Interventional Cardiology Coming to SRMC
By Emily HollimanDecember 23, 2011
An exciting project underway at Sebastian River Medical Center is the construction of cardiac catheterization labs, allowing us to begin providing a full range of interventional cardiac services once completed in the spring of 2012. Offering this will provide our patients with 24/7 access to the highest level of care for both emergency and elective procedures, without having to leave the community.
In some patients, interventional cardiologists can treat blocked arteries with methods that are less invasive than surgery. These procedures will take place in the brand new cardiac catheterization labs, using an all-digital cardiovascular imaging system. The most common procedures – angioplasty, atherectomy and cardiac stenting – involve threading a thin tube, or catheter, through blood vessels to treat narrowed arteries. All of these procedures have a common goal: to improve blood flow to the heart. Because the only point of entry into the body is to insert a catheter, patients often fully recover in one to two days.
In addition to treating blocked arteries, interventional cardiologists can treat other heart problems, such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and congestive heart failure. Electronic devices such as pacemakers, automatic implantable cardiac defibrillators (AICD) and bi-ventrical pacemakers can be implanted using the digital system.
Under the direction of our Medical Director, Dr. Charles Croft, SRMC’s outstanding cardiology team will provide all of these services in nearly 5,000 square feet of renovated and brand new space to house the state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs. In addition, the prep and recovery areas will be built with patients and their loved ones in mind to provide maximum comfort while undergoing necessary procedures.
2011 Award Winners
In addition to expanding our services to the community, another highlight for me would have to be the announcement of our annual award winners at SRMC. There are so many wonderful associates that make up our team so the decision is always difficult but the associates that were chosen truly exemplify our core principles.
Associate of the Year – Elizabeth Black
Elizabeth has been with SRMC since 1988 and works as Lead Medical Technologist in our Laboratory. She is passionate about doing the right thing for the patient as well as the hospital. Her co-workers note that she is always available to them for assistance and guidance. Some patients will only let Elizabeth draw their blood!
Nurse of the Year – Kim Crowe
Kim has been with SRMC since 1985. She is a Registered Nurse on PCU but frequently assists in Ambulatory. Kim is known for her chemotherapy knowledge, her big smile and her commitment to team work. She cares deeply about our patients and will go out of her way to get the best outcome. Co-workers often remark how wonderful Kim is!
Director of the Year – Peggy Craft
Peggy has been with SRMC since 1994 as the Director of Cardiopulmonary. Peggy is a great mentor and enjoys taking on new endeavors that push her to learn new skills to better her understanding of our service lines under her responsibility. Our patients and physicians have the utmost confidence in Peggy!
All three of these individuals are a real asset to the hospital and dedicated to bringing quality healthcare close to home for our patient population. Please join me in congratulating this fine group on their accomplishments!