Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, has received approval from the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to establish an emergency percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) program, which will enable the medical center to perform cardiac primary angioplasty. The approval for PTCA was made possible following the medical center’s submission to the state of one year of data indicating its expertise and success in performing cardiac catheterization on patients at high risk for heart attack.
Cardiac angioplasty or balloon angioplasty is a procedure that involves a balloon tipped catheter that is inserted into a blocked artery that provides blood flow to the heart. This is a common treatment for coronary artery disease. The balloon is inflated, expanding the artery and increasing blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed. What is also important about Riverview’s ability to now perform angioplasty is that it also enables Riverview-affiliated interventional cardiologists to use stents. A stent is a medical device that is attached to the angioplasty balloon. As the balloon is expanded, the stent is forced against the artery wall. When the balloon is deflated, the stent remains in place, acting as a scaffold that helps keep the artery open.
Riverview’s primary angioplasty program will be targeting acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients only. These patients are heart attack victims who would otherwise be receiving thrombolytics (clot busters) e.g. TNK. Multiple research studies in the United States and in Europe have shown that performing an immediate angioplasty on AMI patients instead of administering thrombolytics has resulted in much better outcomes for these patients.
The availability of this advanced cardiac procedure at Riverview, in most cases, will allow patients suffering from heart attack to receive the most advanced treatment at the Medical Center without the need to transfer to another facility.
Dr. Anthony A. Fiorilli, of Freehold Township, a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), attended Academy 2003 Dallas, the annual AAO meeting Dec. 4-7 in Dallas. Highlights of the meeting, whose theme this year was "The Future in Sight: Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice," included almost 300 hours of continuing education courses, scientific presentations and an exhibit hall with more than 240 booths. More than 3,000 optometrists, vision care professionals, vision scientists and optometry students from around the world attended the meeting.
Professionals who become fellows of the academy must complete a rigorous candidacy process. Candidates must submit extensive written work and also pass an oral examination, both of which must be approved by a panel of leading optometrists and vision scientists. According to academy President Thomas L. Lewis, AAO fellows "constantly strive for the highest professional standards," and annual AAO meetings "are recognized as presenting the latest in research and information on patient and vision care."
Fiorilli, who graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park, practices in Howell and is the president of AAO’s New Jersey chapter. This year, his chapter awarded $24,250 in scholarships, endowments and grants to optometry students who reside in New Jersey.