ORMC Redesigns Cath And EP labs Adds New Technology

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2015) — Orlando Regional Medical Center’s (ORMC) Redesign and Renovation Project continues to elevate the patient experience with significant space and technology enhancements to the Cardiovascular Services area. This redesigned and relocated area consolidates nine new cardiac labs with 20 new procedure preparation and recovery rooms in a single location. The renovated space recently opened for patient care.

The 38,745-square-foot renovation includes five new Catheterization (Cath) Labs and four new Electrophysiology (EP) Labs, which replaced existing labs. The new, larger labs accommodate additional medical equipment and supplies, and enable cardiovascular clinicians to provide quality care more effectively and efficiently.

“Cath and EP Labs are critical in helping doctors and other clinicians diagnose and treat heart conditions,” said Natalie Jones, DHA, MBA, RN, CNOR, clinical administrator, Cardiovascular Service Line, Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “Whether we are responding to a suspected heart attack or investigating chest pain or an abnormal stress test, having state-of-the-art technology available for patients is the first step in identifying a condition and determining the best treatment option.”

Cath Lab procedures test for blockages in heart arteries or other vessels through the body. The Cath Lab also is used for treatments, including balloon angioplasty and stent placements.

“Time is muscle when it comes to the heart,” said Arnold Einhorn, M.D., cardiologist and co-medical director, Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “Without an adequate blood supply, major damage to the heart can occur. We work quickly to determine if there is a blockage so that timely intervention can restore blood flow to the heart.”

EP Lab procedures examine the electrical activity of the heart to diagnose irregular heart rhythms. Treatment options performed in the EP Lab include ablations and defibrillator or pacemaker implantations.

“Our EP Lab is equipped with specialized mapping systems to help pinpoint any area of the heart with abnormal heart beats,” said Casey Ford, MBA, BA, CVT, RCIS, cardiovascular service line manager, ORMC.

In addition to advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, new technology in the Cath and EP Labs reduces radiation exposure for patients and the medical team during procedures. Future enhancements to the consolidated cardiac area include extensive diagnostics for: echocardiography (echo), transesophageal echo (TEE), stress echo and stress test. A tilt room and injection bays also will be part of the renovations.

“The expansion at ORMC includes new state-of-the-art cardiac cath and EP labs that increase the quality and safety of the procedures performed,” said Mark A. Steiner, M.D., cardiologist and co-medical director, Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “These new labs allow emerging technologies to be incorporated into the treatment of our patients and the equipment markedly reduces the radiation exposure to the patients and our team members. The pre-op and post-op areas increase efficiency with the close proximity to the labs and continue to improve patient comfort.”

ORMC is one of only two hospitals with a Level One Trauma Center in the nation — and the first in Florida — to receive three credentials from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, an international not-for-profit organization that focuses on transforming cardiovascular care. The credentials — Chest Pain Center Accreditation with PCI, Heart Failure Accreditation and Atrial Fibrillation Certification — reflect the hospital’s excellence in fighting heart disease, the nation’s No. 1 killer.

The expansion and renovation of the Cardiovascular Services area is part of the South Expansion phase of the ORMC Redesign and Renovation Project. Also part of the project are: the Surgical Services expansion and renovation (May); the new Emergency Department (April); and the ORMC North Tower (January). The project is designed to enhance the quality of care, reinforce safety for patients and caregivers, and heighten patient satisfaction. The entire redesign and renovation project, with an estimated cost of $297 million, represents one of the largest and most significant projects in the organization’s history.

Brasfield & Gorrie served as the general contractor for the project. The architectural firm was HKS Architects, Inc.

About Orlando Health

Orlando Health is a $3.4 billion not-for-profit healthcare organization with more than 2,400 beds serving Central Florida and beyond. Consisting of eight wholly-owned or affiliated hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Orlando Health has the area’s only Level One Trauma Centers for adults and pediatrics, and is a statutory teaching hospital system that offers both specialty and community hospitals. They are: Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC); Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children; Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies; Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center; Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital; Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital; Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital; Orlando Health South Lake Hospital; affiliate, St. Cloud Regional Medical Center.

The organization includes Orlando Health Medical Group and Orlando Health Physician Associates, two of the region’s largest multi-specialty practices; a renowned cancer center – Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center (with free-standing sites in downtown Orlando, the Dr. Phillips community in southwest Orlando, Lake Mary, Ocoee and Clermont); four outpatient surgery centers; 10 wholly-owned, affiliated or partnership urgent care centers; and a majority interest inan entity operating five outpatient imaging centers.

More than 2,900 physicians have privileges across the Orlando Health system, which is also one of the area’s largest employers with more than 20,000 employees who support our philosophy of providing high-quality care and service that revolves around patients’ needs. Orlando Health proves this everyday with more than 112,000 inpatient admissions, more than 2.4 million outpatient visits and more than 10,000 international patients each year. Additionally, Orlando Health provides more than $450 million in total value to the community in the form of charity care, community benefit programs and services, community building activities and more.

Media Contact
Sabrina Childress
Media Relations & Public Affairs Manager
Orlando Regional Medical Center
321.841.8748
[email protected]