Bryn Mawr Hospital
Bryn Mawr Hospital Named Center of Excellence for "Cool" Laser

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During an awards ceremony on June 26, the hospital was recognized as a major training Center of Excellence in Excimer Laser Ablation Therapy.

Bryn Mawr Hospital and its Cardiac Catherization Lab were recognized as the country’s first Center of Excellence in Excimer Laser Ablation Therapy by Colorado-Springs based Spectranetics, makers of the only excimer laser approved in the United States, Europe and Japan. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Antonis Pratsos was also honored for being the most experienced user of excimer laser technology in the treatment and management of complex coronary disease. In photo from left: David Donnelly, Cath Lab Nurse; John G. Schulte, Spectranetics President and CEO; Andrea Gilbert, President, Bryn Mawr Hospital; Dr. Antonis Pratsos; Kyle Kramer, Vice President of Cardiovascular Services for Main Line Health; Courtney Shaw, Cath Lab Clinical Coordinator; and Mark Miller, Manager of the Cath Lab. Since 2007, Dr. Pratsos, along with Dr. Sean Janzer have trained more than 50 cardiologists from across the country using the excimer, or “cool” laser to produce bursts of ultraviolet light energy that can dissolve, or ablate, blockages in arteries and veins.

(Bryn Mawr, PA, June 26, 2008) – 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 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.

“Spectranetics’ excimer laser system continues to gain acceptance as a preferred treatment option for clearing blocked arteries,” said John G. Schulte, President and CEO, Spectranetics. “Dr. Pratsos and Dr. Janzer have made a commitment to ensuring that patients, in Bryn Mawr and across the country, suffering from peripheral and coronary artery disease receive the highest level of care. These efforts, and Bryn Mawr Hospital, deserve to be recognized and applauded.”

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.”

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About Spectranetics
Founded in 1984, Spectranetics manufactures and sells the only excimer laser approved in the United States, Europe and Japan for use in minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. This technology treats complex cardiovascular conditions by photo-ablating multiple lesion types into tiny particles that are easily absorbed into the blood stream. The Company’s disposable catheters use high-energy “cool” ultraviolet light to vaporize arterial blockages in the legs and heart, as well as scar tissue encapsulating pacing and defibrillation leaders. For more information visit www.spectranetics.com

About Bryn Mawr Hospital
Established in 1893, Bryn Mawr Hospital is a 300-bed licensed non-profit acute-care teaching hospital. The hospital’s orthopedic program, nationally recognized as a leader in total joint replacement, also offers expertise in cartilage restoration, sports medicine, osteoporosis, and treatment for hand, wrist, elbow, foot and ankle conditions. The Hospital offers a full range of cardiovascular care including cardiac surgery, cardiac catheterization and interventional services. Its Radiation Oncology Center provides the latest options in radiation therapy for treating cancer and participates in clinical research through a Community Clinical Oncology Program designation by the National Cancer Institute. Bryn Mawr Hospital is among the most experienced in the region in prostatectomy using the da Vinci®STM Surgical System’s robotic technology.

Other specialized departments include: a Comprehensive Breast Center; an inpatient pediatric unit with the expertise of Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children specialists and surgeons offered through the Bryn Mawr/duPont Children’s Health Program; a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; a Center for Reproductive Medicine; a Wound Healing Center, a Behavioral Health Unit, and Sleep Medicine Services. In July 2007, Bryn Mawr opened its new Bryn Mawr Hospital Health Center in Newtown Square. Bryn Mawr Hospital and its programs have been nationally recognized by HealthGrades, Press Ganey, Solucient and other healthcare ratings organizations.

Contact: Frieda Schmidt, 610-526-8298

Published:6-30-2008