The new catheterization and electro-physiology (EP) laboratories in the Howard Keck Center represent a “quantum leap” in imaging capabilities over Saint John’s old laboratory facilities. “Instead of two labs, with a third in the old Radiology Department, we now have a four-lab unit, conveniently located on the second floor, for use by cardiologists, radiologists, vascular surgeons and electrophysiologists,” said Peter Pelikan, MD, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Saint John’s.
Two of the labs are designed for a smaller field of view for cardiac and electrophysiology procedures, while the other two are designed for imaging body parts other than the heart, such as the abdomen, kidney or leg.“Even more exciting than the increased number of labs is the improvement in image quality,” Dr. Pelikan added. “The new equipment produces perfectly crisp pictures. X-ray and digital images, including CT scans and MRIs, performed anywhere in the hospital, can be imported within seconds and reviewed on our monitors. This provides us with so much more data than we previously had access to, and ultimately results in more accurate diagnosis, more precise treatment, increased patient safety and improved outcomes.
"Another new lab capability is digital subtraction angiography. “We are able to take a picture, called a ‘mask,’ inject dye into an artery and then take a second picture. The computer then digitally subtracts everything in the mask from the second picture. What remains is a clear picture of the artery. The end result is a better image with much less dye injected into the patient,” explained Dr. Pelikan.“For various complex heart rhythm disorders, we perform catheter ablation—a procedure that destroys abnormal tissue. With our new technology, we can pinpoint the diseased tissue with greater accuracy and minimize the treatment area,” said Shephal K. Doshi, MD, Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing.
“Also, we often use cryoablation rather than radiofrequency ablation. Because we freeze rather than heat the tissue, the procedure is safer and usually painless. “I am particularly enthused about the labs being equipped with the latest in electroanatomical mapping and other forms of intracardiac imaging,” Dr. Doshi added. “We are part of a select group that will be the first to use this advanced technology.
Our labs will also be the first in California to use laser balloon ablation to treat patients with cardiac arrhythmia, and we will continue to be an international leader in implanting devices that reduce stroke and the need for blood thinners in patients with atrial fibrillation.”
Cath Lab Services
Cardiac catheterization, a technique in which a small, thin tube (catheter) is placed inside an artery and/or vein and then guided into the heart chambers by fluoroscopic guidance and X-ray
This procedure, performed in Saint John’s fully equipped digital catheterization lab, allows cardiologists to obtain vital information, such as pressure measurements, regarding heart and blood vessel function.
Endomyocardial biopsy, a procedure to obtain a small piece of heart muscle tissue for analysis under a microscope.
Coronary angiography, a procedure used to determine whether and to what degree the coronary arteries have narrowed and the exact location of the problem.
Angioplasty, a non-surgical procedure to open blocked heart arteries that is performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory by a specialized cardiologist.
Inpatient Care and Recovery
Saint John’s Health Center’s Heart Institute has moved its inpatient component into the new Chan Soon-Shiong Center for Life Services. The Heart Center’s world-class Critical Care Center now occupies the entire second floor of the CSS building.
The Center is designed to treat the seriously ill in a technologically advanced and patient-friendly environment that incorporates the latest advances in medical care. This new center helps Saint John’s provide unparalleled treatment for its cardiac patients, and our highly experienced critical care nurses are known for their extraordinary knowledge and exceptional compassion.