What is the size of your cath lab facility and number of staff members?

The Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute boasts one of the nation’s largest cardiology groups. Our cath lab consists of three lab suites supported by 38 staff members. Our cath lab consists of 1 Siemens swing lab (Malvern, PA), 1 Siemens Angiostar, dedicated to our peripheral program, a Siemens Axiom Artis single suite, and a shared Philips lab (Bothell, WA) that is utilized for coronary and electrophysiology procedures. In the fall of 2005, the completion of a new wing brought three additional electrophysi

Dr. Charles Dotter performed the first-ever percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in 1964.¹ Since the first transluminal angioplasty, the numbers of interventional procedures performed have exploded worldwide. Initial percutaneous vascular interventions (PVI) were confined to the domains of radiology. ² Yet the last decade has undergone a paradigm shift in the type of specialty and operators who perform PVI. ³ In 2005, the majority of PVI work was performed by cardiologists, ⁴ followed by radiologists and vascular surgeons. As a cardiologist tiptoes

Dr. Larry S. Dean is a Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Director of the University of Washington Regional Heart Center at the University of Washington Academic Medical Center. He served his internship and residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He received his cardiology training, including interventional cardiology, at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and he then joined the faculty at the University of Alabama in 1986. Dr. Dean served as Assistant Chief of Staff of University of Alabama Hospital and

In The Clinical and Economic Impact of Measuring Fractional Flow Reserve, Dr. Matar has presented an insightful discussion on his use of physiologic measurements in his very busy clinical practice, specifically, the pressure-wire derived fractional flow reserve (FFR). It is worth noting that as an expert, experienced interventional cardiologist, his previous highly aggressive approach of just stent it to nearly all lesions has given way to a thoughtful and more objective approach of measure and decide. Dr. Matar elegantly discusses some of the major issues with regard to the clinically

Introduction

What are the criteria you utilize to determine whether or not to use a pressure guidewire in a particular case?

It provides a very easy-to-interpret value that helps physicians determine the significance of a coronary lesion seen on angiography. Its most important role is to help us to understand whether or not a lesion is capable of resulting in ischemia. This information is particularly important when the angiogram is unclear or if the lesion appears to narrow the lumen to only a moderate degree. Importantly, FFR is a value that is precise and not subject to interpretation. It provides us with physiologic and not just anatomical information.

Can you describe your hospital and the type of population you serve?

Let's take a nostalgic trip down memory lane. If you are old enough to remember the equipment discussed here, you are probably a baby boomer; if not, consider this both a history lesson and a peek ahead into the future. As the old saying goes, you need to know where you came from to appreciate where you are going.

New Questions