A press release from the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, reaches a new low in an unfolding story of a medical device to consumer marketing hype:
The hit NBC medical drama “ER” will profile the newest advanced technology in the treatment of stroke on their Thursday, February 17 episode airing on over 350 NBC affiliates nationwide. By showcasing the Merci™ Retriever, the first device cleared by the FDA to remove blood clots from the brain in patients suffering from ischemic stroke, the popular drama will give viewers a sneak peek at technology now available at approximately 120 hospital sites across the nation as well as life-saving facts on stroke, which research indicates most Americans remain unaware of.
The “ER” segment is dramatized by guest star Cynthia Nixon, formerly of “Sex and the City,” who plays a mid-thirties mother of three who comes into the ER with an ischemic stroke…
Ok, the device might be the spiffiest medical invention ever (who knows?). But to attach your name and the reputation to this garbage of a press release is just low, for both the company and for the medical society. Do they really believe that people’s health care choices should be influenced by TV shows (if not what is the purpose of the press release)? By “Sex and the City” actresses? By network executives? Shame on ASITN and on Concentric Medical for allowing this to happen.
Concentric Medical, Inc. website…
ASITN website…
