The procedure, newly available at Auburn Community Hospital, will change cardiac outcomes in Cayuga County
(Auburn, NY) – On the morning of Tuesday, January 13th, Auburn Community Hospital took a major step forward in improving cardiac care in Cayuga County. Dr. Jay Varanasi, Chief of the Auburn Heart & Vascular Institute, and team performed ACH’s first cardiac catheterization procedure in a newly outfitted Interventional Radiology suite. Later the same night, he performed an emergent cardiac catheterization for a patient who was having a STEMI – a life-threatening heart attack where prompt treatment is critical. All procedures were successful and all patients are on their way to full recoveries.
The cardiac catheterization procedure, regarded as the gold standard for opening blocked coronary arteries, has previously been available in multiple locations, all almost an hour or more away. Being able to intervene quickly can truly make the difference in whether or not the patient survives. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can now bring patients experiencing symptoms typical of a heart attack directly to ACH for immediate diagnosis and treatment.
“Diseases of the heart are the leading cause of death for Cayuga County residents. Yesterday, ACH began to change that, along with our partners from the University of Rochester Medical Center. This service, together with our new Cancer Center, PET Scan, enhanced Women’s Imaging and expanded Bone & Joint Services signifies our commitment to caring for our community and meeting their healthcare needs right here at home. This drastically changes cardiac care for our friends, family and neighbors. Lots of exciting things continue to happen at ACH,” said President & CEO Scott Berlucchi, FACHE, NHA.
The service, available 24/7, can be performed as a scheduled procedure or as an emergent, life-saving intervention.
“With the opening of the catheterization lab, we’re now able to perform heart catheterizations, coronary angiograms, angioplasties, and stent placements for patients with low- to medium-risk coronary lesions,” said Dr. Varanasi. “We also offer 24/7 emergency care, required under New York State’s hospital standards for emergency services. This will greatly improve access to advanced cardiac care and allow patients in Auburn and the surrounding communities to receive timelier care close to home. In heart attacks and other emergencies, every minute matters, and being able to treat patients locally can make a real difference in outcomes.”
The expansion and new service is funded in part by New York State Transformation grant monies, as well as private donations, including a $1M gift from the Wayne Family. “Auburn Community Hospital is not just talking about what they are planning to do. They are actually doing it! How fortunate we are to have our local hospital making the latest heart treatments and care available to us right here in Auburn,” said Dave Wayne.
A ribbon cutting and open house will follow at a date to be announced.