When you need a cardiac procedure or treatment, it’s important to know you’re in good hands. The Heart Hospital of Northwest is answering that call, with advanced technologies and procedures that are at the forefront of cardiac care.
Northwest recently became the first in the state to have a new robotic system for the treatment of coronary artery disease, and it is among the first to provide a new absorbable stent, an innovative treatment option. The Heart Hospital also recently welcomed Cardiothoracic Surgeon Kevin L. Mayor, MD, FACS, who provides advanced heart and vascular services right here in Amarillo.
New Robotic System
The new CorPath® System from Corindus Vascular Robotics offers a more precise way for interventional cardiologists to treat coronary artery disease using PCI, or percutaneous coronary intervention.
PCI is a non-surgical, catheter-based procedure to place a stent – a small tube – in a blocked artery that helps restore blood flow. With the robotic system, the doctor sits at a console and guides robotic arms while watching images on screens that display detailed images and measurements to ensure the precise placement.
“It’s the precision that really distinguishes this system,” says Ginny W. Ginithan, RT(R), MA.M, Director of Cardiac and Imaging Services, who notes that it helps reduce procedure time and improve outcomes.
The Absorb® Cardiac Stent
Another exciting advancement is the recently introduced Absorb bioabsorbable cardiac stent, the first FDA-approved stent of its kind. The Absorb stent is similar in design to traditional metal devices and it functions like traditional stents. The difference is that unlike a permanent implant, the absorbable stent gradually dissolves over time and the artery is left clear and open.
Expanded Care Options
Having Dr. Kevin Mayor on the cardiac team and in the hospital full-time has broadened Northwest’s capabilities to provide advanced procedures like aortic valve surgery, mitral valve surgery, off-pump coronary artery bypass (for the treatment of coronary artery disease), atrial fibrillation surgery and cardiac trauma care, notes Ginithan. Dr. Mayor also has extensive experience in heart failure management.
Other Advanced Services
Implantable defibrillators and pacemakers continue to provide potentially life-saving treatment options for patients with arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms. Additionally, LifeVest, a lightweight, wearable defibrillator, can offer critical support for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
Northwest’s advanced, comprehensive services also include non-invasive testing, assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, and cardiac rehabilitation to ensure patients’ optimal recovery.
The Heart Hospital at Northwest is an Accredited Chest Pain Center. Learn more about our cardiac services >