When significant coronary disease is present, blood supply to the heart muscle may be impaired. PCI is a nonsurgical procedure that opens the heart’s arteries using a catheter, with a small balloon attached to its tip. If necessary, a stent may be placed. A stent is a wire mesh tube that is left in the artery, allowing improved blood flow to the narrowed artery and preventing it from closing up again. PCI is performed by interventional cardiologists in Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett’s cardiac catheterization laboratory.
“The addition of PCI will allow patients at Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett to receive coronary intervention on site with an experienced team striving to continue the highest standards of cardiac care,” said James Stamper, M.D., medical director of cardiology services. “As a result, Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett’s trained professional staff can continue to provide quality care in a setting convenient to the patient.”
Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett offers a wide range of cardiac services. Diagnostic services include EKG, digital heart monitoring, echocardiogram, stress echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram. Additional cardiac services include cardiac catheterization, AICD implantation, electrical cardioversion and pacemaker implementation.
“Our recent facility expansion has provided us with the additional beds we need to grow our services,” said Debra Taylor, chief nursing officer. “The implementation of PCI at Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett will enhance our cardiac program and help us meet the needs of the area’s growing population.”
