Ochsner Health System has opened a new Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Lab (cath lab) at its flagship campus Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans. The new cath lab is now ready to serve Ochsner’s smallest and most complex cardiac patients and further enhances Ochsner’s capabilities to provide high quality care for heart patients of all ages.
The 1,250 square foot space was designed with pediatric patients in mind. It features a special dose tracking system to reduce radiation exposure to pediatric patients along with a Cannon Alphenix Biplane – an imaging apparatus outfitted with two cameras that rotate simultaneously, leading to better visibility of the tiniest hearts. Additionally, patients can watch cartoons and other kid-friendly videos on a monitor while being prepped in the room for procedures.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year 40,000 babies are born with congenital heart defects. Depending on the severity of the defect, doctors can repair some conditions through diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures, including structural heart repairs performed in a cath lab. These minimally invasive procedures are done without opening a patient’s chest. Instead, a cardiologist accesses the heart by inserting a thin plastic tube called a catheter into a patient’s blood vessels in the leg or neck.
“Ochsner is investing in the health and wellbeing of our tiniest patients. This offering further solidifies us as a leading destination for cardiac care in the region – both for pediatric and adult patients,” said Ivory Crittendon III, MD, senior physician, pediatric cardiology, Ochsner Hospital for Children.
Construction of the new Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Lab began in December of 2018 and lasted eight months. Caffey, Inc. served as the architect and contractor. The opening of the new cath lab is one of many investments Ochsner has made to expand cardiac care systemwide. Earlier this year, Ochsner Health Center – Kenner opened a second cath lab, expanding its capacity to serve cardiac patients in Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, and St. James Parishes.