The Cardiovascular and Interventional division of Radiology is located on the fifth floor of the Gibbon building. The area is separated from the main radiology department, but is conveniently located adjacent to the cardiac catheterization laboratories and the cardiac/peripheral vascular operating rooms. The CVIR area has recently undergone major renovations, including the installation of three new procedure rooms, with a fourth planned for completion in 2002. The new angiographic equipment is all digital and provides the very latest in sophisticated imaging capabilities. This includes such techniques as rotational angiography, high-resolution cine-mode digital angiography, and bolus-chase angiography. Also the ability to use tilting angiographic tables in combination with digital algorithms specifically for CO2 imaging, optimizes the use of CO2 as a contrast agent.

The ability of obtaining instant digital images during a procedure is an important capability in many circumstances during complicated procedures. Some procedure rooms have built in ultrasound units for use in cases requiring ultrasound guidance. All three rooms are connected to two sophisticated workstations that allow case review or image manipulations independent of ongoing cases in the procedure rooms. All imaging from the CVIR division is stored on the departments’ PACS system, which allows referring and consulting physicians to conveniently review CVIR studies from a their office or other site through a secure computerized network. The division also shares equipment and space with the cardiology catheterization laboratory. This includes the latest equipment for mechanically removing blood clots, and intravascular ultrasound imaging.

The newly reconstructed area also includes a ten bed, fully monitored recovery area for patients who have been given conscious sedation. A new reception area and changing rooms are utilized for out-patients. A new physician area for patient consultations, and office space for CVIR personnel were also part of the reconstruction.

Personnel

The divisions C-PA (certified physicians assistant) plays a key role in patient management and follow-up. Support staff includes an outstanding group of CVIR nurses and technologists who are closely involved in every CVIR procedure. Nurses administer conscious sedation and are responsible for patient monitoring during and after procedures. Technologists help prepare patients for their procedures, and are responsible for the imaging and procedure related supplies such as catheters, guidewires, and other devices used for our studies. Both nurses and technologists are certified by their respective sub-specialty organizations.