PRESERVING LIVES WITH UNIQUELY EXCELLENT CARDIOVASCULAR CARE
With more than 1,000 therapeutic interventional cardiac procedures performed annually, Providence Saint Joseph and Providence Holy Cross Medical Centers are among the leading hospitals in the San Fernando and SantaClarita Valleys in providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art cardiac care. Our board-certified cardiologists perform initial cardiovascular evaluations utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and equipment, followed by appropriate, therapeutic interventions, such as balloon angioplasty and intracoronary stenting. Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center proudly serves the San Fernando Valley as a premiere provider of healthcare, and has done so for more than 60 years, consistently receiving prestigious accolades for patient satisfaction and service excellence. In fact, patients rank Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center as one of the top five heart programs in the Los Angeles area, according to a preference survey conducted by the National Research Corporation.
DELIVERING STATE-OF-THE-ART CARDIAC INTERVENTION
- Code AMI: Advanced Treatment for Heart Attacks
Committed to achieving the national goal of opening a clogged artery within 90 minutes from the time a heart attack patient arrives at the hospital, the heart specialists of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center have established a specialized program, Chest Pain-Code AMI, to ensure that every patient who appears to be having a heart attack receives expedited diagnosis and treatment. Clinical studies indicate that opening the clogged artery of a patient in the early phase of a heart attack using balloon angioplasty and stenting minimizes damage to the heart muscle, reduces complications and produces better long-term outcomes. The sooner the artery is opened, the better
the results. According to medical research published in the U.S. and Europe, clot dissolving drug therapy alone is less effective. Community hospitals in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys without the technology and expertise to provide angioplasty must either use clot-dissolving medications or immediately transfer the heart attack patient to a hospital in which angioplasty can be promptly performed.
- Percutaneous Intervention (Balloon Angioplasty)- In this procedure performed by an interventional cardiologist to open a blocked coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart, a specially designed balloon catheter with a small balloon tip is guided to the point of narrowing in the artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress the fatty matter to the artery wall and stretch the artery open to increase blood flow to the heart.
- Intracoronary Stenting - During interventional cardiac procedures such as angioplasty, cardiologists commonly place a stent — a small stainless steel mesh tube — to help stabilize the coronary artery and ensure that it remains open. The coronary artery heals around the stent following the interventional procedure. Since 2003, most stents have been coated with medicine designed to reduce the risk of restenosis, or reblockage. These coated, or drug-eluting, stents have been extremely successful in reducing restenosis from 20-30 percent, to less than10 percent. The majority of Providence Saint Joseph’s cardiac patients requiring stents have access to this tate-of-the-art technology.
- Intravascular Coronary Ultrasound (IVUS) - In this procedure, cardiologists thread a tiny ultrasound "camera" into the coronary arteries, providing a cross-sectional view from the inside-out to demonstrate where the normal artery wall ends and the plaque begins. IVUS is useful in assisting cardiologists in the selection and sizing of stents and balloons, and confirming that a stent has been properly deployed.
The Art of Healing
With a solid commitment to provide state-of-the-art technology and high quality, compassionate care, the heart specialists of the Providence Heart and Vascular Institute remain at the forefront of cardiovascular care in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Our approach to treatment is a fusion of art and science that fully encompasses the mind, body and spirit of each individual. We call it the art of healing. For more information about our physicians and available treatments, call 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).
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