Cardiac Services
The Cardiac Services at Northwest Medical Center bring together the collaborative efforts and experience of highly skilled physicians, nurses, and other cardiovascular health professionals. Our cardiac services encompass a full range of diagnostic modalities, interventional procedures, and open heart surgery. Comprised of a team of experienced cardiologists, interventional radiologists, pulmonologists and internists, these specialists combine their expertise and knowledge to provide our patients with the latest scientific advances in their respective fields. The Heart and Vascular Institute Over the past two years, the team at Northwest Medical Center worked aimlessly to establish a comprehensive cardiac care program to the residents they serve. As of August 2nd, 2010, The Heart and Vascular Institute opened their doors as the only Cardiac Level II Licensed Program in Northwest Broward County. The new program will provide further enhancements to their existing services including a CardiacCatheterization Lab, an Electrophysiology Lab, State of the art coronary imaging services, and Experienced Cardiothoracic surgeons, Cardiologists, Electrophysiologists, and Cardiac Anesthologists. Northwest Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Institute is built on the foundation of proactive heart care. We’ll help you love your heart better. Don’t wait, be more proactive. In addition to Open Heart Surgery, Northwest Medical Center offers the following minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)Northwest Medical Center received the approval from the State of Florida to perform primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) services, which means our facility will have emergency coronary angioplasty available to our patients 24 hours per day, 7 day per week. This initiative along with our stroke certification are two very tangible steps that we have taken to become the tertiary hospital of choice for our community. As we continue along this path of growth and development of our service lines and clinical programs, we are very proud to be a facility that is continually investing and adding services to meet the changing and growing needs of our community. Cardiac CatheterizationCardiac catheterization is a medical sub-specialty dedicated to using minimally invasive techniques with imaging guidance. A heart catheterization, or “cath” exam, is a special diagnostic x-ray imaging exam that allows your physician to see if any of the coronary arteries have blockages or evaluate patient’s heart valves functionality. Our lab is equipped with the latest medical technology and available Specifically, NWMC uses the Allura Xper FD20 X-ray systems from Philips which exposes patients to less radiation during the actual procedures than many other available systems. This flexible system can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of patient conditions and can be used for procedures such as diagnostic catheterizations, stenting, and balloon angioplasty.
Echocardiography LabOur echocardiography laboratory is equipped with the latest cardiac transthoracic and transesophageal ultrasound systems. The Philips iE33 is a digital system that has enhanced tissue harmonic imaging with next generation broadband flow imaging. This advanced technology has the capability of viewing images throughout the facility and from physicians offices and home. Cardiologists also have a workstation for evaluation and analysis of the images. Specialized procedures performed in the Echocardiography Lab include the following:
ElectrophysiologyCardiac electrophysiology is the study of the heart’s electrical system. The term “Electrophysiology Study” or “EP Study” applies to any procedure that requires the insertion of an electrode catheter into the heart. Our electrophysiology lab boasts an array of state-of the art technology including the the Prucka system to stimulate the heart, and a CARTO system for 3-D mapping. These are capable of performing a wide range of procedures including:
Vascular ServicesCarotid StentingSevere carotid stenosis is a disease characterized as a build-up of plaque in the carotid artery which is the artery that supplies blood to the brain and when left untreated often results in a stroke. At Northwest Medical Center we have been performing a new FDA approved minimally invasive life-saving procedure called Carotid Stenting. This procedure involves puncturing the femoral artery in the groin. Under x-ray guidance, a catheter device is then threaded through the blood stream into the carotid artery and then an angioplasty balloon and stent are inserted to hold the artery open. Also employed is a novel technology involving the insertion of a filter device which stays in place during the procedure that catches particles which are often inadvertently dislodged during angioplasty, thereby minimizing the possibility of any complications which could occur during the surgery. Non-Invasive Vascular Ultrasound LaboratoryUltrasound waves are used to detect disease in veins and arteries throughout the body by using pulse wave and color Doppler. Specialized exams; to name a few; are venous mapping, thoracic outlet syndrome, shunt testing, SMA Doppler and Renal Artery Doppler. The laboratory is accredited by the American College of Radiology with a dedicated team of sonographers who are nationally registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Peripheral vascular disease refers to blockages in arteries of the brain, kidneys, and legs. Peripheral vascular disease is a form of atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, and is a progressive disease process. Atherosclerosis is caused when fatty substances build up inside the artery walls over time and create a narrowed opening which restricts proper blood flow. This build up is most likely to occur in the iliac arteries (lower abdomen leading to the legs), the femoral and popliteal arteries (legs), the renal arteries (kidneys) and the carotid arteries (in the neck leading to the brain). Disease SymptonsWhen organs and muscles in the body receive an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood, they literally become starved and alert you to this fact by producing pain. If the blockage occurs in the arteries supplying the legs, the resulting symptom is a cramping pain in the hips, thighs or calf muscle and can limit even casual walking. If the cycle of pain is relieved with rest, we call the condition intermittent claudication. Pain that occurs during rest can sometimes be alleviated by lowering the legs so the force of gravity shunts blood into the feet. If blood circulation becomes so severely restricted that the legs and feet are perpetually starved for nutrition, gangrene--or death of the tissue-- can occur. Without treatment, the entire foot or possibly part of the leg may have to be amputated. Other symptoms of peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremity include: coldness of the leg and foot; paleness of the leg or foot if elevated; blue/red discoloration of the foot or toes; loss or decreased growth of hair on the legs; dry, fragile or shiny-looking skin; numbness, tingling or pain in the leg, foot or toes; sores that do not heal. Other conditions can also cause these symptoms. Therefore, a thorough examination with a physician is necessary. Symptoms of peripheral vascular disease in the carotid arteries include: sudden, temporary weakness or numbness of the face, arm and/or leg on one side of the body; temporary loss of speech or trouble speaking or understanding speech; temporary dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye; unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA’S) are mini-strokes and illicit the same symptoms named above except they are temporary. At this time, carotid atherosclerosis can only by corrected by surgery. Symptoms of peripheral vascular disease in the renal arteries include; hypertension (high blood pressure-consistently higher than 140/90); abnormal kidney function blood tests.
For more information or for a free physician referral, please call 1-866-4HCA-DOCS.
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