ADVISORY/Experts Available to Discuss Heart Assist Devices As Heart Transplant Alternative.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2001

TOPIC: A new study suggests that so-called assist devices might be used as a
long-term solution for many of the estimated 100,000 Americans per year who
could benefit from transplanted hearts but cannot get them because of supply
shortages. One such device was found to double survival after one year and
triple it after two years even though complications such as mechanical
breakdowns and infections were a significant problem. Dr. Eric A. Rose of
Columbia University, the study's director, presented these results at the
annual American Heart Association's scientific meeting in Anaheim Monday and
will be published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, according to
The Associated Press. EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified
experts to comment on this story:

Mr. Brian FitzGerald is currently the director of Healthcare Consulting at Edgewater Technology, where he is responsible for expanding Edgewater Technology's presence in Healthcare information technology (IT). Mr. FitzGerald has over 15 years of experience as a healthcare professional/consultant with particular strength in relationship building between integrated delivery systems and physicians. Prior to joining Edgewater Technology, Mr. FitzGerald served as the Associate VP of a 52-physician multispecialty group, LeBauer HealthCare, PA (Greensboro, NC); VP/COO of the Baptist Heart Hospital (Lexington, KY); CEO of the 12-Physician Florida Heart Group, PA (Orlando, FL); VP of Cardiac Business Development with Columbia/HCA (30-hospitals, Central FL); and Executive Director of Cardiovascular Services and Clinical Research (Mid America Heart Institute-St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO). Mr. FitzGerald's e-consulting expertise has encompassed numerous engagements ranging from various medical device manufacturers, new e-patient charge systems, and reengineering projects for physicians. PR: Erin Boyle ([e-mail], 978/474-1900)

Dr. David K Roberts, MD, of Sacramento Heart & Vascular Medical Associates, is an expert regarding cardiological intervention. 916/830-2000, [e-mail]

Professor Karyn Kunzelman, of the University of Wisconsin, is trained as a biomedical engineer, and has been working on applications in the field of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery for the last 14 years. 608/246-8551

ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

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