Member, Cardiac Surgical Physician Assistant, Sharp Rees Stealy Medical Group, Division of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego.

EVH 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. Today, nearly all U.S. hospitals are performing EVH, with more than two million procedures completed worldwide since the technique was first introduced in 1996. EVH is performed in the operating room by a harvester, who is typically a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, surgical or medical assistant.

"It takes an entire team of healthcare professionals to perform bypass surgery," said Ed Cueto, RN, BSN, CNOR, RNFA, Senior Cardiac Surgical Assistant with MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. "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."

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 $20 to the American Heart Association, the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.

"We want to recognize and thank the healthcare professionals who have contributed to the 20 years of EVH and give back to those who help save patient lives day in and day out," said Raoul Quintero, President of the Americas at Getinge Group. "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."

To learn more or to nominate a "Harvesting Hero," visit EVHheroes.com.

Getinge Group's Maquet brand has been at the forefront of EVH technology for the past two decades, engineering nearly a dozen advances and new product generations in partnership with clinicians to make the procedure easier, faster, and more protective of the harvested blood vessel -- ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

About Getinge Group

Getinge Group is a leading global provider of innovative solutions for operating rooms, intensive-care units, hospital wards, sterilization departments, elderly care and for life science companies and institutions. With a genuine passion for life we build quality and safety into every system. Our unique value proposition mirrors the continuum of care, enhancing efficiency throughout the clinical pathway. Based on our first-hand experience and close partnerships, we are able to exceed expectations from customers improving the every-day life for people, today and tomorrow.

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SOURCE Getinge Group