Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta

News

January 24, 2012

Cardiovascular diagnostics now open at South Health Campus
With SHC Diagnostic Imaging now open at Calgary’s new south hospital, cardiovascular diagnostics got a huge boost with the addition of a new 3-Tesla Cardiac MRI machine which is now in full operation this month.
Read more here

December 17, 2012

Rehab gym at Foothills helps VAD patients strengthen before heart transplants
There are currently nine patients on Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) in Calgary. The VAD gym program, operated by Alberta Health Services, helps them strengthen and keep strong while they’re on the waiting list for a healthy heart.
Read more here

November 27, 2012

Minimally invasive heart valve procedure an Alberta first
In an Alberta first, local cardiac specialists are now repairing leaky heart valves using a minimally invasive procedure that reduces hospital stays, speeds recovery and leaves smaller scars. Ten patients have already undergone minimal-incision aortic and mitral valve repair since the procedure was first performed on May 30 at the Libin Institute.
Read more here

November 16, 2012

Study shows cardiac health of Albertans improving
Heart health in Alberta is getting better due to improved medical treatment, increased fitness and better eating habits. In a paper, co-authored by Dr. Merril Knudtson and Dr. McMurtry of the University of Alberta, in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, analyses show decreases in rates major cardiac procedures in the province.
Read more here

October 22, 2012

Libin at Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC) 2012
We are proud to be returning as a Gold-Plus sponsor supporting this year’s CCC, October 27-31, in Toronto, ON. Visit us at Booth 723 in the Community Forum and don’t miss these presentations and sessions by Libin researchers, clinicians, staff and trainees.
Read more here

September 28, 2012

Dr. R. Michael Giuffre, Alberta Medical Association's new president
Dr. R. Michael Giuffre, a pediatric cardiologist and Libin member, is the new 2012-13 president for the Alberta Medical Association. He practices at the Providence Pediatric Clinic in Calgary and is a clinical professor of cardiac sciences and pediatrics at the University of Calgary.
Read more here

September 21, 2012

Dr. Eldon R. Smith gets top honour from Alberta Medical Association
Receiving one the highest honours from the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), Dr. Eldon R. Smith receives The Medal For Distinguished Service for his contributions to medicine. He was instrumental in establishing Calgary as one of the strongest cardiology centers in Canada.
Read more here

September 20, 2012

Dr. Todd Anderson and Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn inducted as Fellows to The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta director Dr. Todd Anderson and Libin member Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn are among the three faculty members from the University of Calgary/a> who have been inducted as fellows to The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) this fall. They are recognized for their demonstration of leadership, creativity, distinctive competencies and a commitment to advance academic health science.

August 18, 2012

Run for Libin at Calgary Energizer Night Race on August 18
Light up the night and run a 5K or 10K race around North Glenmore Park as the sun sets! Funds raised will go to the Calgary Health Trust in support of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.

July 20, 2012

CIHR awards research grants to Libin members
Libin members represent 30 percent of all successful University of Calgary applicants for recent CIHR funding. Congratulations to Drs. Brenda Gerull, Wayne Chen and Wayne Giles. Specifically, Gerull receives her grant on her first application, a memorable feat and noteworthy achievement.

July 16, 2012

6th Annual Canadian Transplant Games Held on July 16-22
Currently, there are more than 4,000 Canadians on transplant waiting lists. From July 16-22, the Canadian Transplant Association is hosting its 6th Annual Canadian Transplant Games in Calgary, Alberta. In support, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is sponsoring the event as a Silver Level sponsor.

June 29, 2012

Dr. Merril Knudtson appointed Member of the Order of Canada
On June 29, Dr. Merril Knudtson was named a Member of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honour. He is in the company of 42 new appointments, including former Alberta premier Ralph Klein and Lois Mitchell, who were also named members by Governor General David Johnston.

May 22, 2012

New Study to Explore Cardiovascular Disease and Schizophrenia Link
A new research study by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the University of Calgary is examining why people with schizophrenia develop cardiovascular disease earlier, and are less likely to recover, than people without this mental disorder.

Read the press release
Read the Calgary Herald article
Watch the Global TV video

2012

Dr. Anne Gillis named new president of Heart Rhythm Society
As the 34th president of Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Dr. Anne M. Gillis is the second Canadian ever chosen to helm the prestigious HRS.

Read the more

December 2, 2011

New Research Director and Cardiology Chief
The Libin Institute is very pleased to introduce Dr. Imtiaz Ali to the team as Section Chief of Cardiac Surgery.

Read the memo

October 12, 2011

New Research Director and Cardiology Chief
The Libin Institute is very pleased to introduced Dr. Edward O'Brien to the team as Institute Research Director and Section Chief of Cardiology.

