New specialist heart lab means over 200 extra patients will be seen a year
The opening of a new cardiac catheter (cath) lab used to treat and diagnose patients with heart diseases means that over 200 extra patients will be seen a year at the world-renowned Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) at Basildon Hospital.
Part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, this lab is the fourth to open in the Essex CTC, using existing space within the building, meaning patients who need to have minimally invasive, lifesaving, cardiothoracic procedures can be seen more quickly.
Michael Galinato, Cardiac Catheter Lab Manager, said: “We are one of the busiest cardiothoracic centres in the country. The Essex CTC was built with space for four labs, we’ve been using three of these since 2007 but it’s always been the plan to expand into the fourth when needed.
“With the increase in demand for our services and procedures, now is the perfect time to open the fourth lab and as a team we’re excited to keep helping as many patients as possible.”
Its opening also means that some services can be relocated, creating additional theatre space which will allow the Trust to see more patients for cardiothoracic and endovascular surgeries.
The other three labs have recently been refurbished and fitted with new, cutting-edge equipment, which gives clearer and more accurate images. As a result patients can be diagnosed and treated much faster, improving their care and experience.
The four labs have different areas of focus which includes treating urgent and emergency patients having heart attacks, fitting pacemakers and defibrillators for patients with an abnormal heart rhythm and implanting valves and stents for patients who have coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.
All procedures are minimally invasive which means patients can usually return home within 24 hours.