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2010 FEATURE
St. Luke's state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab
State-of-the-art cardiac cath lab
Among the many milestones and accomplishments of 2010, St. Luke's was most proud of its new state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab. Funded in part by St. Luke's Foundation, the redesigned facility was developed with input from a team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, a nurse manager, cardiac care nurses and technicians.
Among the many milestones and accomplishments of 2010, St. Luke's was most proud of its new state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab. Funded in part by St. Luke's Foundation, the redesigned facility was developed with input from a team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, a nurse manager, cardiac care nurses and technicians.
The floor plan design streamlines workflow, creates consistency from room to room, and allows physicians and technicians to work together seamlessly and interchangeably. The remodeled lab also features a warm and inviting family room.
This project was made possible with support from St. Luke's, St. Luke's Foundation and the entire staff at St. Luke's Regional Heart & Vascular Center.
"It's truly among the most advanced cath labs in the nation. We now have the capacity to perform peripheral vascular interventions, coronary procedures and electrophysiology studies—all at the same time."
Lee Giorgi, MD, Cardiologist, St. Luke's
Regional Heart & Vascular Center
Expansion of Services
From a single cath lab dedicated to coronary interventions, the new space features three individual cath labs, sophisticated technology and workflow design, and vastly expanded capabilities. "It's truly among the most advanced cath labs in the nation," said cardiologist Lee Giorgi, MD, at St. Luke's Regional Heart & Vascular Center. "We now have the capacity to perform peripheral vascular interventions, coronary procedures and electrophysiology studies—all at the same time."
St. Luke's interventional cardiologist Scott Mikesell, DO, led the expansion of cath lab services into the peripheral vascular arena. "In order to support procedures like peripheral angioplasty, transradial access and peripheral arterial stenting, we needed to upgrade the current technology, software and X-ray equipment," said Dr. Mikesell. "Our new detector, for example, significantly enhances image quality and, at the same time, produces less radiation."
Framework for Collaboration
Julie Clark, nurse manager for cardiac services, was also involved in planning and development. Using her Lean (process improvement) training, Julie helped influence floor plan designs to streamline workflow and create consistency from room to room. "Open communication and collaboration were extremely important throughout the process," she said. "Before redesigning the control booth and storage area, we asked the staff about barriers that prevent efficiency and workflow." Their feedback influenced the end result: a space that allows physicians and technicians to work together seamlessly and interchangeably.
Patient Experience
Dr. Giorgi and his team also wanted to improve the experience for patients and families. "We chose a color palette and lighting that would be warm, calming and inviting, both in the cath lab and the new family waiting area," he said, adding that patient feedback has been very positive.
"Thanks to the support of St. Luke's and St. Luke's Foundation, coupled with the professionalism and experience of our medical, technical and nursing staff, St. Luke's Regional Heart & Vascular Center now delivers the highest level of patient care."
