Interventional Cardiologists from across the region have learned new techniques that will immediately benefit Coronary artery disease and heart patients

Real-time sessions of PCI procedures equip experts with practical knowledge of innovative minimally invasive therapies

Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology and a major sponsor of the event, hosted a Tools & Techniques session showcasing new ground-breaking minimally invasive therapies for heart patients through live simulations

Dubai, UAE, 17 December, 2015 

The region's Coronary artery disease and heart patients are set to benefit as cardiologists from around the Gulf and Middle East leave an interactive two-day seminar with insight into the latest innovations in therapy following live practical demonstrations of these life-saving techniques.

The GulfPCR-GIM seminar is part of a global series that fosters the sharing of knowledge, experience and practice amongst healthcare professionals working in cardiology for the benefit of patients. This year's event was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai, from 16-17th December and featured a scientific program focused on the region's specific needs.

GulfPCR-GIM Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Al Rashdan, Kuwait Chest Hospital, said the event is highly regarded by clinicians because, unlike traditional lecture-style sessions, GulfPCR-GIM provides the opportunity to see new therapies and techniques in live demonstrations.

"Watching the procedures in real-time and having the chance to ask questions in a live setting teaches the cardiologists new skills that they take away with them and can start using in their own practice immediately," Dr Al Rashdan said. "This very practical approach really benefits patients," he added.

Medtronic [NYSE:MDT], the global leader in medical technology and a major sponsor of the event hosted a Tools & Techniques (TNT) session where the ground-breaking new Evolut-R transcatheter heart valve and the Resolute Onyx latest generation drug-eluting stent for coronary heart disease were showcased. These technologies are classed as minimally invasive therapies and mean patients can be treated without having to undergo major surgeries.

Dr. Khaled Al Merri, Chest Disease Hospital, Kuwait, who led the Tools and Techniques session, said knowledge of these advances in therapy was very important.

"Whenever possible it is better to avoid surgery as there is always a risk of complications," Dr Al Merri said.

"With these minimally invasive therapies we can provide the best care for our patients without requiring major surgery, which is particularly appropriate for those at higher risk," he said.

During the session, doctors learned how to implant the devices as well as gaining insight into the treatment of locally relevant complex scenarios. Medtronic also provided additional education sessions at the meeting's Training Village, which were very well attended.

Dr. Aref Al Nooryani, CEO and Cathlab Director at Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah UAE, who participated in the seminar and training session said GulfPCR-GIM attracts the top cardiologists from the region each year because of the true value it provides.

"This event provides direct access to the latest innovations in cardiac care through live demonstrations, presentations and case study discussions," Dr Aref said.

"This allows cardiologists to continue providing their patients with cutting edge therapies," he said. 

Mohammad Barhoumi, Vice President of the CardioVascular Group for Medtronic in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & Turkey said Medtronic's commitment to the region extends beyond providing lifesaving therapies to include critical services and solutions.  Medtronic offers state of the art, proven clinical value but equally important definite economic value for both public and private health care providers.

"In the case of GulfPCR-GIM, we have offered our full support to the organizers, faculty members and committee to ensure that we facilitate the highest level of training to cardiologists across the Gulf," Barhoumi said.

"In line with our Medtronic Mission to Alleviate Pain, Restore Health and Extend Life, we will continue to work further together with leading physicians and hospitals to ensure that  patients indicated for our therapies have the right level of access to get them." he said.

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About Medtronic in cardiology
In collaboration with leading clinicians, researchers and scientists worldwide, Medtronic offers the broadest range of innovative medical technology for the interventional and surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease and cardiac arrhythmias. The company strives to offer products and services that deliver clinical and economic value to healthcare consumers and providers around the world.

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 85,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

© Press Release 2015