The Heart Institute
Cardiac Cath Lab
Bay Medical’s Heart Institute program includes an extensive cardiac catheterization lab that offers 24-hour emergency angioplasty, cardiac stent placements, electrophysiology and several new studies to remove plaque in the arteries. During a cath procedure, a small catheter is inserted into an artery through the arm or groin. A dye is then injected and live-action x-ray images are taken, allowing the physician to see any blockages or other problems.
Angioplasty
Bay Medical is the only hospital from Fort Walton to Tallahassee offering 24-hour emergency angioplasty. This non-surgical procedure widens narrowed or blocked arteries. During angioplasty, a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into a blocked artery. The balloon is then inflated, opening the blockage and restoring blood flow. Sometimes, the physician will place a stent where the blockage was located to hold that portion of the blood vessel open. This procedure can often be performed in lieu of bypass surgery, if patient condition warrants.
SilverHawk
The SilverHawk Plaque Excision System is a revolutionary plaque removal treatment, which has been used at Bay Medical since July 2004. Doctors insert a tiny, rice-sized rotating blade through a catheter to remove harmful plaque that blocks leg arteries. The SilverHawk tool collects the plaque within the tip of the blade so it is permanently removed.
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Safe Cross
For those with totally blocked arteries, Bay Medical offers the IntraLuminal Safe Cross System. During this catheterization procedure, radiofrequency energy burns through the blockage and an advanced guidance system guides the physician through plaque without the risk of damaging artery walls.
Electrophysiology
Bay Medical is the only area hospital offering electrophysiology studies (EPS) in its extensive cardiac care program. The EPS provides the most accurate and detailed information about the heart’s electrical system. It allows the heart rhythm to be studied, helping to determine exactly what the rhythm problem (arrhythmia) is and how it can be controlled.