Froedtert was one of seven medical centers across the U.S. allowed to test the new heart imaging technology created by Philips Medical, a global company focused on healthcare technology.,”Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin will offer cardiology patients the latest in heart viewing technologies beginning in early 2008.
Froedtert was one of seven medical centers across the U.S. allowed to test the new heart imaging technology created by Philips Medical, a global company focused on healthcare technology, said Ron Falnes, Wisconsin account manager for Philips Medical.
After testing the system for a month, Froedtert and other centers gave very positive feedback to the company and began placing orders for the technology, Falnes said.
Brain Dorrington, spokesman for Froedtert, said testing and purchasing the new system will set Froedtert apart in patient care.
"Patients who come to be treated with the newest technology are going to get a better diagnosis because physicians can look at more crisp images to get more precise information," he said.
The new imaging technology replaces existing two-dimensional technology through a software upgrade that allows cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to view clearer three-dimensional images, Falnes said.
By using a transesophageal ethocardiography probe, an electronic transmitter of sound waves, entire images of the heart can be viewed at a variety of angles, layers and levels to facilitate a quicker and more accurate diagnosis for patients. Cardiologists and surgeons can utilize the technology to know exactly what is going on in the heart before open-heart surgeries and procedures involving problematic valves or shape defects.
According to Falnes, the 3-D technology overcomes shortcomings and difficulties of the previous viewing system. The previous 2-D technology, which used a probe set on the patient's chest, produced an image of a very thin slice of the heart that did not allow users to see what was behind or in front of the heart. Lungs and physical body characteristics also frequently posed viewing problems.
With the 3-D system, a probe is placed down the patient's esophagus. This creates a much clearer picture and avoids other organs and skin getting in the way. Though a semi-invasive procedure, it takes little time and the sedated patient wakes up 10 minutes afterward ready to go home, Falnes said.
Falnes added that because the 3-D technology runs on the existing system, it is not hard to implement or learn and is not overly expensive.
Froedtert was selected to test the technology because of the expertise of Valvular Disease Clinic Director Timothy Woods.
"Dr. Woods was very involved with the 2-D (program) and he's an excellent resource," Falnes said. "He has the knowledge base to tackle this technology and we identified him as one of the leaders in 3-D technology and echocardiography."
Dorrington said Philips also selected Froedtert because, as an academic medical center, it uses the latest advancements in technology every day.
Because Marquette does collaborative research with Froedtert, the new technology will provide good research opportunities for students, said Jay Goldberg, director of Marquette's health care technologies management program.
Dorrington agreed and said students will benefit by having the latest technology at their fingertips.
"We pride ourselves on teaching the next generation of health care professionals," he said. "Being a part of such huge developments very early in their careers can only help further students' development."
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