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Progress at Southwest Regional
The Cardiovascular Care Center at Southwest Regional Medical Center recently purchased a new GE Volume Computed Tomography (VCT). The VCT replaces older CT technology previously used at Southwest Regional, allowing for advanced cardiac testing known as a Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA). This test is a non-invasive evaluation of the heart's anatomy and function and provides an alternative to cardiac catheterization, which is an invasive procedure. CTA allows non-invasive imaging of the heart for calcium deposits (calcium screening), blockages of the heart arteries (coronary CTA) and other arteries of the neck, abdomen and legs.
A CTA uses advanced CT technology, along with special dye, to obtain high-resolution, three-dimensional photos of the moving heart and vessels. These photos allow physicians to determine whether plaque or calcium deposits are present on the walls of the arteries. In simpler terms, this test provides a way for doctors to detect blockages, without the risk of invasive procedure.
While the entire process for testing can last for up to two hours, the test itself takes just minutes to perform and is done with minimal risk and recovery time.
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Some of the most common risk factors include a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure being overweight, smoking or high cholesterol. These risk factors can increase the likelihood of a cardiac occurrence.
"This test is cutting edge," shared Sheryl Wilkinson, director of the Cardiovascular Care Center. "Southwest Regional is one of the first in the region to offer this as an alternative to cardiac catheterization."
In addition to the VCT, the Cardiovascular Care Center at Southwest Regional Medical Center also offers a new GE Vivid 7 echo-vascular ultrasound machine, which provides state-of-the-art, fully digitized images of the heart. Echo-vascular ultrasound is used to diagnose diseases of the cardiovascular system including the heart, legs, neck, arms or kidneys.
The Cardiovascular Care Center at Southwest Regional Medical Center is co-directed by Dr. Michael Pecora of the Frazier-Hart Group and Dr. Praful Vora. Dr. Pecora and Dr. Vora provide 24/7 cardiology coverage for Southwest Regional Medical Center, adding new services and testing for patients.
"Patients should discuss the possibility of this test with their primary care doctor," shared Pecora. Questions about the Cardiovascular Care Center at Southwest Regional Medical Center can also be directed to 724-627-2605.
Southwest Regional Medical Center is a 73 bed, acute-care facility with a continuum of programs and services. In addition to the Cardiovascular Care Center, a new EXPRESS CARE service is now available in the emergency department. EXPRESS CARE is a service for patients with less severe ailments such as minor scrapes, bruises, flu, ear infections, colds, sprains and strains. Most cases are in and out in less than an hour. EXPRESS CARE is open from noon-10 pm seven days per week, including holidays.
