Medtronic, Inc., a global leader in medical technology, has announced the opening of its first therapy and procedure training centre (TPTC) in India. Located at north Usman Road, T Nagar, Chennai, the centre will provide hands-on training to cardiologists on implanting devices for the management of life threatening cardiac problems such as arrhythmias, heart failure and coronary artery disease using a simulator-based virtual catheterization lab (VCL). Additionally, the centre's state-of-the-art classroom and programmer lab will provide training to cardiologists on the programming and follow-up management of these devices.

In a recent report in The Lancet, by 2010, 60 per cent of the world's heart patients will be in India. The majority of these patients will suffer from cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and coronary artery disease. Implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and coronary stents play a major role in the treatment of these life-threatening conditions. The practice of implanting these cardiac device therapies is complex and requires highly specialized and technically skilled practitioners.

The TPTC in Chennai has been set up to fulfil Medtronic's commitment to helping ensure that physicians are adequately knowledgeable and skilled to safely and effectively implant device therapy for patients with heart rhythm disorders, heart failure and coronary artery disease. The centre aims to provide cardiologists with: Tailored, peer-to-peer training courses on implantable cardiac device therapies that cover the most recent advances in patient diagnosis, device functioning; Implantation technique and follow-up management of patients with device implants; Practical hands-on experience on device implantation techniques in a fully equipped virtual cardiac catheterization lab; Hands-on experience in the programming, follow-up and troubleshooting of implantable devices using a simulation set-up comprising virtual patients, live devices and a device programming system

Joon Hurh - Medtronic's regional vice president said, "Medtronic has always encouraged training and education as part of its activities to enhance therapy access to patients who can benefit. The therapy and procedure training centre in Chennai is an example of effective training and education used by the company worldwide." He further added, "We have several TPTCs around the world and they host several thousand cardiologists and healthcare professionals, helping to ensure safe and effective use of Medtronic's highly innovative therapies and devices."

"As more people around the world are in need of implanted medical devices like pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD's) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, so too is the need growing for well-trained clinicians to care for these patients," said Milind Shah, MD, Medtronic India. "India has a small number of electrophysiologists (50 nos.) that implants high end implantable devices like CRT's & ICD's to manage heart failure and reduce mortality due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Medtronic is committed to increasing this number in India so that physicians are able to deliver these therapies effectively to more and more patients who need them".

The use of simulators is quickly becoming a standard approach to Medtronic training programs. First introduced by Medtronic in 2003, Medtronic's unique Virtual Cath Labs with state-of-the-art simulator technology provides a safe way for physicians to develop the skills and confidence to implant devices - and for other health professionals to better understand the implantation process.

Medtronic's simulators allow clinicians to practice device implant procedures using a system that emulates the look and feel of actual patient cases. The simulators enable clinicians to attempt realistic implantation procedures using virtual fluoroscopic images and guidewire and catheter deployment. Multiple computer-generated case studies that were developed with consultation from physicians reproduce the physiology of actual patients and, with various levels of difficulty, take users through life-like patient implant scenarios. The simulators are designed to provide a safe environment in which to learn new techniques while avoiding complications and minimizing costs.