A completely redesigned and totally digital electrophysiology lab opened at the New England Heart Institute of Catholic Medical Center in early April. The lab’s new state-of-the-art digital fluoroscopy provides high resolution digital imaging with reduced radiation exposure.

 

“A major benefit of this new fluoroscopy is the reduced radiation dose for both patients and staff,” says Connor J. Haugh, MD, FACC, director of the NEHI Electrophysiology Laboratory. “We are able to get improved image quality more efficiently, with a reduction in radiation of up to 60 percent; a reduction that is especially important with longer cases.”

 

The Philips Allura Xper system features flat detectors that create high quality, multi-dimensional digital images of the heart, with far improved clarity and speed over the previous analog x-ray system. “This new system allows for the best clinical outcome for patients as we can see images more clearly, which decreases procedure time,” notes Richard Torossian, BS, CCPT, director of the NEHI Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

 

The redesigned EP lab, includes a glass-paneled control room adjacent to the procedure area, allowing technicians to communicate with the electrophysiologist, process information and assist with cases without wearing lead. In the procedure area, the electrophysiologist can operate catheters and view images and data on six flat-panel screens mounted on an adjustable boom above the patient. The procedure table can be adjusted to raise or lower a patient’s head for increased comfort and better access.

 

The electrophysiologist can view all vital patient information on the high-definition screens. Technicians in the control room see the same images on a second set of screens, take measurements, display processed catheter information and help the electrophysiologist coordinate timing of catheter placement. Images can be frozen and manipulated digitally for closer examination.

 

“This state-of-the-art technology and our redesigned EP lab will allow us to provide a higher level of care to patients undergoing electrophysiology procedures,” says Dr. Haugh, “and provide a better environment for staff.”

Electrophysiologists specialize in evaluating and treating patients with complex heart rhythm disorders. Electrophysiologists provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment techniques to help manage patients with complex abnormal rhythms of the heart.

Electrophysiology encompasses: