Who We Are
The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is an overarching institute coordinating all cardiovascular science research, education and patient care within both the Calgary Health Region and the University of Calgary. The LCIA has 150 research and clinician members, and coordinates the activities of 1,500 individuals in Southern Alberta. It serves a population of over 1.6 million people in Southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Eastern British Columbia.
An interdisciplinary team of Libin Cardiovascular Institute members led by AHFMR Investigators Dr. Paul Fedak, Cardiac Surgeon, and, Dr. Kathryn King, nurse researcher, are on the verge of revolutionizing cardiac surgery. A brand new procedure developed at the Institute uses Kryptonite™ adhesive, a biocompatible polymer, to bring together the breastbone after sternotomy. "We can now heal the breastbone in hours instead of weeks. Patients can make a full recovery after surgery and get back to full physical activities in days instead of months," reports Dr. Fedak.
The possibilities of having cardiac surgery patients be off of all pain killers within days has resulted in immense international interest. In response, Dr. Fedak has traveled extensively training surgeons across the globe in his new technique. The potential savings to global healthcare systems resulting from fewer prescriptions and, in particular, shorter hospital stays could result in hundreds of millions of dollars in savings annually.
Coverage of this story has been picked up by international media ranging from ABC News and The US Daily to the Zimbabwe Star and the Times of India. To read additional coverage including video news clips, visit our blog.
Libin Life - hot off the press!
Libin Life Volume 2, 2009 available now!
Read the Newsletter
Blogging allows for reader participation - submit your owns stories and leave comments on those posted by others.
Recent Stories Include:
JACC Lists Libin MRI Breakthrough as 2009 highlight
In their January 26, 2010 edition, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has made special mention of MRI research conducted at the Stephenson Cardiovascular MR Centre.
Libin members, Dr. Kathryn King and Dr. Hude Quan, co-principal investigators, were successful in landing a four year Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant in the CIHR’s most recent round of funding.
Libin Institute Bash 2010 - Cardiac Royale
The event will be taking place February 27, 2010 and will be an unforgettable night with a fun money casino, prizes, a live
band, and great food! This is open to all staff and members of the Libin Institute - for information on how to purchase tickets click here.
Stephenson Cardiovascular
The Stephenson Cardiovascular MR Centre at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is a diagnostic facility dedicated exclusively to Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR).
As a donor, your gift helps improve the quality of cardiovascular wellness, clinical care, research, and education in Southern Alberta and beyond.
