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Speeding up getting up to speed

From the beginning, we believed that a simplified system could reduce the lengthy EVH learning curve. Some existing harvesting systems have been shown to require 100+ cases to properly learn; we felt we could improve upon that. And the last several years have proven us right.

During that time, customers across the US have shared countless success stories as they convert to Venapax. We have developed and honed an easily adoptable and reproducible process through thousands of test cases, and those learnings are available through several training opportunities.

Based on clinical experience and customer feedback, the greatest success comes when institutions fully commit to adopting Venapax versus trying it sporadically. Getting day in, day out experience with Venapax rapidly increases comfort level and efficiency, which dramatically accelerates the leaning curve.

To ensure your success, we offer the following training opportunities:

BENCH TOP

Matt Petrides PA-C in conjunction with Saphena Medical, has developed a bench top simulator that enables the user to mimic the actual movements during a case. From hand mechanics to the dissection and branch ligation process, this simulator gives a virtual experience as close to real as possible. What’s more, the simulator is easy to reload and allows for repeated practice cases to increase familiarity and to master hand positions prior to use in an actual case.

CADAVERIC COURSES

At select venues within the US, Saphena Medical holds EVH & ERAH courses which include a combination of didactic and video presentations along with practice on the bench top model and cadaveric tissue. Course proctors have many years experience teaching EVH/ERAH, and the reasons they’ve switched to Venapax will be evident throughout.

ON-SITE CADAVERIC COURSES

Saphena is also able to bring the course to your institution. We arrange with your team to bring the didactic, video and cadaveric portions of our training to your hospital at a time when it is most convenient for you.

All training options are focused on helping customers gain the valuable experience and comfort they need to be prepared for that first case and beyond. We focus not only on surgical technique but also on building a team approach to training that incorporates the harvesters, their cardiac teams and administrators.

Venapax and our training programs will always evolve based on the voices of our customers and our collective field experience. We are dedicated to making every harvest experience with Venapax a productive and exciting experience.

"I have been very happy with the quality of the veins that our first assistants have been able to harvest with Saphena’s device. It provides us with a quality vein comparable to what we used to see with open vein harvesting.”

– Geoffrey R Cousins, MD, Cardiac Surgeon at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, WV.

“We have been able to compare Venapax to the other devices and have found less trauma to the vein during harvesting. I have seen less bleeding during harvesting as evidenced by less bruising or hematoma formation post-operatively. I am very happy with this system and prefer it for all of my patients requiring EVH."

– Nepal C Chowdhury, MD, Cardiac Surgeon St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington, WV

"The more cases I do the better the vein graft looks. I never have to repair anything, just tie branches."

– Eric Ping, ACNP

“The quality of the vein is more pristine with fewer avulsions and fewer thermal burns as compared to the other systems we have trialed.”

– Dr. Scott Schubach, Chairman of Cardiac Surgery, NYU Winthrop Hospital

"Since learning to use the Saphena Venapax system, my vein quality is consistently better than with any other device I have used in the last 20 years. "

– Matt Petrides PA, Manager, Cardiothoracic Surgery

This is a true minimal-touch instrument. The integrated design allows for simultaneous dissection and ligation of the branches as you move down the tunnel.

– Michael Sullivan PA-C

"The ability to dissect with minimal distortion of the vein while providing long branches decreases the risk of unseen intimal damage. I have observed excellent vein quality and no leg wound issues with the use of Venapax.”

– Dr. Steven A Leyland

"Venapax is producing the highest quality conduit I’ve seen in my years of cardiothoracic surgery. It reduces venous compression and traction, resulting in less endothelial damage, therefore enhancing graft patency. "

– Aaron Amburgey PA-C

“Since we first began using the simplified method of vein harvesting with Venapax, I have noticed a significant decrease in the learning curve of our new and inexperienced vein harvesters. "

– Dr. Scott Schubach, Chairman of Cardiac Surgery, NYU Winthrop Hospital