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The Heart Catheterization Lab and Vascular Imaging Lab at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center incorporate the latest state-of-the-art medical technology by Philips, known throughout the medical industry for their outstanding image quality, low x-ray radiation dose to both the patient and the staff, and lower procedure cost because the digital equipment eliminates the need for film and film processing. Some of the services performed in the lab are:
The Cardiac Cath Lab provides the following procedures:
- Cardiac Catheterization
- PTCA - Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (balloon)
- PTA - Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (balloon on peripheral vessels, renals, etc.)
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps
- Stents - both coronary and peripheral
- Renal Angiography
- Peripheral Angiography
- Thrombolytic Therapy
- Temporary Pacemakers
- Intravascular Ultrasound
- AngioJet
- Drug-Eluding Stents (as they become available for use)
- Atherectomy (peripheral)
- Vena Cava Filters
- IVUS - Intravascular Ultrasound
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Patients may come to the hospital in crisis, suffering from severe chest pains or shortness of breath.
Patients range in age from teenagers to the elderly, but most are between the ages of 55 and 65. They proceed to the Heart Catheterization Lab for testing procedures such as a "heart cath". Patients are tested to see if there is a blockage in the arteries that lead to the heart. |
Once they are diagnosed, they receive treatments like the traditional angioplasty or a stent, which is a device that is inserted to keep the valve clear. The AMMC Heart Catheterization Lab plays a critical role helping save the lives of individuals coming into the Medical Center with heart problems.
Here are some warning signs and risk factors we should all look out for:
Watch Out For:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath (call doctor immediately)
- Women may have different symptoms, such as jaw pain or shoulder pain
Risk Factors:
- Diet
- Weight
- Age
- Smoking
- Family History
- Stress Level
For more information on risk factors and warning signs, call your family physician. If you are experiencing what you think could be a heart attack, please do not hesitate because when it comes to a heart attack, every second counts. Go immediately to the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Emergency Room to be evaluated. It is always better to be safe than sorry in any medical emergency situation.
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