Read the memo

July 13, 2011

Libin to lead major international clinical trial
The Libin Institute's Professor Derek Exner is principal investigator for REFINE ICD, an international clinical trial, that will assess a method developed by Dr. Exner to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest and thus who could most benefit from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Government Press Release
Trial website

May 13, 2011

Energizer® Night Race(tm) to support Libin
On August 13, 2011, light up the night to raise funds for the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta at the Energizer® Night Race™, a night run that you'll never forget.
Read more

May 11, 2011

Libin Institute CMR Protocol Adopted World Wide: Millions Impacted by New Standardized Approach.
Read the press release.
The Protocol has been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology as its first ever White Paper. Lead Author, Dr. Matthias Friedrich was interviewed by the Editor-In-Chief of this very prestigious journal, Dr. Anthony DeMaria.
Watch the interview

April 5, 2011

AB wait times down for PCI and CABG

APPROACH and CSBC data confirm wait times for angioplasty and heart surgeries have gone down in both Alberta and British Columbia. Alberta same day angioplasty procedures rates increasing over two and a half fold from 33.9% to 87.3%.
Read the press release

March 8, 2011

Professor A. John Camm has been named winner of the 2010 Libin/AHFMR Prize in Cardiovascular Research. This prize is awarded once every two years to an outstanding international researcher whose work is deemed to have had a major impact on the understanding, prevention, recognition or treatment of cardiovascular disease and/or the understanding and promotion of cardiovascular health.

October 25, 2010

Many women missing out on the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation Read more...

October 25, 2010

New CVD guidelines and position papers Read more...

October 24, 2010

Kryptonite™ superglue improving the quality of life in heart patients recovering from open-chest surgery Read more...

October 21, 2010

A conference on practical implementation where the rubber hits the road October 21, 2010 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada Read more...

October 18, 2010

Libin Institute Sponsors Global Sodium Reduction Technical Meeting
Dr. Norm Campbell, Member of the Libin Institute, co-chaired a jointly convened World Health Organization (WHO) – Government of Canada meeting in Calgary Oct 18 - 20th.
Read the press release

July 1, 2010

Dr. Todd Anderson appointed new Director
Alberta Health Services, the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine and the Libin Institute Strategic Advisory Board have jointly announced the appointment of Dr. Todd Anderson to the position of Zone Clinical Department Head, Faculty Department Head for the Department of Cardiac Sciences and the Director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta. Dr. Anderson, a Professor of Cardiac Sciences and Medicine at the University of Calgary, was trained both in Calgary and at the Harvard Medical School where he was also an instructor. He is a Senior Scholar of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and Chair of the Scientific Review Committee of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Dr. Anderson is an internationally recognized expert in the assessment and treatment of endothelial dysfunction as well as CV risk factors. Read more.

July 1, 2010

Libin Director to Chair National Guidelines Committee
Dr. Todd Anderson, Director of the Libin Institute and Scientific Research Committee Chair for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, has been selected to Chair the 2012 CCS/ Canadian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

May 13, 2010

A pioneer of Interventional Cardiology in Canada, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta's Dr. Merril Knudtson, Professor of Cardiac Science and Medicine, was admitted into the Order of the University of Calgary (OTUC) at convocation on May 13, 2010. Read more...

February 4, 2010

Recent Study authored by Libin Trainee Alka Patel along with co-authors Dr. William Ghali and Dr. Merril Knudtson highlights the full spectrum of PCI access across the country. PCI access ranges from 24/7 in Calgary, which has the nation's lowest heart attack rate, to other regions which have limited access to the treatment. Read the press release

November 12, 2009

Libin Revolution in Cardiac Surgery
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. Read more...

September 3, 2009

Dr. D. George Wyse, Chair of the Libin Institute's International Experts Advisory Committee, speaks to David Gray of CBC Radio's Homestretch Program about a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study reports results of an international clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of the drugs Warfarin and Dabigatran (Pradaxa) in patients with atrial fibrillation. Dr. Wyse Co-Chaired the Data and Safety Monitoring Board for this trial. Listen now

July 24, 2009

World Action on Salt and Health (WASH), an international group of experts and stakeholders, has released a report showing that some products sold in Canada have more salt relative to the same products sold in other countries. Read more

June 2, 2009

The Libin Institute cut the ribbon on the opening of a new research floor in the Health Research Innovation Centre, which includes the Marlene and Don Campbell Family Cardiac Research Laboratory; the King Family Experimental Arrhythmia Laboratory; and the Derek H. Haworth Laboratories. Read more

June 1, 2009

During the opening, a $1.5 million donation from AstraZeneca Canada was announced. The donation is being directed to a new Chair in Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Libin Institute.Read the press release

May, 2009

Construction is progressing in the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) and the Teaching Research Wellness Building (TRW) both located at the Foothills Hospital Campus. View recent photos

April 30, 2009

Important Deadlines for the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress: Call for Abstracts deadline submission is April 30, 2009. For scientific presentation at the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Edmonton! Submit online at www.cardiocongress.org.

