
Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville and Valley Baptist-Harlingen have unveiled new state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories, featuring the “Innova 3100 Optima imaging suite”, to serve Valley patients who need a variety of heart and vascular and interventional procedures, including peripheral (leg) exams.
At Valley Baptist-Brownsville, the new “combo lab” allows physicians to do both heart and peripheral cases, and offers 3-D rotational capability so that the doctor can look at lesions from a three-dimensional view. The new cardiac catheterization labs offer state-of-the-art digital imaging, allowing physicians to view angiograms with amazing detail and precision. The new equipment allows physicians to do more procedures, with less radiation. Additionally, upon completion of a case, images can be accessed by the doctor and viewed elsewhere, such as in an operating room suite. All of these factors represent advances which can benefit patients and physicians.
Along with the new cardiac catheterization lab, Valley Baptist-Brownsville has renovated its Cath Lab Recovery area, which adjoins the lab. The Cath Lab Recovery area now has increased cardiac monitoring capability, as well as improved privacy and comfort for patients. Valley Baptist’s program combines technological advances with highly-specialized nursing and technical staff, who have multiple years of experience. Valley Baptist continues to show its commitment to serving the community by keeping its systems and services on the cutting edge of imaging and monitoring technology.
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 565,000 people suffer a new heart attack and 300,000 experience a recurrent heart attack each year. Men and women can reduce their risk of coronary artery disease by working with their doctor to address risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise). For more information, consult your physician and visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.