Jun-02

Gene therapy often seems to be part of a far-off future. In invasive cardiology, however, what appears to be part of the future is often here before we know it. Collateral Therapeutics, one player in a growing field of companies, promises that gene therapy in the cath lab is coming soon, and that the results could be noteworthy. CLD talks with Cleland Landolt, MD, cardiac surgeon and director of cardiovascular business development, about what his company hopes to accomplish in patients with cardiovascular disease. Cath lab professionals from all over the country joined in a discussion on cross-training during the past month. Most labs that responded in our Email Discussion Group are indeed cross-trained, but not fully, and many, due to state or hospital regulations, are prohibited from allowing any professional other than RNs from administering medication. One participant noted, I trained in a lab that was fully cross-trained, but it was started that way. Our lab began with staff roles being designated based on credentials and I think it is tough to come into an existing situation and change. Other labs felt time itself was a prohibitive factor to a real focus on cross-training. The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) continues their quest to highlight prominent members of the invasive cardiology profession. This month, we talk with Thomas Salerno, who’s been in ‘the business’ for 22 years, and has some good stories to tell. Enjoy! Rebecca Yospyn Managing Editor CathLabDigest@aol.com 248-360-2777