The recently remodeled Cardiac Catherization Laboratory at the James Family Heart Center – located at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Prescott – caps a multi-year plan to expand needed cardiovascular services to the community.
“It’s exciting to see it this come together,” says Lauren Weedon, RN, MSN, Director, Cardiovascular Services at Dignity Health, YRMC. “Our most recent Cath Lab renovation includes top-of-the-line technology and the highest-quality imaging equipment available. This means our physicians use the most advanced tools to make important decisions as they care for our heart patients.”
These latest generation imaging tools not only produce precise images of the heart, they also accomplish that with the lowest radiation dose possible. Additionally, the new Cath Lab is fully integrated, meaning all aspects of any procedure take place within the Lab.
“Today, we have a total of three Cath Labs, two for cardiac needs and one focused on structural heart needs,” Weedon explains. “They are all equally equipped and together they have allowed us to introduce many innovative procedures. Patients in any of our three Cath Labs receive the best available on every front: technology, safety, equipment and, of course, our amazing team.”
Planning for this latest Cath Lab was a team effort that included input from Cardiovascular Services staff members and Dignity Health, YRMC physicians. Those professionals also collaborate daily on the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that take place in the Cath Lab, including:
- Diagnostic angiography
- Peripheral angioplasty (opening of blocked arteries)
- Right and left heart catheterization
- Right and left ventricular digital angiography
- Stent implants and grafts
“Our Cath Labs are considered to be the best of the best,” says Weedon. “With our third Cath Lab on board and our talented team, we’re focused on growing our excellent Heart Program for the people of our community.”
Submitted by Yavapai Regional Medical Center