OLATHE, KAN. (June 2, 2011) – Introducing new technological enhancements in its catheterization laboratory, Olathe Medical Center announced today that a nearly-completed project will bring impressive capabilities to its Kansas Cardiovascular Center. The eight-week project involves new equipment that will provide an upgrade in image quality and increase the speed of diagnosis in the treatment of patients.
At the center of the upgrade is the installation of a new ceiling-mounted angiography system that provides physicians with highly detailed images of the patient’s anatomy during diagnostic and treatment procedures. The fully digital technology in the form of flat-panel detectors enables physicians to obtain three-dimensional images in high resolution, without the distortion common with conventional x-ray techniques. The flat detectors, made of amorphous silicon, not only enable physicians to visualize fine blood vessels, it also helps physicians visualize interventional devices, such as guidewires, catheters and vascular stents in precise detail and from almost any angle.
“With respect to this advanced technology, less is more,” said Carol Powell, RN, BSN, Director of Cardiology at Olathe Medical Center. “Less radiation and less procedure time is more beneficial for the patient.”
The angiography equipment is specially designed to provide patients with the lowest possible radiation dose, which is especially beneficial during lengthy catheterization procedures.
The ergonomic design of the system also eliminates time-consuming and uncomfortable repositioning of the patient in the exam room, making the procedure faster and less stressful for the patient. During interventions, the compact flat-panel detector technology enables virtually all anatomical regions to be easily imaged.
System functions can be performed via an intuitive tableside touch-screen display. This enables full system control, and leads to improved confidence during the procedure.
The project is expected to be completed this month.
About Olathe Health System
For more than 55 years, Olathe Medical Center has continued to expand its services to meet the growing needs of the community. Olathe Medical Center, located at 151st Street and I-35 in southern Johnson County, sits on one of the largest hospital campuses (Olathe Medical Park) in the Midwest. The Medical Center is licensed for 300 beds and has one of the busiest emergency care centers in the region.