On June 23, Saint John’s Health System will unveil a new cardiac catheterization laboratory. The newly renovated lab will feature the latest flat panel completely digital technology from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. This state of the art system provides a floor mounted c-arm with five-axis positioning unique to Central Indiana.

“The Toshiba Infinix CF-i/SP system provides head to toe and fingertip to fingertip coverage, allowing multiple viewing angles and excellent image quality,” said Katy Barrott, RN, and manager of Cardiovascular Services at Saint John’s. “Of greatest benefit to our patients is the ability of the system to obtain clear images on patients of all sizes, including those weighing up to 450 pounds.”

According to Cardiologist Roderick J. Sawyer, MD, Saint John’s Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services, “The new high definition pictures provide more intricate detail, allowing me to make better decisions on what is appropriate for the patient’s further cardiac care.”

The high definition flat panel detector allows physicians to see small details of the cardiovascular system such as intricate blood vessels, stents, and guidewires. Clearer images give cardiologists more information to evaluate and tailor treatment options for each individual patient. 

“We have a lot of repeat cardiac patients. These patients have had multiple diagnostic cardiac testing-including cardiac catheterization-over a period of several years,” Barrott added. “Many of them prefer to have it done at Saint John’s, because of the familiarity of our staff members, who have been here many years and provide personalized care. Patients recognize us each time they come in. They feel comfortable here, and we’re able to provide very personalized care with the safety and technology of much larger institutions.  And it’s closer to home, so they don’t have to travel and fight traffic.”  Completing the procedure locally allows them a quick return to life, work, and family.”

If further work needs to be completed, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, patients will be referred elsewhere for further treatment. “We do only investigative work here,” Barrott said. “A lot of people have the misconception that if they go to Indianapolis for a diagnostic heart cath and a problem is found, they will automatically be treated right then and there. That’s not necessarily the case. Many times patients are found to have cardiac disease that is best managed medically, or is non-emergent in treatment.”

The American Heart Association reports that coronary heart disease is the single largest health threat to Americans, with millions reporting a family history of heart attacks.

For more information on diagnostic heart catheterization at Saint John’s, call the Health Resource Line at (765) 642-3301.