April 30, 2009

Call for Workshop Proposals deadline submission is April 30, 2009. An interactive forum with topic experts! Submit online at www.cardiocongress.org.

April 30, 2009

Call for CCS Award Nominations deadline submission is April 30, 2009. Recognizing excellence in the cardiovascular community! View award criteria and submit a nomination

April 16, 2009

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta would like to recognize: Dr. Anne Gillis, Professor of Medicine, a scholar of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and the Medical Director of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, who wrote an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine on the topic of Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers for Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation. Read more

April 20, 2009

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is proud to welcome: Dr. Jac Tu, MD, MSc, PhD, FRCPC as the next ER Smith Visiting Professor. He will be presenting rounds on Monday April 20th, 2009 from 8:00 - 9:00am. Get more details

March 19, 2009

We were proud to host volunteers of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT, and Nunavut for our annual Research Lab tours. This was a wonderful opportunity for the Libin Institute to showcase the amazing work that the HSF supports.

March 2009

Construction continues on the Health Research Innovation Centre. View the following updates:
December 2008
November 2008
September 2008
August 2008

February 2009

Libin Member Dr. Sarah Weeks talks about Women and Heart disease, listen to the podcasts:
1. Risk Factors and how to prevent heart disease
2. How the Statistics stack up
3. The Red Dress Campaign

February 25, 2009

Libin Institute's Dr. Eldon R. Smith delivers Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan (CHHS-AP) to the Canadian Government. Congratulations to Dr. Eldon Smith, Chair of the CHHS-AP Steering Committee, and other Libin Institute members who participated: Dr. Norm Campbell, Dr. William Ghali, Dr. Jonathan Howlett, and Dr. Merril Knudtson. Read related University of Calgary article, or visit the CHHS-AP website for the reports.

February 25, 2009

Libin Institute Board Member, George Gosbee, recognized by World Economic Forum
Each year, the World Economic Forum recognizes young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world. This year’s forum recognized 230 individuals from around the world, including a select 7 from Canada, out of a pool of over 5000 candidates.
Click here for press release

February 24, 2009

National Heart Strategy Points to Libin Institute - Libin Institute STEMI program cited nationally as best practice.

February 16, 2009

Dr. William Ghali wrote an editorial for the February 16, 2009 edition of the British Medical Journal (BMJ)

February 9, 2009

Dr. Norm Campbell Wrote an editorial for the February 9, 2009 edition of Hypertension

February 3, 2009

Canada a world leader in treatment and control of high blood pressure: fewer Canadians dying and being hospitalized.
Libin Member, Dr. Norm Campbell is the lead author of the study published in the February 1, 2009 edition of Hypertension - Journal of the American Heart Association. Photo credit Bruce Perrault.
Click here for press release
Click here for accompanying photo

February 2, 2009

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta's Dr. Sarah Weeks was recently interviewed by Global TV Calgary's Michelle Schurman. In the interview, Dr. Weeks describes the potential value of C-reactive protein testing.

January 26, 2009

Improving your heart health for life. This online Interactive Session with Libin member Dr. Ellen Burgess took place on January 26, 2009. Click here for a recording.

January 21, 2009

Libin Member Dr. Todd Anderson comments on hypothermic therapy - interview by CTV's Karen Owen. Visit our blog for story and link to the interview

January 16, 2009

The Libin Institute was proud to host, Dr. Valentin Fuster, recipient of the Libin / AHFMR Prize for Excellence in Cardiovascular Research. Click here for photos and follow up of Dr. Fuster's visit!

January 6, 2009

Cardiovascular Disease is the number one killer for women, Libin Member, Dr. Sarah Weeks,
comments on woment and heart disease. Watch video now.

January 2009

CMR Centre Journal PodCast now available online

The CMR Centre has also added recent publications.

December 17, 2008

Heart Attacks Spike During the Winter
Libin Member, Dr. Norm Campbell comments about detection and prevention.

December 9, 2008

Family day @ the Oval was an incredible success with over 300 people in attendance from the Libin Institute and our Partners. Click to view photos.

