CGH ready to open second cardiac cath lab

STERLING Time is of the essence when it comes to treating heart problems.

Because of the important role the cardiac catheterization lab has played in saving lives at CGH Medical Center, a second cath lab will soon open. CGH does between 100 and 120 cardiac cath procedures each month.

Cardiac health professionals are driven by what is commonly referred to as door to balloon time the time it takes for patients to get treatment right after a heart attack.

"The national standard is 90 minutes, and having this second lab allows us to consistently do this," said Valerie Sigafus, an RN and assistant director of invasive cardiology. "With one lab, if someone was already in there, you can't just stop in the middle of a procedure."

An open house is planned from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to give the community a chance to see the cath and cardio labs before the new equipment is used for the first time.

CGH opened its first catheterization lab on Aug. 29, 2012, the first phase of its $2 million Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory project.

The opportunity to bring in a second cardiac cath lab was officially presented with the opening of the North Wing addition on May 1, 2008.

"The other cath lab opened in 2004, and with the new building, it gave us the option to expand," Sigafus said.

The $24 million North Wing expansion provided 66,000 square feet of space to add services. The Cardiology Services/Nuclear Services area was added with the new wing.

Dr. Paul Steinke, CGH president and CEO, said the second lab will make it easier for patients to address heart issues quickly and without leaving town.

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CGH ready to open second cardiac cath lab