 Armc Heart Institute To Open New Cardiac Catheterization And Rhythm Center |
 |
 |
 AtlanticareAtlantiCare is a regional healthcare organization based in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, whose more than 4,580 employees serve the healthcare needs of the community at more than 60 locations. It includes AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC), the AtlantiCare Foundation, AtlantiCare Health Plans, AtlantiCare Behavioral Health and AtlantiCare Health Services. ARMC earned J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital designation for the third consecutive year for its commitment to providing “An Outstanding In-patient Experience,” in July, 2006. ARMC became the 105th hospital in the nation to attain status as a Magnet™ designated hospital in March of 2004. |
| View all articles by Atlanticare |
The Heart Institute at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s (ARMC) Mainland Campus expanded its cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology capabilities with the opening of its new $20 million Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center Monday, February 16.
The 20,000 square-foot Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center will feature five cardiac catheterization labs – three catheterization labs, one dedicated to electrophysiology and one (swing lab) for catheterization or electrophysiology. As the region’s only cardiac surgery program providing emergency angioplasty 24 hours a day, ARMC is expanding and enhancing its services to meet the growing needs of the community, including the most complex cardiac issues.
“Heart disease and stroke are leading killers of Americans,” said Howard Levite, MD, medical director of the Heart Institute at ARMC and of ARMC’s Catheterization laboratories. “We are committed to investing in superior technology and enhancing the environment in which we provide care to diagnose, treat and manage heart disease and related health issues. ARMC’s new Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center is a testament to that commitment.”
About the medical capabilities
ARMC’s Heart Institute team uses cardiac catheterization, angiography, angioplasty, valvuloplasty, septal closure devices, intravascular ultrasound, pressure wires and stents to diagnose and treat coronary artery blockages, valve disease, holes in the heart and carotid artery problems. The Electrophysiology Team inserts permanent pacemakers and defibrillators; performs tilt table tests and does cardiac electrical mapping and ablation procedures. ARMC’s Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center was designed to not only enhance ARMC’s cardiology program, but also its overall cardiovascular surgery program.
About the technology
ARMC’s Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center’s diagnostic and interventional technology will include rotational angiography for three-dimensional views of blood vessels for patients up to 550 pounds.
“Imaging detail is two to four times better than previous technology, while X-ray equipment emits less radiation than ever before,” said Karen Carlson, RN, clinical director, Invasive Cardiology, Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC).
This allows the cardiac catheterization team to see the entire cardiovascular system if necessary, during a single procedure. For example, if a patient has heart failure or resistant high blood pressure, we might want to check kidney arteries in addition to his or her heart.” Carlson said eliminating the need for multiple procedures enhances the safety and quality of the patient’s care.
About the Team
The catheterization team consists of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, technicians and radiology technologists. Howard Levite, MD, medical director of the Heart Institute at ARMC, works in conjunction with diagnostic and interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and subspecialists from Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Ocean, Burlington, Camden and Somerset counties and Philadelphia and New York to provide expertise in dealing with the wide variety of patients who require our services.
About the facility
ARMC’s Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center is designed for patient privacy and comfort. It will offer 16 private patient bays to allow patients to be prepared for their procedure and to recover with minimal transfers. Direct, dedicated elevator transportation between the Cardiac Catheterization & Rhythm Center to the cardiac operating rooms will decrease patient transport time for urgent or emergency surgery. This facility offers patients all of their cardiac care needs in one location and adds to the overall continuum of care from diagnostics to surgery. Artwork from regional artists is in every patient bay, hallways, at nursing stations and in other areas based on research showing arts contribute to healing. AtlantiCare has committed to dedicating one percent of all new construction costs to the healing arts.
- By Atlanticare
- Community
- Published 03/10/2009
