Bryn Mawr Hospital Named Center of Excellence for “Cool” Laser: Hospital Recognized as a Major Training Center of Excellence in

Two interventional cardiologists at Bryn Mawr Hospital are among the nation’s leaders in performing and training other physicians in advanced laser treatments for coronary and peripheral artery disease. Dr. Antonis Pratsos and Dr. Sean Janzer have performed more than 100 procedures using “cool” excimer laser technology — bursts of ultraviolet light — to dissolve, or ablate, blockages in arteries. According to Colorado-Springs based Spectranetics, makers of the only excimer laser approved in the United States, Europe and Japan, Bryn Mawr Hospital is a leading center nationwide and is uniquely offering a joint peripheral and coronary training program, and providing coronary instruction. Since August 2007, Drs. Pratsos and Janzer have trained more than 50 cardiologists from as far away as California, South Dakota and Puerto Rico. On Thursday, June 26, 2008, during a presentation ceremony, Spectranetics President and CEO John G. Schulte recognized Bryn Mawr Hospital and its cardiac catherization lab as a Center of Excellence in Excimer Laser Ablation Therapy. Dr. Pratsos was also recognized for his devotion to improving patient care by offering innovative, effective, minimally-invasive laser based treatment options. Dr. Pratsos has also participated in clinical trials related to advancing the use of laser technology as a treatment modality for peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease. On accepting the award on behalf of the hospital, President Andrea Gilbert thanked the physicians and staff for their dedication to developing their expertise in emerging technologies and sharing their knowledge to train other physicians. “Their commitment to this Center of Excellence will provide more patients throughout the country with the highest quality of care in coronary and peripheral artery diseases,” said Ms. Gilbert. “If left untreated, these conditions can lead to heart attacks or loss of limbs. Unfortunately, many people overlook the symptoms as part of getting older and don’t seek medical attention. We hope this recognition will increase awareness of these diseases and that the best medical treatments are offered right here in our community.” Established in 1893, Bryn Mawr Hospital is a 300-bed licensed non-profit acute-care teaching hospital.

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