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Emergency Angioplasty
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In a heart attack, the rapid clearing of blocked arteries can be the difference between life and death. Studies show that emergency angioplasty - when used within a 90- to 120-minute time period - is the most effective treatment for quickly restoring the flow blood and oxygen to the heart. Compared with clot-busting (thrombolytic) drugs, emergency angioplasty results not only in higher survival rates, but also in reduced heart damage and improved long-term cardiac condition.
New Milford Hospital was the first community hospital in Connecticut to be approved for emergency angioplasty. The service was inaugurated in April 2007, making New Milford the only hospital in Litchfield County to offer it.
For area residents, angioplasty in New Milford means the most effective treatment is close by, without the risk of time-consuming transfer to a more distant hospital, or the chances for delay at a more crowded institution. In heart attack treatment, rapid response is critical.
Regional Heart Center Interventional Cardiologists
All physicians performing emergency angioplasty at New Milford Hospital are from the internationally-renowned Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy (CIVT) in New York, a vital part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System.
Leading the team is Dr. Lawrence Laifer, a member of the interventional cardiology faculty at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Director of Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Cardiology at New Milford Hospital. Dr. Laifer or a member of his physician team are on call in the New Milford area around the clock, providing the highest levels of cardiac expertise and experience.
How emergency angioplasty works
All emergency angioplasty at New Milford Hospital is performed in the our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab. During the procedure, a catheter equipped with a tiny balloon is passed into the narrowed part of an artery. When in place, the tiny balloon is inflated, opening up the blockage and restoring blood flow to the heart. In most cases a mesh tube, or stent, is installed in the artery to keep the blockage area open. Once the blocked area is cleared the pain of the heart attack is relieved. After the procedure the patient stays in the hospital for a few days, and a program for cardiac recovery and rehabilitation is developed.
What to do
If you think you're having a heart attack and you live in western Connecticut from Brookfield north or in eastern Dutchess County, call 911 and remember that the nearest emergency angioplasty is at New Milford Hospital. Do not drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital. Wait for the emergency crew, who can begin care immediately and send important information to the hospital while you're en route.
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