Boston Scientific Launches Pelvic Floor Institute™ To Expand Physician Training For Urology And Women's Health Procedures

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 30 Apr 2010 - 15:00 PDT

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Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announced the launch of the Pelvic Floor Institute™ -- a unique training forum and online resource designed to enhance physician knowledge and awareness of pelvic floor reconstruction procedures and techniques.

By 2050, the number of women in the United States with urinary incontinence is expected to increase 55 percent to 28.4 million, while women with pelvic organ prolapse will rise 46 percent to 4.9 million(1). The Pelvic Floor Institute is designed to provide physicians with practical training in a hands-on laboratory setting to address the growing need for treatment of these conditions. In its first year, the Pelvic Floor Institute plans to host lab training sessions featuring expert anatomical instruction using an innovative hemi-pelvis cadaver that offers improved detail of internal structures and organs. The Institute will also offer a dynamic online resource to facilitate peer-to-peer support and communication beyond the clinical setting.

"Today's pelvic floor procedures require a more in-depth understanding of female pelvic anatomy and the specific techniques critical to successful outcomes," said Dennis Miller, M.D., Medical Director, Milwaukee Urogynecology, Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, Milwaukee, WI. "Use of the hemi-pelvis cadaver offers a major advance in training for pelvic floor reconstruction, allowing unprecedented visualization of internal structures not available in other lab settings."

The Pelvic Floor Institute website complements the hands-on lab experience by offering online tutorials, case studies, coursework and editorials on contemporary topics. Physicians can customize their online learning experience with specific training modules that match their educational needs and prepare them for cadaver lab instruction. The website also enables physicians to connect with leading experts in the field.

"We are pleased to introduce and support this innovative training forum that will benefit physicians and their patients," said John Pedersen, Senior Vice President and President, Urology and Women's Health Division at Boston Scientific. "The Pelvic Floor Institute facilitates a continuum of physician training that will broaden the understanding of treatment methods for pelvic floor disorders, ultimately advancing the quality of patient care."

For additional information and to review the 2010 Pelvic Floor Institute™ hands-on cadaveric lab schedule and available online educational materials, visit http://www.pelvic-floor-institute.com.

About Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

When the muscles of the pelvic floor are damaged or become weak - often due to childbirth - one or more of the pelvic or abdominal organs may drop (prolapse) below their normal positions, causing symptoms including discomfort, pain, pressure and urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor reconstruction consists of several surgical and minimally invasive procedures to restore the normal structure and function of the female pelvic organs. The expertise and skill of the physician is extremely important in these procedures.

"Forecasting the Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disorders in U.S. Women: 2010 to 2050. "
Wu JM et al.
Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Dec; 114(6): 1278-83.

Source
Boston Scientific

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