Cardiac catheterization lab to open

YOUNGSTOWN — The latest in interventional cardiology will be on display Friday at Forum Health Northside Medical Center.

The hospital is unveiling its new cardiac catheterization lab, Philips FD20, used to diagnose and treat coronary heart disease.

The equipment will allow medical staff to insert a thin, flexible tube into a patient’s heart through a small incision in the leg or arm. Coronary arteries found to be blocked can then be opened by balloon angioplasty and stenting, improving the function of the circulatory system.

“By adding the Philips FD20 Lab to our program, we are assured faster, clearer test results,” said Beth Holko, clinical nurse manager. “By being more accurate and efficient, patients receive more prompt, comprehensive interventional cardiac care.”

The hospital will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by tours of the new lab, from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday. Cardiology specialists will be on hand to answer questions. Attendees are asked to use the cardiology entrance, next to the emergency department entrance.