G
ENEPAINTING. RESEARCHERS at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, led by cardiac electrophysiologist
Kevin Donahue, have identified a gene that helps hearts beat normally. They've packaged that gene inside a virus and put that virus into a clear gel that's the consistency of toothpaste. When they paint the gel onto an animal heart — they use paintbrushes from an art supply store — the virus with the corrective gene works its way into the heart and, within hours, the heart begins to calm down. In about two days, it's beating normally again. MetroHealth researchers are perform-
ing the open-heart procedure on animal hearts now. But they've had such good results, they're talking to the FDA about trying it in humans during heart surgery, while they still have their chests open. A particular type of abnormal heartbeat called atrial fibrillation is very common after open-heart surgery; although often temporary, it can lead to complications including stroke, longer hospital stays and even death. Donahue hopes to have the OK to start testing the procedure in humans with atrial fibrillation in a couple of years. His team is also working on a refinement that won't involve cutting
open the chest. Instead, they hope to insert the brush through a pencil-thin opening, avoid the more invasive surgery and speed up recovery time. s
Source: Hospice Perception Study 2010 We want to change that statistic.
This is just one of the surprising statistics revealed by a nation-wide survey of physicians. And that's why Crossroads Hospice wants to help medical professionals understand more about hospice and how much patients and families can benefit. To do that, we've sponsored and published a variety of papers like the one written by Physicians Practice magazine: What Every Doctor Should Know About Hospice.
3 easy ways to get your free whitepaper. 1.Scan this QR code
2.Email info@CrossroadsHospice.com (subject line: Every Doctor)
3.Visit CrossroadsHospice.com/doc Fast, easy referrals: 888-909-6673 • CrossroadsHospice.com NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012 s MDNEWS.COM s MD NEWS Cleveland/Akron/Canton | 11
