In today's world, even complex heart procedures can now be performed with at least some social distancing, thanks to new high-tech capabilities at WellSpan York Hospital. WellSpan cardiologists are among the first in the United States to employ Avail Medsystems camera and video technology to collaborate with their fellow physicians during complex cardiovascular procedures, all while limiting hospital in-person interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using this state-of-the-art procedural telemedicine solution, a specialist not in the procedure room can offer real-time support during live procedures taking place in the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab. Multiple high-definition cameras can be remotely controlled to get close-up views of the procedure.
Remote physicians also have the ability to access views from external imaging equipment, split the screens to view inputs side by side, annotate, and freeze frames. A portable console in the cardiac catheterization lab allows the treating physician to see everything the remote physician displays in real-time and provides a clear audio/video feed of the remote physician offering consultation. WellSpan York Hospital physicians have also utilized this technology for orthopedic endoscopic procedures.
WellSpan York Hospital interventional cardiologists and their teams are currently on a rotating schedule that involves one week of covering procedures and being on call, followed by two weeks of self-quarantine in order to stay responsive to patients who need cardiovascular procedures, while limiting the probability of any transmission of COVID-19. Using Avail, physicians who are under self-quarantine at home can virtually join the procedure room to provide support.
Interventional cardiology procedures offered at the hospital include diagnostic cardiac heart catheterizations, treatment of chronic total occlusions, transcatheter aortic valve replacements, and coronary interventions, including stent implantations.
To learn more about WellSpan heart and vascular care, readers may visit http://www.wellspan.org/heart.
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