Viewing the entire patient record on a single system yields faster reports, cost savings and improved patient care at one facility.

I work in a cardiac catheterization lab that does 13–22 cardiac diagnostic, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and various peripheral cases per day. The majority of these patients require a manual hold after removal of the femoral or brachial artery sheath. This is performed by an RN in the post procedure recovery room. By policy, the holding time is a minimum of twenty minutes. The first five minutes are at full pressure to ensure that leakage of blood does not occur. This does not have to be occlusive pressure so that perfusion distally is cut off, unless that is required to stop the bleeding. The next five minutes of pressure can be lessened to allow full perfusion to the leg yet still maintain hemostasis. For the last ten minutes, the pressure is gradually released until the end of twenty minutes and or hemostasis. In The Cardiac Catheterization Handbook, Kern recommends, “Manual pressure is held firmly for 15 to 20 minutes (5 minutes of full pressure, 5 minutes of 75

This monthly column in Cath Lab Digest reviews important points of distinction in DES, from characteristics to techniques, so that physicians have valuable and relevant information about this revolutionary technology.

Progressively creative cath labs are offering solutions for patient-friendly/family-friendly services that attract greater market share.

Christus St. Frances Cabrini Cath Lab was established in June of 1978. Presently we have 3 cath labs, 1 EP lab and a 5-bed holding area. One of the three labs is primarily used for peripheral cases. Our procedure volume is 6840-plus annually, with 3100-plus patients annually. Our primary procedures include LHC, PTCA/ stenting, peripheral angiograms, PTA/stenting, coronary and peripheral laser, EP study with ablation, pacemakers and ICDs. To maintain this procedure/patient volume, we utilize 21 FTEs: 7 RNs, 4 RTs, 4 CV techs, 1 transporter, 1 RT Senior Supervisor, 1 RN Clinical Coordinator, and 1 Materials Supervisor.

Manager of Cardiac Cath, Special Procedures, Electrophysiology, Special Diagnostics and Cardiac Rehab, Bay Regional Medical Center Bay City, Michigan