Facilities & Technology
Albany Medical Center has invested substantially in cardiac & vascular treatment facilities and medical technologies:
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Cath labs give unprecedented |
| The latest digital equipment in Albany Med’s three cath labs gives physicians the ultimate view of the heart, both for diagnosing heart function and for clearing arterial blockages. The labs were the first in the region to offer drug-eluting stents that not only reduce restenosis in patients down to as low as 3-7%, but also decrease the need for open-heart surgeries. The labs also provide the region’s only pediatric catheterization program. Cath lab teams can be mobilized within 30 minutes to treat patients in emergency situations. Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care. |
The fully accredited and fully digital Echocardiography Laboratory at Albany Med provides echocardiographic evaluations, including transthoracic studies, exercise echocardiograms, dobutamine stress echocardiograms, myocardial perfusion imaging and tilt table tests.The lab also performs transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) to evaluate patients after transient ischemic attacks and stroke. All non-invasive diagnostic tests are conducted by physicians and technicians with finely honed interpretive and technical skills.The program’s technicians are certified by the Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Keeping Up the Pace: Region’s Most Advanced Electrophysiology Lab
The newly opened Electrophysiology Laboratory at Albany Med is the only facility of its kind in the region. Using the very latest digital equipment, including a 3-dimensional electrical mapping system, experienced specialists record the hearts electrical activity and diagnose and treat various arrhythmias and cardiac conditions. Unique to Albany Med is a fellowship trained cardiologist who can perform laser extractions of defibrillators and pacemakers.
Biplane Angiography Provides Two Views for Surgeons
Albany Med’s bi-plane angiography equipment features two separate X-ray tubes positioned at 90-degree angles that project sharp, high-resolution 3-dimensional images onto a series of screens, enabling physicians and surgeons to see two views of blood vessels and aneurysms simultaneously. The new equipment replaces the need for multiple injections of X-ray dye, which reduces patients’ table time, X-ray dose and contrast media exposure. The equipment’s high speed also compensates for unavoidable patient movement.
Cardiac Patient Simulator: A Remarkable Teaching Tool
Albany Med is home to one of the most ingenious teaching devices ever created: the Cardiac Patient Simulator. From aortic valve sclerosis and hypertension to mitral stenosis and acute pericarditis, the full-sized computerized manikin realistically simulates 27 cardiovascular conditions, and assists physicians, nurses and medical students in studying a variety of cardiac conditions and to practice their techniques in conducting examinations.
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Combined OR / Endovascular suite |
| Albany Med’s modern combined operative/endovascular suite is one of only several such advanced facilities in the entire nation. Complete with digital fluoroscopic imaging equipment that creates three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels and arteries, the state-of-the-art facility allows surgeons to perform advanced minimally invasive procedures as well as traditional surgeries. Complex “hybrid” open and endovascular procedures, as in the case of bypass and stenting procedures, can now be performed simultaneously by a team of vascular surgeons and interventionalists. |
Biomedical research scientists at Albany Med are leading significant NIH-funded studies in the area of heart care. We offer patients with complex and advanced heart disease new hope through a range of experimental therapies in clinical trials. These trials are ideal for cardiovascular patients who, for a variety of reasons, choose to move beyond traditional treatment modalities. Our clinical protocols have been approved by a Human Subjects Committee and involve little or no expense to patients.
Physician Pavilion Provides Easy Access to Care
Brand new to Albany Med is the recently opened Physicians Pavilion, which houses all outpatient activity and related hospital services in a single location. As a result, physicians who participate in multidisciplinary care are within a central location that facilitates collaboration and improves patient care. Also located in the Pavilion are labs for non-invasive cardiology and vascular testing, pulmonary function testing and endoscopy. For the convenience and comfort of patients and their families, we offer free valet parking and streamlined registration at the new facility.
Surgical Intensive Care Unit Renowned for Quality of Care
The national award-winning members of Albany Med’s 17-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit, as well as the staff of the Cardiac Pulmonary Surgery (CPS) and step down units, provide skilled and compassionate care to critically ill patients following surgery. The multidisciplinary team consists of doctors, critical care nurses, a respiratory therapist, social worker, technician, dietician, and pharmacist or clinical pharmacologist, occupational and physical therapists. Together they serve the full range of needs of each patient during recovery and provide support for their families.
IT Transforms Quality Care
A huge commitment to advance patient safety and quality of care through information technology systems has not only achieved greater efficiencies and standardization at Albany Med, it has also earned the us national recognition as “Most Improved” in information technology by Hospitals and Health Networks Magazine. To date, IT upgrades include Picture Archiving Communication System technology; Soarian Clinical Access by Siemens; Bedside Medication Administration barcode technology and Citrix Remote Access, allowing instant wireless remote access for doctors. In addition, broad-band internet connections between Albany Med and selected outlying hospitals create tele-medicine links between our staff and referring physicians for immediate consultation on a patient’s condition at any time of day.
