New Cardiology Center Opens at Banner Good Samaritan

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 2, 2004) – Banner Good Samaritan unveiled its new Cardiology Center in late February, marking the second phase of the hospital's two-year, $90 million expansion project.

The new center consolidates the cardiac catheterization labs, non-invasive cardiology services and cardiac rehabilitation into one area served by a common waiting room. Patients and visitors can easily access the center through the 2nd floor of the Banner Good Samaritan parking garage.

"The center is more inviting and convenient for patients and visitors and much more efficient for staff," said Lynn DeGuzman, director of cardiac cath and non-invasive cardiology.

Cardiac Cath Labs – The center contains six large state-of-the-art cath labs including one dual-purpose lab that can be used for cardiac cath procedures as well as diagnostic or interventional electrophysiology studies. The old area housed five labs. The addition of a lab and a layout that improves patient flow will enable the department to serve more patients. In 2003, the staff performed 5,686 cardiac catheterization procedures.

Four of the new labs are equipped with the latest in flat-plate imaging technology that allows for true digital acquisition. Two of those labs feature larger flat plates that make it easier for physicians to do peripheral vascular interventions. The area also includes a dedicated 16-bed holding area, which can be used for cath patients as well as patients in the emergency department that may be waiting for a hospital bed.

Non-Invasive Cardiology – Non-Invasive Cardiology moves into a larger, more comfortable space than its old quarters. The area is designed so that everything is close at hand for patients and staff. The department provides the following diagnostic tests:

• Diagnostic cardiac catheterization
• Echocardiography
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• Treadmill stress testing
• Nuclear stress testing
• Holter monitoring
• Event recording
• Electrocardiography (ECG).

Cardiac Rehab – Cardiac rehab patients are working out in a spacious new gym that features locker rooms, a designated warm-up area, a patient education room, and a brand-new universal weight machine donated by the volunteers from the Banner Good Samaritan Service League. Patients made 5,343 visits to the outpatient cardiac rehab program in 2003. Cardiac rehab director Beth Miller says that patients love the new space. "They can't get over how beautiful and functional it is."