Hoag Opens First Electrophysiology Catheterization Suite Of Its Kind

April 12, 2012 - PRLog -- Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has introduced the Allan and Sara Fainbarg Electrophysiology Cath Suite, the first electrophysiology (EP) cardiac catheterization lab of its kind.

The EP cath suite is a unique patient-care space designed to offer the complete integration of leading edge EP technology with a comprehensive patient experience.  EP systems are brought together into one control pad at the physician’s fingertips, in line of site with the patient, through a customized 55” monitor.  The EP cath suite features the West Coast’s first suspended “Zero Gravity” radiation shield and because procedures can last anywhere from one to six hours, it was also designed with the comfort of, physicians and other medical team members in mind.

“Our new Ambient Experience EP cath suite incorporates the latest and best technology available, allowing us to conduct extensive medical procedures in a totally new and revolutionary environment,” said Jay H. Lee, M.D., FACC, Medical Director of Electrophysiology at Hoag.  

In addition, Dr. Lee said the new EP cath suite makes it possible for him and other Hoag physicians and clinicians to measure the efficacy of positive distractions as a means of reducing the amount of anesthesia, medications and procedure times to enhance overall positive patient outcomes.  

“In the EP cath suite, patients undergo very invasive procedures. The suite will create a relaxing environment through personal selection of music and lighting and ceiling displayed visuals, which will enhance the patient’s overall experience,” he explained.  

“Because we carefully track all doses of anesthesia, we will be analyzing trends and ultimately determining if a more comforting, pleasant environment with positive distractions has a tangible impact on anesthesia requirements.”  

Hoag’s EP cath suite will enable physicians and clinicians to use advanced technology for many procedures used to examine patients’ hearts and diagnose a full spectrum of diseases and potential problems.  While some procedures involve general anesthesia, the majority use mild sedation, meaning patients are aware of the procedure and their surroundings.  The Philips Ambient Experience allows patients who are only mildly sedated to choose themed visual images – they can visit the beach, mountains and other settings – that are projected onto the ceiling of the EP cath suite and accompanied by lights and sound, creating a relaxing environment and providing a positive distraction.

Dr. Lee also added that one of the most important new pieces of equipment in the EP cath suite is a state-of-the-art “Zero Gravity” radiation system.  Manufactured by CFI Medical Solutions, the system – the first of its kind on the West Coast – comprises radiation shield aprons and face covers suspended from a movable track mounted on the lab ceiling.  Typically physicians must wear radiation aprons that can weigh up to 20 pounds.

“Not only does the Zero Gravity shield provide a higher level of protection, but when you are standing for four to six hours, the suspended feature makes a big difference in terms of comfort of our physicians.  Those heavy aprons can really make you sore,” shares to Dr. Lee.

Hoag officials began planning the EP cath suite more than two years ago.  “This is a very exciting milestone for Hoag, and it really says a great deal about Hoag’s commitment to its patients and to their comfort and satisfaction,” Dr. Lee said.   “It complements our mission to provide the most innovative and compassionate medical care of any hospital in Orange County.”

“In designing Hoag’s EP cath suite, our designers spent many hours evaluating the hospital’s existing lab environment and discussing the clinical processes with Hoag staff who would be using the new space,” Kelley Connolly, Director of Ambient Experience Solutions in North America added.  “A critical part of our efforts included a detailed systematic evaluation of the way people move and work to ensure clutter is minimized, supplies are accessible and stress is minimized for both patients and the medical team.”

About Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Hoag is a non-profit regional healthcare delivery network in Orange County, California that treats nearly 30,000 inpatients and 350,000 outpatients annually.  Hoag consists of two acute-care hospitals, seven health centers and five urgent care centers.  Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, which has served Orange County since 1952, and Hoag Hospital Irvine, which opened in 2010, are designated Magnet hospitals by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that include five institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, heart and vascular, neurosciences, women’s health and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate Hoag Orthopedic Institute.  Hoag has been named one of the Best Regional Hospitals in the U.S. News & World Report Metro Edition.  National Research Corporation has endorsed Hoag as Orange County’s most preferred hospital for the past 15 consecutive years and for an unprecedented 15 years, residents of Orange County have chosen Hoag as the county’s best hospital in a local newspaper survey. Visit www.hoag.org.