Special Report (3): Mitigating Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain

Most references to musculoskeletal pain suggest they are best treated by identifying and treating the cause of the pain. But what if the cause of pain is work-as-usual for cardiovascular professionals in the Cath Lab?

In our special report series we've already discussed the recent research that showed non-physician Cath Lab personnel reporting more musculoskeletal pain due to interventional procedures involving radiation. We also shared pieces from Dr. James Goldstein's editorial on the subject, discussing the importance of the issue and suggesting ways to advocate and educate. We're also planning on discussing new technological applications that allow cardiovascular professionals to avoid radiation during procedures.

But in this piece, we'll take a lighter look at ways to mitigate musculoskeletal pain including stress reduction techniques and some alternative approaches.

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Special Report (2): Advocating and Educating about Work-Related Pain in the Cath Lab

Last Thursday, we discussed the ground-breaking study that found non-physician Cath Lab personnel reporting more work-related musculoskeletal pain. Today we'll discuss editorial comments from Dr. James Goldstein in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and explore ways to advocate and educate about work-related pain from procedures involving radiation in the Cath Lab.

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Special Report (1): Non-Physician Cath Lab Personnel Report More Work-Related Pain

More to come: this ground-breaking study shows that non-physician Cath Lab employees, ACVP members, are more likely to experience work-related pain. Stay tuned by subscribing to the ACVP blog via email with the option on the side bar. We'll bring you more information about the study and new technologies that might help you avoid radiation and pain in the Cath Lab.

Results of a survey released in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that non-physician Cath Lab employees reported higher levels of musculoskeletal pain.

According to the study conducted via the Mayo Clinic Survey Center, factors association with increased work-related pain included

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Impella RP Approved, Impella CP Devices Continue Roll-Out

Pictured: Impella CP.

Cardiovascular technology has been all over financial news recently as Abiomed's Impella CP roll-out continued to be strong last quarter and their Impella RP (Right Percutaneous) system received FDA approval under a Humanitarian Device Exemption.

The Impella devices, tiny heart pumps introduced via catheter by the femoral artery, allow cardiovascular professionals to support the heart in a minimally invasive way, avoiding open heart surgery in many cases. The devices mark a significant advancement in cardiovascular treatment for patients with extreme surgical risk.

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