Private hospital’s cath lab upgraded

Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital’s cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) closed its doors on 24 July until the middle of September so that it can be revamped.

Hospital General Manager Motlalentoa Motsoane says that the overhauled cath lab will be state-of-the-art and offer patients the very latest in facilities and equipment.

According to Motsoane the Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital’s cath lab first opened its doors in February 2000. Since then it has assisted specialists and staff in the diagnosis and treatment of thousands of patients.

“After 13 years of unstinting service to the community it was decided to upgrade the hospital’s cath lab to ensure that it continues to remain at the forefront of its field and be able to meet the increasing demands for its services well into the future,” he adds.

“We are sure that our patients will be most impressed with the changes once it is complete.”

Motsoane explains that cath labs use diagnostic imaging equipment to visualise the arteries and chambers of the heart for the purposes of diagnosis. They are used also to treat any damage to, or narrowing of (stenosis), the arteries. A new Siemens Artis zee Dyna CT cardiac machine with a rotational angiography and a 3D workstation are to be installed. This cutting-edge system has software for image viewing and manipulation for cardiac, vascular and neuro interventional procedures.

According to Motsoane two resident cardiologists will be on site to manage all cardiac emergencies while the cath lab is closed and if required patients will be referred to the Netcare Olivedale Hospital cath lab during this time.