Offering advanced-care options
Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s new planned hybrid operating room (OR), scheduled to open in 2012 with state-of the- art technology, will offer our patients advanced care surgical options. Deborah is among the leaders in the national trend to combine minimally invasive surgical and interventional technologies with state of- the-art medical imaging, all in one suite. As a result, our cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists will be able to work together in one place to perform advanced hybrid therapies combining more complex surgical procedures with less-invasive catheter-based treatments.
Blended into Deborah’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, the hybrid OR suite will have a custom designed robotic imaging system that integrates intravascular ultrasound, dynamic computed tomography (CT) imaging and angiography to provide real-time detailed pictures of the heart and coronary blood vessels, helping specialists diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. The hybrid OR will also optimize maneuverability and flexibility for both surgeons and interventionalists to work side-by-side for the best patient outcomes.
A wealth of patient benefits
"One of the biggest benefits for patients,” notes Lynn McGrath, M.D., Deborah’s Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chair of the Surgery Department, "is that when a patient comes in for a diagnostic catheterization, at times a serious problem is detected that needs to be surgically addressed as soon as possible. By blending surgery and cardiac catheterization into a hybrid OR, we’ll be able to immediately address these situations, without patients having to return for another visit. Although more complex procedures are being done using minimally invasive techniques, there are complicated situations that require us to have a surgery team directly involved with the procedure. Our hybrid OR will be the perfect platform for delivering this integrated care."
Dr. McGrath notes the additional benefits Deborah offers: "Many hospitals have cath labs," he says, "and promote their programs. Deborah, however, as Burlington County’s only licensed cardiac center, offers patients the assurance of receiving their heart care at a hospital with a great deal of cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology experience, a superior regional and national performance record, and the capability for extremely complex care, should the need arise. The benefits of coming to a full-service cardiac facility with a hybrid OR allow physicians performing routine procedures to have immediate access to the most sophisticated treatment options available."
All in one place! To learn about the extensive cardiac care offered by Deborah, visit www.deborah.org/medical/cardiology/cardiology.html or call 1-800-555-1990.