Archbold Memorial Hospital’s Loudermilk Heart and Vascular Center recently completed a partial renovation in the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab, as well as installation of new cardiac imaging and treatment technology.
Upgrades to the older cath lab included installation of large touchscreen monitors, new measurement tools and safety equipment, as well as updated floor and ceiling aesthetics and new lighting equipment. At the heart of the newly configured lab is the Innova™ IGS 520, a floor-mounted image-guided system that Archbold’s three interventional cardiologists will use for minimally invasive testing and to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease during cardiac catheterization procedures.
Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure during which a thin, hollow tube, called a catheter, is inserted into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart. During the procedure, the pressure and blood flow in the heart are measured, and an aspiration catheter, a balloon, or a stent, may be used to restore blood flow from a narrowed or blocked artery.
The new technology in Archbold’s cath lab will provide Archbold physicians advanced capability for visualization during emergency and sometimes life-saving procedures.
The technology, which boasts an advanced digital X-ray imaging system, helps physicians see extremely detailed, real-time images of the patient’s cardiac anatomy, and provides high image quality necessary for visualizing small vessels and devices within the heart when treating a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and cardiac valve abnormalities.
“It’s critical for us to see the anatomy very clearly while guiding catheters, stents and other medical devices through difficult to access areas in need of treatment,” said Chris Daniels, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Archbold Memorial Hospital. “The new equipment provides high-quality detailed images that help us perform delicate procedures.”
The IGS 520 also has a state-of-the-art digital detector that provides exceptional image quality at one of the lowest radiation dose levels. The system gives doctors the flexibility to balance radiation dose and image quality, helping minimize the radiation dose to patients.
“We are very excited about adding this technology to our cath lab,” said Alicia Lacy, Director of Heart and Vascular at Archbold. “This advanced system will help us to continue providing advanced, high quality cardiac care to the patients in our community.”
The newly renovated cath lab began operating at the end of January.
