Why a Cardiac Catheterization Lab?
1. Heart disease is the #2 killer in Canada.
2. Simcoe Muskoka lacks the "gold standard". The gold standard of cardiac care means receiving treatment in a cardiac catheterization lab (Cath Lab) within 90 minutes of having a heart attack.
3. The closest Cath Lab in our region is at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket. Unfortunately, this means most Simcoe Muskoka residents live outside this critical window of opportunity.
4. More than 3,000 patients every year must leave our region for this life saving care.
5. By installing a cardiac Cath Lab at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, most Simcoe Muskoka residents will have access to lifesaving cardiac care within the critical time period.
6. This will save lives and offer treatment closer to home.
Donate Online on the RVH Foundation Website
What is a Catheterization Lab?
A Cath Lab is actually very similar to The Interventional Radiology (IR) Machine, which our stations supported in our first R4R campaign! It’s very similar technology but used for a different purpose. Cardiologists instead of radiologists run the equipment. Cath Labs are used for both Angiography and Angioplasty.
An Angiogram is a test that helps doctors see any plaque in the coronary arteries and helps detect narrowing or blockage. This is the only reliable test that shows the blood vessels of the heart and determines whether the patient may require surgery.
During an Angiogram, if the doctor detects a blockage, they may be able to correct it with an Angioplasty. In this procedure, the doctor expands the artery using a balloon inserted through the catheter used in the angiogram. The doctor can place a stainless steel mesh tube called a “Stent” to keep it open.
Donate Online on the RVH Foundation Website
Learn more about the Radio for Cardiology Radiothon on May 20 & 21 at RIOCAN Georgian Mall.
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