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Diagnostic Testing
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Effective treatment begins with complete and accurate diagnosis. At New Milford Hospital, specialists are well trained to diagnose cardiovascular problems through advanced procedures such as
- cardiac catheterization
- echocardiography
- transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- venous duplex ultrasound
- arterial studies
- carotid ultrasound
- electrocardiography (EKG)
- Holter monitoring
- stress testing
- cardio beeper service
Nuclear medicine diagnostics include:
- cardiac Thallium and Persantine-Thallium Stress Testing
- non-invasive peripheral vascular testing
Cardiac Catheterization
The state-of-the-art "cath lab" at New Milford Hospital helps doctors diagnose a number of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects and other cardio-pulmonary diseases. It is the most effective procedure available for diagnosing cardiovascular problems and determining the right course of treatment.
The procedure is performed with all-digital technology whose revolutionary image quality allows physicians to evaluate difficult-to-view blood vessels, while assessing and monitoring a patient's cardiovascular functions.
The catheter is a long, flexible, spaghetti-thin tube that is inserted into a blood vessel and slowly threaded to the heart. Dye injected through the catheter helps doctors detect blockages in blood vessels and problems within the heart. Special x-ray equipment allows for monitoring of the patient's heart through live video imaging.
A team of exceptional cardiac specialists: At the Regional Heart Center, all cardiac catheterizations are performed by leading board-certified cardiac interventionalists who are on the faculty of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Supporting them is a team of highly skilled nurses - both registered (RNs) and advanced practice registered (APRNs) - who are dedicated to assisting patients before, during and after cardiac catheterizations. All cath lab nurses are ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certified.
Personalized patient care: The Regional Heart Center's catheterization program has been specifically designed for patient safety, comfort and convenience. The spacious facility includes private pre- and post-procedure areas equipped for continuous bedside monitoring.
What to expect for your cardiac catheterization: You will be contacted by a Heart Center nurse who will schedule the procedure, obtain a medical history and provide you with instructions. The entire cardiac catheterization procedure, including post-procedure care, typically lasts a few hours and you generally go home that day. Measures are taken to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort.
Heart Rhythm Management
The Regional Heart Center offers heart rhythm management under the direction of a board-certified interventional electrophysiologist who performs on-site pacemaker and defibrillator procedures and provides ongoing care for patients with heart rhythm disorders.
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