Perfusion Insider Fall 2015

Medtronic Opens European Experience Center in Kerkrade

Patient Simulation Sessions teach risk management to perfusionists and new cardiac surgeons using Califia and Orpheus Simulation Systems.

Medtronic celebrated the official opening of its European Experience Center (EECK) in Kerkrade, Netherlands, on Nov. 7, 2014. Medtronic representatives from Europe and the United States attended the opening, which included a series of educational sessions, followed by a facility tour and dinner.

"The new EECK supports our goal of improving patient outcomes after surgical or medical treatment by giving clinicians the latest product and therapy information," said Christiaan Matheve, Medtronic Training and Education Manager, ECT, Europe and Canada.

The ECCK was designed to enhance visitor learning and interaction with areas dedicated to experiential learning using simulation, communications, hands-on workshops, and social contact. Training programs cover products and therapies and provide time for peer-to-peer discussions. The design was a cross-continental, collaborative effort and will be supported by all members of the European marketing team.

To facilitate visitor engagement, the EECK includes:

  • An overview of Medtronic's Rethinking Blood Conservation Initiative, a multi-modality approach to blood conservation to improve patient outcomes and reduce the financial burdens of blood-use complications
  • A continuous loop presentation of upcoming perfusion activities (Congress dates, educational course dates, dinners, etc.)
  • A library with internal and external resources
  • A guest book with personal testimonials
  • Hall of Fame
  • A website highlighting EECK activities

The EECK will offer numerous educational programs for both beginners and advanced practitioners, including:

  • Flow Physiology: A two-day course on the physics of flow dynamics. Blood management and perfusion techniques are discussed with hands-on sessions and a factory tour.
  • Cannulae: A one-day course reviewing the importance of cannulae, their role in improving blood management, how to choose the right cannula for patients, flow/pressure curve interpretation, hands-on sessions, and a factory tour.
  • Perfusion School: A two-and-a-half-day course for perfusionists in-training that covers flow physiology, custom-pack training, and EBCP exam preparation.
  • Custom Packs: Covers drawing-to-pack and pack-to-drawing, a clean-room visit, optimizing custom packs, and alternative package possibilities.
  • Patient Simulation Session: Focuses on risk management training scenarios and cardiac OR team problem solving. Geared toward perfusionist and new cardiac surgeons.

For information on these and future training programs, contact your Medtronic representative.

"Training and education are the cornerstones of the Medtronic strategy for giving clinicians the essential knowledge and skills to best serve patients today and in the future," noted Matheve. "We are excited to help improve patient outcomes by making this new European Experience Center available to customers and employees to enhance their knowledge."

The EECK classroom supports didactic sessions, as well as peer-to-peer discussions.