The future of cardiac care at Mather Hospital takes a huge step forward in May with the opening of our Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
The new lab, which will include catheterization and electrophysiology labs, will allow Mather to perform minimally invasive tests and procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Doctors can look for an artery that is blocked, open it to restore blood flow to the heart and in that way prevent muscle damage. Approximately 150 patients every year are currently transferred from Mather or St. Charles to have these services performed elsewhere.
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart and treat any narrowing of blood vessels (stenosis) or other abnormality. A catheter – a thin, hollow tube – is inserted into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart. The catheter can accommodate instruments such as those measuring the pressure and blood flow in the heart, and can be used to inject contrast, if needed.
The electrophysiology lab, which will open later, is used to assess the heart’s electrical system and diagnose abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmia).
The Cardiac Cath Lab, as it is commonly known, also gives our community access to Northwell Health’s world-class cardiac care, including the heart program at South Shore Community Hospital.
The lab will be headed by Luis Gruberg, MD, who is also Northwell Health’s director of cardiovascular research for Eastern Long Island. Nicole Hoefler RN, is the nursing director for Cardiac Cath Services.
Time lapse video: This video followed the progress of construction at the Cardiac Catheterization Lab from Nov. 4, 2020 to March 30, 2021.