Southeast Kansas residents suffering from cardiovascular disease will soon benefit from new state-of-art technology at Via Christi’s heart center, officials say.
The remodeled catheterization lab, which replaces the center’s current x-ray imaging equipment and cost nearly $1 million, is designed to provide multiple views of a patient’s heart and coronary arteries.
“We are very excited to have this new cath lab up and running,” said Wes McDaniel, Heart Center director. “During the two months of construction we were able to utilize a mobile cath lab to continue the services for the community and the patients we serve, but this new system upgrade will definitely make a difference in what we are able to do.”
The new equipment also records the images and information digitally on a computer, which doctors say will allow for faster file sharing among physicians and care centers (Via Christi does not perform open heart surgery).
“If we have transfer you to anothr hospital, like Joplin, for open-heart surgery, the doctor can view your file through computer,” McDaniel said. “It’s much quicker than sending it along on a CD.”
Doctors also say the upgraded machines are more efficient and are safer for patients.
“The new system significantly advances our ability to provide diagnostic and interventional care to our patients. We are able to perform procedures much more efficiently, which not only saves time, but is better for our patients and staff,” said Dr. Ali Hammad, cardiologist, Heart Center medical director. “The quality of the images are much more precise so we do not need as much radiation. This in turn will allow for lower radiation exposure to patients and staff.”
Residents in the southeast Kansas region suffer a higher-than-average incidence of cardiovascular disease in the state, according to Centers for Disease Control statistics. McDaniel said the ballooning heart disease rate could most likely be attributed to poor diet and genetics.
“We hope this helps us define more clearly cardiac disease in Pittsburg and the surrounding counties,” McDaniel said.
Via Christi’s heart center opened in 2003.
PITTSBURG —
