Network to advance use of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and five other major U.S. heart centers, announced today that they will collaborate on the first U.S. multicenter analysis of therapeutic hypothermia’s impact on cardiac arrest survival. The six centers developed nearly 100 new cardiology-specific data points to be used by the International Cardiac Arrest Network’s (INTCAR) Registry and have joined the international organization in order to produce clinical data that will help guide treatment.
The announcement was made at the conference, Miracle on Ice, hosted by Minneapolis Heart Institute® this week. The conference provides a venue for physicians and hospital administrators to discuss best practice in therapeutic hypothermia and learn more about the INTCAR Registry. Learn about the conference at http://miracle2010.eventbrite.com/.
“With these cardiology updates to the registry we can assess and communicate worldwide outcomes from a far more comprehensive cardiovascular perspective,” said Michael Mooney, M.D., of the Minneapolis Heart Institute, who initiated his hospital’s therapeutic hypothermia program.
Sudden cardiac arrest disrupts blood flow to the brain, and survivors often suffer disabling or fatal brain damage.
“We will now be able to demonstrate to other cardiologists the benefits of using therapeutic hypothermia combined with early coronary angiography and intervention in those resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest,” said Karl B. Kern, MD, of the University of Arizona.
The new cardiology data points for more than 500 patients from the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital; University of Arizona; Lehigh Valley Health Network; Ochsner Medical Center; Vanderbilt University, and Maine Medical Center are being added to INTCAR’s database. Researchers will soon begin data analysis to determine how clinical course and neurological outcomes are impacted by treatments and their timing in those resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
“Therapeutic hypothermia is now considered a standard of care. However, many questions regarding optimal delivery of this treatment remain unanswered,” said John McPherson MD, Director of the Cardiovascular ICU at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Through use of a large registry we will be able to determine best use of this promising therapy, which may ultimately improve survival and patient outcomes.”
INTCAR is a joint venture of the Hypothermia Network, the Neurocritical Care Society, and the European Cardiac Arrest Research Network, and is the world’s largest registry of cardiac arrest survivors treated with therapeutic hypothermia. There is no cost to joining the registry, and interested centers can find more information at: http://www.hypothermianetwork.com/INTCAR.htm
Cooling has been shown to improve a patient’s chance of having a good neurological outcome after cardiac arrest.
Minnesota heart centers were early adopters of cooling, but Dr. Mooney says the therapy is underused nationally.
“Some cardiologists consider treating the patient only after they’ve demonstrated neurological function, but that’s too late for the best possible outcome,” he said.
About Minneapolis Heart Institute
Minneapolis Heart Institute® is recognized internationally as one of the world’s leading providers of heart and vascular care. This state-of-the-art facility combines the finest in personalized patient care with sophisticated technology in a unique, family-oriented environment. The Institute’s programs, a number of which are conducted in conjunction with Abbott Northwestern Hospital, address the full range of heart and vascular health needs. To learn more, go to mplsheart.com.
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