UH Elyria Medical Center now serving cardiovascular patients in new, advanced facility

The recent opening of a new, upgraded cardiac catheterization laboratory at University Hospitals (UH) Elyria Medical Center provides cardiovascular patients in and around Lorain County with access to expanded services and an improved, more efficient experience close to home, according to a news release.

A cardiac catheterization laboratory, also referred to as a cath lab, is a specialized area in a hospital where doctors perform minimally invasive tests, as well as advanced procedures, to diagnose and treat cardiovascular issues, the release said.

The renovation to one of UH Elyria’s cath labs includes cosmetic and technical upgrades, according to the release.

It now has new flooring, lighting, and cabinetry, as well as a new state-of-the-art ceiling-mounted Siemens system for use during coronary and peripheral vascular procedures, the release said.

The control room between two of the cath lab rooms also received upgrades.

The new cath lab continues to provide cardiac and vascular services, including: life-saving treatment for people with an active heart attack; cardiac catheterizations to see how well the heart is working, identify problems, and treat narrowed or blocked arteries; and interventions for peripheral artery disease, which is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs.

And now, with new technology from Siemens that allows for better visualization of the lower body, physicians are enabled to perform a wider range of peripheral vascular procedures to remove plaque and improve blood circulation to the feet and legs.

“When we have higher-quality imaging guiding our procedures, we’re more accurate in less time. This allows for more efficiency, less radiation exposure, and a better overall experience for our patients,” said Dr. Charles O’Shaughnessy, interventional cardiologist and medical director of UH Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute’s cardiac catheterization lab at UH Elyria in the release.

University Hospitals enhances the patient experience by providing these advanced procedures at numerous community hospitals like UH Elyria.

“We know it takes time, money and creates stress for our patients who have to travel for essential medical care,” said Cyndie Lowry, system director of Diagnostic and Procedural Services at UH Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute in the release. “We want patients visiting any UH facility to receive the same, superior cardiovascular care.”

One of those patients is 73-year-old Robert Kubasak, of Grafton, who recently experienced chest pain and discomfort, the release said.

O’Shaughnessy performed a heart catheterization in the new cath lab and discovered two blockages in the left anterior descending coronary artery – one 95 percent and the other about 75 percent, according to the release.

If not addressed, the blockages could have led to a heart attack, the release said.

O’Shaughnessy placed two stents during an outpatient procedure.

“The experience was really easy and I’m pleased with my results,” said Kubasak in the release. “I had had procedures before in the old labs and when they rolled me into the room this time, it looked really nice.

“I was impressed with the bigger screen and all the new equipment. It looked very modern.”

Kubasak also appreciated traveling only eight miles from his home to the hospital, instead of having to make the drive to downtown Cleveland, the release said.

“Providing a wider array of procedures and broadening the type of issues we treat right here in Elyria equates to faster, more comprehensive care. We believe this saves and improves lives,” O’Shaughnessy said.

To contact a UH cardiologist at UH Elyria Medical Center, call 216-844-3800.