December 9, 2008

Foothills takes the lead, Libin Member, Dr. J. Rothschild is leading a new evolution for patients with pacemakers.

November, 2008

The Libin Institute is proud to congratulate Dr. George Wyse, who is a recent recipient of the Annual Achievement award of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

November 4, 2008

We are also proud to recognize Dr. Hendrik ter Keurs who has reached a significant milestone in being a scientist funded through the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research for 25 years!

September 25, 2008

The Libin Institute is proud to recognize significant milestones reached by members of the Department of Cardiac Sciences!

July 23, 2008

New patient navigators improve access to cardiac care (read Government of Alberta press release)

July 15, 2008

Foothills Medical Centre Adopts Newest Technology for the Removal of Pacemaker Leads: The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is the first in Canada to bring the clinical advantages of Mechanical Lead Extraction to patients requiring pacemaker lead removal.

View Press Release

July 15, 2008

Zebrafish are helping researchers in Calgary study cardiovascular diseases: At the Libin Institute of Alberta, one molecular biologist uses Zebrafish, in the hopes of finding better ways of treating people with cardiovascular diseases - CTV News.

June 11, 2008

Study says: Dietary sodium contributes to 17,000 cases a year of stroke and heart disease in Canada. The study, produced by researchers at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary and Simon Fraser University, concludes that "reducing dietary sodium could dramatically improve the health of Canadians," says co-author Dr. Norm Campbell of the Canadian Stroke Network.

Canada.com Article

June 2, 2008

Hearts in the Right Place: the Cardiac Navigation Clinic helps Family Physicians connect patients with the right cardiologist in a timely manner.

Click here for more information about the Alberta Cardiac Access Collaborative

May 30, 2008

The Community and Partners Advisory Committee met on May 29, 2008 in the Health Research Innovation Centre.

May 23, 2008

Canadians' hypertension control improving, but more needs to be done.

May 19, 2008

Dronedarone safety, efficacy standings bolstered in huge atrial-fibrillation trial, Dr. L. Brent Mitchell, Director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta comments.

April 15, 2008

A new University of Calgary lead study shows doctors can quickly identify difficult-to-diagnose heart attacks with the help of MRI technology, speeding up treatment when time is at a premium.

April 14, 2008

Novel Insights: Doctors Now Can Directly See the Water Content of Recovering Tissue After an Acute Heart Attack.

March 31, 2008

David Lau, LCIA member and President of Obesity Canada, shares weight gain warning related to psychiatric drugs - Victoria Times Colonist

March 31, 2008

Cardiology Ward Holds Discharge Cup - Nursing unit 81 at the Foothills Hospital recognizes the value of the discharge lounge for patients...

March 7, 2008

Meet the faces of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta

Spring 2008

Could it be a Heart Attack? A Women's problem too....

February 22, 2008

Health Experts Want Canadians to Hold the Salt - Calgary Herald

February 15, 2008

Women's Heart Health: Libin Member Dr. Sandeep Aggarwal provides advice about heart healthy habits for women.

Body Fat Level linked to Rise in Cancer Risk

Reserachers Fear Fat is the New Tobacco - Calgary Hearald

February 14, 2008

Putting One's Heart to the Test - Calgary Herald

February 8, 2008

Fast Fat Facts: Libin Member Todd Anderson speaks about fats and your heart.

February 7, 2008

Putting Your Heart on the Line - Calgary Herald

February 4, 2008

Today: the Heart and Stroke - Calgary Herald

February 1, 2008

Worth the Hype: Hypertension Facts

January 18, 2008

Calgary Surgeons Complete Canada's First-Ever HeartNet Procedure - Global TV

Historic Heart Surgery - Calgary Herald

Calgary Doctors Perform Groundbreaking Surgery - CTV

Calgary Cardiac Team Performs First HeartNetT Procedure in Canada
Download the 3D HeartNetT Demo

December 12, 2007

Smokers at much greater risk of developing diabetes

December 4 , 2007

Cardiac arrest heart monitor exposes relapse risk

December 3 , 2007

Husky Energy makes a $1 million donation to the Stephenson Cardiovascular MR Centre

November 1, 2007

U of C research fellow wins Canadian Cardiovascular Society award

September 19, 2007

Libin Member Dr. Manns speaks about Nocturnal Dialysis (.wmv)

August 17, 2007

Wyse has finger on the pulse

Summer 2007

Silent Killer - High Blood Pressure

June 28, 2007

Hearts in the right place

Congratulations to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta members who were successful in the most recent CIHR competition: Hank Duff, Hude Quan, Doreen Rabi, Don Welsh, Xi-Long Zheng...

June 19, 2007