AUSTIN – Ascension Seton Hays has announced the opening of a third cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab), increasing cardiovascular services available at the hospital. A cath lab is an examination room with diagnostic imaging equipment used to visualize the arteries and the chambers of the heart and treat any stenosis or abnormality found.

The new cath lab significantly increases capacity for complex heart care and procedures at Ascension Seton Hays to better serve fast growing Hays County. It features advanced technology and diagnostic tools with lower radiation, increasing safety for patients and providers and visualization for better imaging and outcomes. The cath lab is run by a group of dedicated “super users,” or a core team of providers whose focus is vascular imaging. This specialized group is highly trained and provides high quality, best practice care and experience for patients.

“We are excited to expand our cardiovascular services with the addition of a new cath lab,” said Dr. Vamsi Krishna, interventional cardiologist at Ascension Seton Hays. “The latest technology in our cath lab allows us to offer complex heart care for patients in Hays County and beyond.”

Additionally, the new cath lab will be used to support the growing, comprehensive cardiovascular care available at Ascension Seton Hays, including new procedures to be offered as part of its structural heart program, coming soon. Highly trained cardiologists at Ascension Seton Hays offer high quality care, close to home; patients no longer have to travel to Austin to receive complex heart care.

Ascension Seton Hays is prepared to safely treat patients

Ascension Seton Hays is equipped to safely protect patients from potential exposure to COVID-19 while taking care of their healthcare needs. Separate intake and care areas, waiting room distancing, universal masking, staff screening, ongoing use of personal protective equipment, as well as extensive safety and sanitization protocols, are in place to ensure all patients are cared for in a protected environment. Ascension Seton continuously monitors guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and adjusts safety practices and safeguards accordingly.

Visit www.ascension.org and www.dellchildrens.net.