Lafayette General Medical Center Cardiac Cath Lab Expansion

Region's largest cardiology program equipped to handle a multitude of cardiac-related illnesses and emergencies

The $6 million, 25,000 square-foot, three-phase catheterization (cath) lab renovation and expansion project at Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) that began two years ago is now complete.

In addition to three existing cath labs, the expansion includes four new state-of-the-art larger cath lab suites. This newly renovated and expanded lab is now the largest in the region. The pre-op and post-op unit expanded to a 28-bed cardiovascular short stay unit, which includes three new holding bays for optimizing inpatient cases. In addition, two new private physician consultation rooms will be used for family consults following patient procedures. The remodel also includes an isolation room. The newly renovated space allows for quicker patient check-in and bedside registration.

There is also a new command center, where every patient is specially tracked with new technology. This is improving communication across all phases of care. The new space is also equipped with the latest technology for staff education. This includes a large staff room to hold conferences and continuing education, as well as staff locker rooms with changing areas and showers.

"Overall, these new features are increasing capacity and efficiency throughout the Cath Lab while enhancing the experience for both patients and their families," said Lafayette General Medical Center CEO and Executive Vice President Patrick Gandy. The cath labs at LGMC are managed in partnership with Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS).

LGMC and CIS began a joint partnership to provide comprehensive cardiovascular care to Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana communities in 2011. Lafayette General Health continues to partner with CIS in an effort to bring world class physicians, state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities and the latest technology to detect and treat heart and peripheral vascular disease at LGMC.

"Nearly 5,000 patients were treated in our Cath Labs in 2018, and the program continues to grow to meet the needs of our community," continued Gandy.

The scope of practice in the Cath Lab platform includes: Coronary and peripheral procedures, interventional radiology, electrophysiology, neuro intervention.

Leaders from Lafayette General Health and Cardiovascular Institute of the South will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, February 13 at 11 a.m. in front of the cath lab, which is located near Lafayette General Medical Center's emergency department entrance.

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About Ochsner Lafayette General

Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Ochsner St. Martin Hospital, Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics, Ochsner Acadia General Hospital, Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, Ochsner American Legion Hospital and a number of clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines.