For patients experiencing heart disease, unusual heart rhythms or vascular issues, the cardiac catheterization lab is a likely destination as the place where interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and interventional radiologists provide state-of-the-art treatment.

Angiograms to show blood flow in the heart; emergent and elective coronary artery revascularization to improve blood flow to the heart; ablations for arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation (Afib); and placement of devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators are all procedures performed in the catheterization lab.

Skagit Regional Health will soon embark on a project to upgrade two of the three catheterization labs at Skagit Valley Hospital with the latest in cardiac imaging services. As technology is constantly improving, the new equipment will replace systems installed 13 and 14 years ago. The project will be completed in phases with the first upgraded lab opening in 2023 and the second in 2024. Ultimately, all three labs will provide the latest technology and be equally equipped to handle the needs of all patients.“I am extraordinarily excited to see the remodel of our catheterization laboratories as we continually expand our cardiovascular and interventional radiology services here at Skagit Regional Health,” said Cardiac Electrophysiologist Ramy Hanna, MD, PhD, FHRS, FACC. “This project highlights our strong commitment to the community and our drive to always stay at the cutting edge of procedural care for electrophysiology, structural heart and interventional radiology services.”

The number of procedures in the catheterization labs has increased in recent years from 2,961 in 2018 to 3,611 in 2021. A referral center for the surrounding areas, patients hailing from 15 different Zip Codes received care in 2020 in the labs.

Among the cutting-edge procedures performed at Skagit Valley Hospital are:

• 3D mapping and ablation of heart arrhythmias
• Leadless pacemaker implants
• Placement of the Optimizer heart failure treatment device implant - the first in Washington state.
• CardioMEMS heart failure monitoring device implants

The total project cost will be more than $6 million and the Skagit Regional Health Foundation has committed to raise $3 million towards the upgrades.