 ardiac Catheterization is the state-of-the-art diagnostic procedure for many patients who have suffered an attack of angina pectoris - severe chest pain and shortness of breath - or whose cardiac stress test has revealed high risk findings. Patients are understandably anxious to know whether they have a serious cardiac problem - and if so, they want to have something done about it, right away. The last thing the patient or the cardiologist needs is a long wait.
Winthrop-University Hospital now has the approval of the New York State Department of Health to open
a third Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. The authorization was announced by Richard Steingart, MD, Chief of Cardiology, who received the State's official
endorsement of Winthrop's Certificate of Need.
"The Cardiac Catheterization Lab is the mirror on the breadth of our comprehensive cardiovascular services," says Dr. Steingart.
New York State has only authorized the opening of new cardiac catheterization labs in "Centers of Excellence" - healthcare facilities which have already demonstrated quality cardiac services rendered to high volumes of patients;
maintenance of an active research program; and evidence of acceptable patient outcomes. Winthrop, a major regional tertiary care center, more than qualified in all three categories.
Winthrop has experienced a dramatic growth during the last decade in cardiology services and number of patients. During l997, cardiac catheterization volume grew to 4,917 procedures, occasioning the need for a third cardiac catheterization laboratory.
As a referral hospital for Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties, Winthrop has never turned away a patient. The addition of a third lab will reduce waiting time, and greater numbers of patients will be served in a more timely manner.
Kevin Marzo, MD, recently appointed Director of Winthrop's Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, adds, "The third lab will provide even more immediate access to urgent coronary interventions, not only for our community, but for
residents of Eastern Long Island, who are seeking care at Winthrop with greater frequency."
As Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Steingart is especially mindful of the enhancement of quality: "Quality is related to the volume of procedures, research, and teaching. The Heart Institute's comprehensive range of services - prevention, diagnosis, intervention, research, teaching, and community education - confirms our commitment to the pursuit of quality."
The Cardiac Catheterization Service can be reached at 516/663-2396.
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