Gore Launches Web Site for Ultimate SAAAVE Public Awareness Campaign

March 30, 2010—W. L. Gore & Associates (Flagstaff, AZ) announced the launch of  www.ultimatesaaave.com, a new Web site that will serve as an enhanced patient resource in the Ultimate SAAAVE (Screen Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Very Effectively) awareness campaign that Gore sponsors in conjunction with the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).

According to the company, the Web site is intended to empower patients with information about the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for AAA. SAAAVE is a congressional law that allows for the reimbursement of screening for AAA in the general public if performed as a part of the Welcome to Medicare Exam. The Ultimate SAAAVE site provides information about the Medicare AAA screening benefit and answers questions and concerns commonly raised by those affected by AAA. In addition, the site also includes a screening physician directory.

Gore stated that the new Web site will help educate the public about AAA and will encourage people to participate in AAA screenings for early detection of the disease. The new site consists of many patient-focused features, such as a patient education video, AAA procedural animation, screening and treatment information, frequently asked questions, and a physician directory of more than 550 doctors in the United States who offer AAA screenings.

Jim Craig, who won an Olympic gold medal in 1980 as the goalie of the United States “Miracle on Ice” hockey team, remains the spokesperson for this campaign. Having lost his father to the disease, Mr. Craig is committed to educating the public and urging those who have smoked, are older than 65 years, or have a family history of AAA to understand the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for the condition. Craig travels the country raising awareness of the condition and urges people to take advantage of the reimbursement available to qualified patients enrolling in the Medicare system.

“The SVS is pleased to continue our support of screening for AAA in general and through the SAAAVE act in particular,” commented Clem Darling, MD, chair of the SVS communications committee. “Vascular health continues to move toward the forefront of public attention. The Ultimate SAAAVE Web site will help disseminate information to the public so patients can make informed decisions about AAA.”