Cardiovascular Services
Conway Regional and your physicians are partners in the fight against heart disease. Our cardiovascular technologies, cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and specialized teams are a very important resource for your doctor. We offer a complete, unsurpassed cardiovascular intensive care unit, and state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization and Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Testing areas, staffed with highly experienced technologists and nurses. Cardiac Rehabilitation and Dietary Counseling services are also available.
Non-Invasive Cardiac Testing Conway Regional offers a variety of non-invasive cardiology procedures that are often the first step in diagnosing a possible problem in the cardiovascular system.
- Treadmill Stress Tests - While walking on a treadmill the patient's heart is monitored to diagnose any potential problems.
- Echocardiograms - an ultrasound of the heart, allowing the cardiologist to assess the functions of the heart and chest.
- Electrocardiogram Monitoring - The rhythm of the heart is monitored for 24 to 48 hours to detect any problems which may require a pacemaker or medications.
Cardiovascular Imaging Our Cardiac Catheterization lab, equipped with a specialized state-of-the-art imaging system, allows for excellent visualization of the blood vessels of the heart. During catheterization x-ray dye is injected into the coronary arteries to detect any blockages which may be present. In some cases blockages can be corrected by performing a coronary angioplasty procedure. A balloon is inserted into the blockage and inflated for several seconds to open the blockage. Then a coronary stent may be placed in the area of the blockage to maintain the opening. In the case of advanced disease, coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary. Pacemaker implants are also performed in the catheterization lab for patients who require this device to correct heart rhythm abnormalities.
Cardiovascular Surgery Conway Regional has an established open heart surgery program including coronary bypass surgery. Coronary bypass surgery includes heart valve repair and replacement, advanced aneurysm repair, pericardial windows, and the "beating heart" bypass procedure. Conway Regional has been a leader in bringing the "beating heart" procedure to Arkansas. The "beating heart" bypass procedure is made possible with the use of a sophisticated surgical device which stabilizes a portion of the beating heart as the surgeon repairs selected vessels. Benefits of the "beating heart" procedure is that it has been found to reduce patient's recovery time and reduces the risk of a cerebreal vascular accident, or stroke. In traditional coronary bypass surgery, the patient's heart is stopped and a heart-lung machine is used to sustain the patient during surgery.
Vein Harvesting Conway Regional has lead the state implementing this highly advanced technology. During bypass surgery, the physician may remove ("harvest") the saphaneous vein from the patient's leg. This vein is then used to bypass blocked heart arteries. At Conway Regional, a minimally-invasive procedure is often used to harvest the veins. By using special instruments and an approximately one-inch incision, the vein can be removed. The incision is closed with an adhesive product, eliminating sutures or staples. This technique has been shown to be more comfortable for the patient during recovery.
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit A five-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) and additional Operating Rooms (OR) are dedicated to high quality cardiovascular surgery. The CVICU and OR rooms are staffed by a cardiovascular surgeon with more than 10 years of experience in the latest procedures. Highly-skilled registered nurses with a variety of experience in critical and cardiovascular care complete the team.
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Cardiovascular rehabilitation is designed to help improve the patient's quality of life once heart disease has been diagnosed. An outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation program can include:
- Customized progressive exercise to strengthen muscles and improve stamina
- Stress reduction program
- Education for patients and families
- Lifestyle behavior modification
Cardiovascular Nutrition Consulting Professional nutritionists are available to provide dietary counseling for our patients and their families regarding low fat, cholesterol lowering diets, exercise, and simple daily changes to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
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