Facility renovation enhances heart care

Since the first open-heart surgery in 1985, Baptist Health Paducah has been committed to leading heart care in western Kentucky. With recently renovated cardiac catheterization labs equipped with the latest technology, the facility offers improved safety measures, enhanced efficacy and enhanced care to benefit diagnosis and treatment.

In 2023, the cath labs were renamed the Howerton Cath Labs in honor of the Howerton family, trustees of the Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation. The Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation has been instrumental in the expansion of services and technology at Baptist Health Paducah for decades, and is especially invested in the future of cardiology to honor the legacy of the late Louis Myre, MD, a Baptist Health Paducah heart care pioneer.

Cath labs are procedural rooms where medical staff can perform minimally invasive tests and practices to diagnose and treat heart conditions.

“Over the years, we have seen a lot of advancements in heart care, and for an organization to keep up with new demands from an everchanging landscape of care is imperative,” said Elisha Richardson, director of cardiovascular care. “Timing is essential in the treatment of cardiac cases. Things can change very quickly and the ability to have the level of care that we do here locally can truly be the difference in life or death.”

According to Elisha, the recent updates to the cardiac cath labs allowed for new fluoroscopy equipment that allows for more precise measurement and diagnosis. In addition, the cath labs now offer advanced monitors, improved radiation safety for the patient and clinical staff and the ability to more effectively perform procedures using catheters.

“Paducah isn’t a metropolis, but because of Baptist Health and the partnership with individuals throughout our community who are dedicated to enhancing care for all, we are able to provide the same level of care right here at home, but with the added benefit of a team of local medical professionals who are truly invested in your health and wellbeing.”

The American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services has recognized Baptist Health Paducah, for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care, including diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures.

Baptist Health Paducah was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab. Baptist Health Paducah is the first and only hospital in the region to carry this honor.