First in Illinois: Cardiologists at Silver Cross Use Less Invasive Heart Technology During an Angiogram
On Feb. 28, the last day of American Heart Month, cardiologists on staff at Silver Cross Hospital performed a first in the entire State of Illinois.
Interventional cardiologists Dr. Francisco Yun and Dr. Ravi Ramana performed a first in the State of Illinois at Silver Cross Hospital when they used new and highly advanced, non-invasive imaging technology during an angiogram procedure Feb. 28.
Interventional cardiologists Dr. Ravi Ramana and Dr. Francisco Yun of Heart Care Centers of Illinois were the first in Illinois to use highly advanced, non-invasive imaging technology that creates a 3D model of the heart arteries during an angiogram.
A powerful computer then evaluates the 3D model for blockages that may need treatment and help improve patient outcomes, eliminating the need for further invasive testing and the use of certain medications during the angiogram procedure.
Combining angiogram images with the FFRangio System from CATHWORKS gives cardiologists the information they need to make the very best treatment decisions, including whether a stent to reopen a blocked artery is needed.
The first procedure involved an 81-year-old male who was admitted to Silver Cross with chest pains suggestive of blockages in the heart arteries, clinically known as angina. He was noted to have chronic kidney disease, which put him at higher risk for complications that could result in dialysis following a traditional angiogram assessment, which includes the use of contrast dye.
Drs. Ramana and Yun of Heart Care Centers of Illinois instead used the CATHWORKS system to accurately assess the severity of his heart disease and treat his blockage with a single stent without causing potential damage to his worsening kidney function. Since the procedure, he is doing well, and his chest pain has resolved.
“It is exciting to launch a transformative technology in cardiac care here at Silver Cross Hospital,” Dr. Ramana said. “The entire cardiac team was supportive and wonderful to allow our patients the first access to CATHWORKS in Illinois!”
Dr. Yun added, “This technology allows us to potentially eliminate the need for further invasive testing and certain medication use during the angiogram procedure. Combining the angiogram images with the CATHWORKS FFRangio system gives cardiologists the information they need to make the very best treatment decisions, including whether a stent is or is not needed.”
Dr. Joseph Stella , the Chief of the Cardiology Division at Silver Cross, strongly supported this milestone “as it is important for us to continue to provide cutting-edge comprehensive cardiac care to our Silver Cross patients. We can do that partly by driving innovation and using the newest technology available in medicine.”
For more information about heart care at Silver Cross, visit silvercross.org
