UH Samaritan Celebrates 100th heart catheterization
Significant upgrades were made to University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory in 2022, often referred to as the cath lab. The upgrades were completed in order to provide better images during procedures with less radiation exposure for both patients and staff. These changes have improved patient outcomes and patient safety.
The cath lab was able install a Philips Azurion system. Images from the Azurion system show on a large screen so doctors have a high quality view as they complete each procedure. As UH Samaritan cardiologists have utilized the updated, state of the art equipment, another milestone was reached recently. Kevin Wininger, R.T. (R)(CT)(CI), UH Samaritan cath lab tech II, discusses this milestone.
100th real-time heart exam
"UH Samaritan Medical Center and the Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute celebrate the 100th real-time, live-action heart exam performed collectively this year by Dr. Luis Dallan, M.D. and the institute’s area director Dr. Yulanka Castro, M.D. Typically, atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease obstruct heart vessels slowly over time to starve the heart of oxygen, but abrupt ruptures of the atherosclerotic plaque can cause life-threatening emergencies. In fact, coronary artery disease affects more people than cancer and different types of lung diseases combined.
'We use highly specialized equipment, such as wires and catheters, to safely and effectively examine the heart to look for blockages in the coronary arteries at the hospital’s newly renovated Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory,' said Dr. Dallan, who added, 'Physician-specialists within our University Hospitals network can evaluate any complex cases of blockages that we find. This approach often saves patients from having to undergo by-pass surgery.'
Hospital leadership ensured that the most sophisticated imaging system made its way to Ashland.
'We have the flagship unit built by medical manufacturer Philips Healthcare,' said Dr. Castro, 'I use it to diagnose and treat a whole range of cardiovascular diseases. Also, we perform specific procedures to assess the working relationship between the heart and the lungs.'
As for preventative care, the doctors emphasize that taking medications properly, stopping smoking, and adhering to suggested exercise and diet recommendations deters the progress of coronary artery disease, especially when patients have diabetes. What’s more, participants in Samaritan’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation programs build confidence to exercise at safe levels with suitable activity. The motto of the team is exercise is medicine. Shirley Irvine, R.N., the program’s clinical coordinator, says that 'even low-level exercise activities, such as walking, can lower blood pressure in a safe manner. Most importantly, we have an educational component to help empower patients.'
Another vital aspect of heart care found at UH Samaritan is the management of patients with pacemakers and defibrillators – overseen by Dr. Shashank Jain, M.D. In addition, Samaritan’s Radiology Department conducts various cardiovascular imaging exams using specifically designed CT scanners that set a high bar of performance.
Guided by the experts at the Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, UH Samaritan’s core commitment to area residents promotes heart-health science for heart-healthy lifestyles."
For an appointment with one of our expert providers in UH Samaritan’s Cardiology department call 419-289-9800 or visit uhhospitals.org.
Christina Vanderpool is a Community Outreach RN with University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory continues to serve patients
