CMH introduces diagnostic cardiac catheterization lab
Next month, Calvert Memorial Hospital will introduce a diagnostic catheterization laboratory that will give local doctors a state-of-the-art look at the heart so that blockages and other problems can be detected.

“This technology represents a major step forward in cardiac care for our community,” said Jim Xinis, president and CEO of CMH. “We’re confident that our team offers the clinical expertise to provide this service safely and effectively.”

During the 1950s, catheterization labs were largely limited to major academic centers. But the number of labs quickly expanded in the late 1960s as coronary bypass surgery became more widely used. The 1970s brought substantial improvements in imaging systems and catheterization supplies and methods.

These advances produced other changes, like the development of angioplasty (done by attaching a small balloon to the catheter to break up clots). Now, some catheterization labs are used to treat heart disease. However, these therapeutic procedures are typically limited to facilities with immediate surgical backup. For this reason, CMH does not plan to perform angioplasty or stent work.

At CMH, Dr. Varkey Mathew will head the cardiac catheterization team. Mathew, who joined Calvert in 1994, has performed over 1,500 procedures in the past 12 years. His partner, Dr. Srinivas Addala, who has performed over 900 procedures in the past four years, will assist him. Both are fellowship trained, which means they have advanced training in this specialty.

Additionally, the other team members trained at Washington Adventist Hospital in Montgomery County. Its cardiac care center, established in 1979, performs 6,000 heart catheterizations annually.

“Washington Adventist has been very supportive,” said John Ennis, administrative director of clinical services at CMH. “They’ve helped with designing the program, refining its operation and developing policies and procedures.”

According to Ennis, the hospital spent more than $330,000 to modify its non-invasive angiography suite for cardiac catheterizations. “We purchased a hemodynamic monitoring system (that allows the doctor to monitor the patient during the procedure),” he said, “and upgraded our computer hardware and GE imaging equipment.”

Ennis said the Cardiac Catheterization Committee spent six months evaluating different companies before making the purchase. “We’re satisfied that Witt Biomedical offers the finest technology and software available today.”

He went on to add, “We have been planning this project for the past 18 months. We have spent countless hours reviewing the literature and working with Washington Adventist Hospital so that we can provide the highest quality care to our patients. We have put checks and balances into the system to ensure that they will receive the best of care.”

“Having this diagnostic tool available locally is beneficial,” said Ennis, “because it gives patients extra time to make preparations.” In the past, he said, patients who traveled elsewhere for this procedure often came home before they received further treatment, which could involve surgery or hospital admission. “Now, the problem can be diagnosed locally and they know what to expect. That’s comforting to them.”

Another advantage, he said, is physician recruitment. “We believe this service will help us to attract more cardiologists to CMH.”

Here, are answers to some common questions about the procedure but patients are encouraged to thoroughly discuss any individual issues with their primary care physician.

Why is it done?
Cardiac catheterization is typically done when there is reason to suspect that there are blockages in your coronary arteries, usually after a heart attack or if you have angina (pain or discomfort in the chest, arm or jaw).

It enables your doctor to see your coronary arteries and determine the severity and location of the blockages. It also allows your doctor to assess the valves and overall functioning of your heart.

Additionally, CMH excludes patients at increased risk for complications from having the procedure here. This is done because the hospital does not have cardiac surgery capability. The strict screening criteria are in accordance with the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Angiography Expert Consensus Panel.

Equipment is available in the event of an emergency, and if necessary, you will be flown to a regional cardiac center.       

You may be given medication to help you relax. A local anesthetic is given at the insertion site but you are awake the entire time. After the procedure, the catheter is removed and the insertion site is closed with a pressure dressing to stop the bleeding.