ARMC Enhances Cardiac Cath Lab Services

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) recently unveiled a new addition to its cardiac care services, a cardiovascular X-ray system that enhances a physician’s ability to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. The renovated cardiovascular catheterization (cath) lab, on the second floor of ARMC, features a Toshiba Infinix-i digital imaging system that provides sharper images and enhanced safety by reducing the amount of radiation a patient receives. The equipment is designed to flexibly move around the healthcare professional, and the patient, so procedures can be performed more comfortably, safely and efficiently. “Every minute is crucial when it comes to a heart attack,” said Steven Fitzmorris, M.D., Director of Cardiology, who works in ARMC’s Cardiac Cath Lab, which is a specialized operating room with imaging equipment that allows physicians to visualize the heart and its arteries. “This allows us to see if arteries are blocked and the faster we can open them the better the patient will be.” The installation and renovation of the lab took about nine months and cost approximately $2 million. This is an additional piece to ARMC’s growing cardiac care capabilities. The hospital is also a Primary Stroke Center, a designation it achieved in 2010.