2014 will see all fundraisng efforts focused on the purchase of a new Cath Lab at Laniado
The Need for a New Cath Lab
1999 saw the dedication of the brand new Cath lab at Laniado. Over the last 15 years, the amount of cardiac catheterizations have risen to over 1000 a year. This is almost three major operations a day. 15 years is a long time and technology has come a long way. Laniado UK has undertaken the project of replacing this now out of date lab with a brand new machine that will ensure the maximum safety of the patient being operated on.
What is a Cardiac Catheterisation
A cardiac catheterisation is a test that enables doctors to see any blockages or defects in the heart, and to evaluate how well the heart is pumping. Patients are given a light sedative, and the catheterisation procedure begins. After the catheter is inserted into the blood vessel, it is slowly advanced toward the heart and the physician follows the catheters progress on a computer monitor. When the catheter reaches its destination, it measures the pressures inside the heart. This enables the doctor to assess how well the heart is pumping and the severity of any heart defects.
New Technology
Technology has come a long way in the last 15 years. The new machine will incude an Information Management System (IMS) that digitally archives images. This allows Doctors from around the world to access these images and learn from a number of procedures. The new machine will also include a a Data Management System (DMS) that ties in to an Internet-based Physician Portal that enables physicians to see real-time charts, patient information and reports. This feature also creates reports of the procedures underatken by the doctors and the results.
The clarity on the screens have been vastly improved and the imaging area has been increased to allow for a 12-inch by 12-inch view of the heart and chest area. This is important for cardiac catheterisations because it allows doctors to distinguish between a blockage and normal heart anatomy much quicker and with more certainty.
The Cost of a New Cath Lab
The cost of a new machine is $750,000. The Cardiac Department itself is in need of various equipment including Defibrillators and ECG's. Laniado UK, will attempt to raise the money needed in this the 40th anniversary year for this department as a whole.