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62 l MACON MAGAZINE DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013 What advanced technology or procedure are you using? Interventional cardiologists at Coliseum Heart Institute are at the forefront of a new generation of minimally invasive proce- dures. Cardiac catheterization is the most diagnostic way to view the internal arteries and vessels of the heart. For decades, the most commonly used entry point for these procedures was the femoral artery in the groin, but Coliseum Heart Institute is now using a new access point, the radial artery, located in the wrist. This innovative technique reduces recovery time and bleeding and may provide a less stressful option for patients who need the procedure. Who benefits the most from this? This innovative way of performing coronary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures will provide patients with a very short recovery time; allowing them to get up and move around soon after the procedure ends. Radial access will reduce the chance of bleeding complications, especially among women and older patients, as compared to femoral access. The best part? After the procedure, you can head right back to the ones you love. What does the public need to understand about this? While most people needing a cardiac catheterization would be candidates for this new approach, each patient must be evalu- ated individually to determine the most appropriate strategy. If you are having chest pain or other heart related symptoms, you need to get to an ER as quickly as possible. Coliseum has the fastest door-to-balloon times (from ER to opening the affected blood flow to the heart muscle) in the area, which is crucial in saving lives. How often is it used/performed? It is routinely performed at the Coliseum Heart Institute, often times, daily. Is it covered by insurance of Medicare? Yes. Where can we find out more about more information? Visit coliseumhealthsystem.com/heart or call Consult-A-Nurse at 478-746-4646. S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N Coliseum Heart Institute At the forefront of a new generation of minimally invasive procedures. 350 Hospital Drive | Macon, GA 31217 | (478) 746-4646 h e a lt h y I N N O V A T I O N S