ABBOTT PARK, Ill, Oct. 26, 2011 – Abbott today announced the opening of the China Crossroads Institute, a state-of-the-art training and education center in Shanghai, China. The Crossroads Institute provides training in coronary, endovascular and structural heart interventions for physicians in a number of specialties to benefit their patients with vascular diseases. This institute is the latest addition to Abbott’s global network of Crossroads training facilities and represents the company’s commitment to advancing patient care in China.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in China and is one of the most critical public health issues we confront today,” said Run Lin Gao, M.D., Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. “As the rates of key risk factors for cardiovascular disease – high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity – continue to rise in China, the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease also are increasing. 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.”
Heart disease affects more than 230 million people in China, and is linked to about 2 million cases of heart attack, 7 million cases of stroke and nearly 3 million deaths every year.[1] Within the next 20 years, rates of heart disease and associated deaths in China are projected to significantly increase due to a rapidly aging population and the continued rise in the rates of major risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.[2]
“Through the Crossroads Institute, physicians in China will have the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience using the most advanced tools and techniques available today for the treatment of vascular diseases,” said Yong Huo, M.D., president-elect, Chinese Society of Cardiology. “It represents a unique opportunity in China to learn from globally recognized experts. With Crossroads, the hope is to make high-quality training available to a broad group of physicians, in the cities and in the rural areas, to help advance patient care throughout China.”
The Crossroads Institute offers unbiased training courses in coronary, endovascular and structural heart interventions to interventional cardiologists, radiologists, neurologists, vascular surgeons and other health care professionals. These courses feature opportunities for intensive, hands-on experiences using technologies such as 3-D models and state-of-the-art imaging equipment. Course curricula are developed by an independent advisory board of leading physicians and renowned faculty members in China. The courses are held in small group sessions and taught by Chinese physicians and invited international faculty. Nearly 1,000 health care professionals and instructors are expected to participate in training sessions in 2012.
“The inauguration of the Crossroads Institute in China is a significant milestone that demonstrates Abbott’s commitment to supporting high-quality medical education and training, with the ultimate goal of improved patient care in China,” said Robert B. Hance, senior vice president, vascular, Abbott. “In the coming months, we plan to explore additional opportunities to partner with key agencies and organizations in China to further medical training in the country.”
Crossroads, the Abbott Vascular Education Network, is an international medical education and knowledge initiative sponsored by Abbott that has provided leadership in interventional medical education since 2000. Crossroads is the first medical learning program of its kind, established to advance the open exchange of information among health care professionals about cardiac and vascular care. Abbott’s Crossroads training facilities are located in Brussels, Tokyo, Johannesburg and Shanghai.
About Abbott Vascular
Abbott Vascular is a global leader in cardiac and vascular care with market-leading products and an industry-leading pipeline. Abbott Vascular offers a comprehensive cardiac and vascular devices portfolio, including products for coronary artery disease, vessel closure, endovascular disease and structural heart disease.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott’s news releases and other information are available on the company’s Web site at www.abbott.com
