Newburgh - St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital’s Cardiac program advanced to the next level – receiving approval from New York State for patients in the mid-Hudson region to have elective procedures to unclog their arteries close to home. "We know that minutes matter when it comes to the heart," said cardiologist John Tighe, MD, Director of the SLCH Cath Lab. "More timely intervention without delays helps improve outcomes. We’re pleased to offer this service for our community – in our community."
St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital has provided diagnostic services in its catheterization lab since 2005. Taking services one step further to perform an immediate procedure to restore blood flow to the heart, known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is even more beneficial to patient care. PCI options include angioplasty and stenting.
"Patients benefit from having a PCI performed in the same setting of initial care," said Dr. Tighe. "Coordination of care is maintained, treatment begins more quickly, medical resources are used more efficiently and transportation costs are reduced. St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital’s ability to perform both emergency and elective angioplasty reflects major investments in cardiac technology, programs, staff development and patient education," said Dr. Tighe. "Our patients are receiving first-rate care right in their own community, saving time and potentially, lives."
Elective angioplasty is a minimally invasive, preventive measure performed on a scheduled basis after tests indicate a patient is at risk for heart attack due to a buildup of coronary plaque or the presence of a blood clot. It is estimated that about one million angioplasties are performed in the United States each year, making it more common than coronary bypass surgery.
In another important cardiac services development, SLCH offers cutting-edge therapeutic hyperthermia for those in cardiac arrest. The medical treatment, initiated in the Emergency Department, lowers the patient’s body temperature to 91.5° F, inducing controlled hypothermia to preserve brain function. The patient is comfortably sedated during the cooling process, and gradually warmed when stabilized.
SLCH continues to expand inpatient cardiac capabilities – new telemetry equipment facilitates advanced monitoring at the bedside and an increase in private rooms ensures the comfort and well-being of heart patients.
