Our Services
From its comprehensive diagnostic testing, to advanced treatments and its renowned cardiac rehabilitation center, the Heart Center at Mercy Hospital provides the full continuum of cardiac services. The following are just some of the services and procedures performed at The Heart Center at Mercy Hospital:
Diagnostics
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography Laboratory Services
- Trans-esophageal Echocardiography Program
- 3D Echo
- Thallium Stress Testing
Services
- Peripheral Vascular Diagnostics
- Nuclear Ventriculography
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Trans-Myocardial Revascularization (TMR)
Diagnostics
Electrocardiography
In an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), the heart’s electrical impulses are recorded. When analyzed, these recordings often give the physician an accurate electrical picture of heart irregularities and disease, particularly concerning heart rate, rhythm, and pre-existing physical problems. Holter monitoring allows for a tape recorder device to record the ECG signal over time. The monitor is strapped to the patient and worn over a 12 or 24-hour period. The recording is interpreted to provide graphic representation of the heart’s electrical activity during a typical day. This procedure is normally used to evaluate heartbeat irregularities and other cardiac conduction disturbances.Echocardiography Laboratory Services
During an echocardiogram, sound waves produce detailed images of the heart, providing information on the structure and function of the valves and chambers of the heart. A color flow doppler provides color-coded images of blood flow within the heart and blood vessels.Trans-esophageal Echocardiography Program
A trans-esophageal echocardiogram is performed by passing a narrow tube containing an ultrasound probe into the patient’s esophagus, enabling the echocardiogram to take place as close to the heart as possible. This method provides an unobstructed view of the heart chambers and valves when finer detail is needed.3D Echo
Echocardiography provides doctors with an instantaneous and highly definitive view of the beating heart that painlessly and non-invasively identifies abnormalities, confirms diagnoses and provides information to plan treatment. This real-time three-dimensional technology is changing the way doctors treat and monitor cardiac conditions and allows the cardiologist to rotate the image to see cardiac anatomy from multiple prospective.Thallium Stress Testing
The patient is injected with a small amount of radioactive material while he or she exercises on the treadmill. Immediately after the exercise, as well as several hours later, images of the blood flow to the heart muscle are produced. The nuclear cardiologist can then determine the presence of narrowed coronary arteries by evaluating the changes in blood flow to the heart muscle as a result of the exercise. Similar studies are used to determine both the need for and the results of bypass surgery and coronary angioplasty.
Services
Peripheral Vascular Diagnostics
Peripheral vascular diagnostics is used to evaluate the circulation in the legs. This procedure involves insertion of a radiopaque catheter through an artery onto the legs using fluoroscopy. Specific structures (peripheral arteries) can be visualized through an injection of radiopaque contrast agent; rapid sequential radiograph, called angiograms, record the flow of the agent through these structures (arteries).Nuclear Ventriculography
This is a precise means of measuring the heart’s function at rest and in response to exercise or drug intervention. To perform this procedure, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into a patient’s arm. These measurements have important diagnostic and treatment implications for patients with coronary artery disease and other cardiac abnormalities.Cardiac Catheterization
A small, flexible catheter is inserted via a lower limb, (but not limited to lower limb) blood vessel and guided through the chambers of the heart. Digital computers then present a clear picture of the heart in motion and provide a detailed map of the coronary arteries. The cause of heart disease can be determined through analysis of the information provided.Cardiothoracic Surgery
There are two (2) common types of open-heart surgery: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, in which a blood vessel graft is used to relieve a blocked artery; and valve surgery, which involves the surgical repair or replacement of damaged heart valves.Other cardiothoracic surgery procedures include the minimally invasive direct heart surgery (MIDCAB) and off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). MIDCAB is performed through a smaller incision in the sternum resulting in fewer complications, instead of opening the chest as in conventional open-heart surgery. OPCAB is accomplished while the heart continues to beat, without the use of the heart-lung machine. This allows the patient to avoid the inflammatory response caused by cardiopulmonary bypass.
Trans-Myocardial Revascularization (TMR)
TMR is a new surgical procedure using a laser to make “channels” or small holes, directly into the heart muscle. This procedure can be done by itself or in combination with conventional coronary bypass surgery. In time, as the channels heal, they stimulate the creation of new small vessels or capillaries by a process known as angiogenesis. TMR has been shown to reduce angina and improve the quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease.
For information about The Heart Center at Mercy Hospital or to find a physician, please call (305)285-2929.