EP Lab Digest - May 2008 - (Page 24)

24 INSIDE MODULAR EP Continued from page 22 THE EP LAB MAY 2008 Hook-ups to power and water were also finished. Major construction was completed, but there was still considerable work to be done before the first cases could be performed. Additional Needs The modular unit came equipped with a Mac-Lab/CardioLab 7000 system (GE Healthcare, United Kingdom). With plans to provide complex ablation services within the first year of operation, an upgraded hemodynamic system would be needed to support a 3D mapping system. It was felt that the 7000 would not meet the needs of the program. Instead of upgrading the system after a few months, a new hemodynamic monitoring system was purchased at the onset of the program. This unit would remain the property of La Porte Hospital and would be moved to the permanent location of the lab upon completion. Another consideration was that a stimulator was not provided with the modular. A compatible unit would have to be purchased so studies could be performed. In order to meet all needs, a new GE Mac-Lab/CardioLab IT system with a Micropace stimulator (Micropace EP Inc.,Tustin, California), a 128-channel amplifier, and a CARTO interface (Biosense Webster Inc., and Johnson & Johnson company, Diamond Bar, California) was purchased and installed within a five-week period. The 7000 was removed from the modular once the IT system was ready for installation. Representatives from the hospital biomedical engineering department, engineers from GE, and the engineer from MDI worked together to pull cables, install monitors, and ready the unit for operation. In addition to a new flat panel monitor on the boom, a flat panel "slave" monitor was installed for utilization by caregivers at the head of the Lab staff preparing for a case. patient during procedures. This monitor allows easy visualization of the patient's vital signs and electrograms. The new GE Mac-Lab/CardioLab IT unit was networked into the DMS system so all functionality would be available to the EP lab. Additional capital purchases that were required for operations included two defibrillators, IV pumps, a cautery device, ablation devices, supply carts, procedure tables, portable "C" lockers, a suction canister system, lead protective wear, and patient transport devices, as well as a dictation system, fax/copy machine, computers, and a network printer. Simple modifications to the unit were also needed. The contrast injector was removed from the swing arm system and replaced with a surgical light that was needed for device implants. The contrast injector could be placed on the table when needed for cath lab backup. Additional can lighting was installed to provide better task lighting during procedures. Modifications also had to be made to the oxygen and suction outlets to match those of the hospital. Adaptors were then utilized to standardize the outlets for efficiency of use and patient safety. All of the concentrated efforts paid off, and our goal was accomplished. The first cases were successfully completed in the modular right on schedule. There were no major issues with the modular, construction, or equipment. Future Considerations and Final Thoughts All of the concentrated efforts paid off, and our goal was accomplished. The first cases were successfully completed in the modular right on schedule.There were no major issues with the modular, construction, or equipment. Patients, staff, and visitors have told us that they cannot tell where the hospital ends and the modular begins, as the transition is seamless.We will continue to refine the process and modify how we are going to set up cases and utilize space.This will be an ongoing evaluation as we settle into our new area. It is anticipated that we will be utilizing the modular for a period of 18 to 24 months. During that time, as stated previously, we want to include complex ablations and 3D mapping.We will need to refine the space in order to accomplish this, as upgrades may be needed to the X-ray equipment and monitoring system.We may utilize anesthesia services for complicated cases, which will lead us to issues with shared space. With growth will come the need for additional inventory and equipment. Again, we will have to be creative in order to provide an ergonomically correct, efficient workspace for the patients and staff. So will a modular unit work for an EP lab? Yes — it was the best option for our program. Will a modular unit work long-term? Yes it will, if we continue to involve our physicians and staff in decisions concerning the space and how to best utilize it. Our group is very creative, and we will continue to work together to provide an environment that can assist us in providing excellent care to our patients. For more information, please visit: www.modulardevices.com http://www.modulardevices.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EP Lab Digest - May 2008

EP Lab Digest - May 2008 Is There an Under-Referral of Women for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation? A Hybrid Approach to the Cure of Atrial Fibrillation Contents Letter from the Editor Spotlight Interview: University of Michigan Health System 10-Minute Interview: Amit J. Shanker, MD Modular EP Units: Are They Possible? One Hospital’s Experience All About My Job: Technician Supervisor (New Column!) Alcohol Septal Ablation in the Cath Lab: What is it All About? About the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society: Interview with Martin J. Gardner, MD, FRCP(C), FACC Email Discussion Group: May 2008 Second Annual Salary Survey My First Year in Electrophysiology: What Have I Got Myself Into? Highlight on Technology: Video-Audio Integration for the EP Lab On the Horizon: A New Remote Catheter Manipulation System Striving for Excellence in the Care of Cardiac Patients Five Reasons to Participate with a Professional Organization Suspected Shunting of Defibrillation Energy in the EP Lab Can Digital Music Players Cause Interference with Implantable Devices? ECG 101: Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Events Calendar Industry News and Products Classifieds Advertisers Index

EP Lab Digest - May 2008

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