Providence Tarzana Surgeon First In U.S. To Use New State-of-the-Art Imaging Tool

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Stroke;  MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Article Date: 23 Jun 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Providence Tarzana Medical Center on Friday became the first. hospital in the nation to use the latest generation in imaging - the Ziehm Vision RFD - in this case to aid a surgeon in opening the clogged carotid artery of a patient who had suffered a small stroke.

Zahi E. Nassoura, a board-certified vascular surgeon and chief of staff at Tarzana, liked what he saw in the crystal-clear image provided by the Ziehm Vision, approved late last month by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and installed last week at Tarzana.

The quality of the image on screen is critical in such minimally-invasive surgeries that involve placing a thin catheter into a small incision near the groin. Dr. Nassoura threaded the stent through the catheter and, with his eyes on the new screen, implanted it to wedge open the carotid, which carries blood to the brain. In this case, the patient had suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA,) or "mini-stroke."

"This picture is definitely better than I've seen. There's much better visibility and accuracy. I'm able to clearly see the vessels in deploying the stent," Dr. Nassoura said after the 90-minute procedure.

Minimally invasive procedures mean reduced pain, less scarring and quicker recovery for patients because incisions are small and anesthesia minimal.

"It's exciting, not just because we're the first but because of the capabilities for our patients," said Gonzalo Marquez, the 245-bed acute-care hospital's associate administrator. "The equipment is state-of-the-art. The quality exceeds anything we've seen."

Greg McIff, director of cardiovascular marketing for Ziehm Imaging, attended Friday's procedure.

"This is new technology for mobile C-arms in the U.S. market," McIff said. "It's groundbreaking in the sense that this type of imaging allows for very clear visualization of the vasculature required for the growing field of minimally-invasive therapy, without having to expend the costs associated with a fixed cath lab imaging system."

The $300,000 imaging equipment comes as Providence continues investing in Providence Tarzana, known for heart care, minimally-invasive procedures and its acclaimed neonatal and pediatric ICUs. Since the first of the year, the nonprofit Providence has purchased more than $20 million in upgrades.

Source: Providence Tarzana Medical Center