YOUNGSTOWN - St. Elizabeth Health Center unveiled its new cardiovascular lab on Tuesday.
The lab is stocked with the latest equipment to help doctors treat the most common heart arrhythmias through a procedure called catheter ablation, which works better for patients than drug treatment.
Dr. Lee Gemma performed the first procedure, an atrial fibrilation ablation, in September. It was the first procedure of its kind in the region.
Article Photos
Tribune Chronicle / Joe Gorman
The Rev. George Gage of St. Elizabeth Health Center speaks Tuesday after blessing the hospital’s new cardiovascular lab. With him are Dr. Lee Gemma, left, and Marian Pacak, director of Heart and Vascular Services. Photo by Joe Gorman
Not all patients are suitable for the surgical procedure, but having the lab available will help improve the quality of life for those who are suitable, the hospital said in a news release.
Before the lab opened at St. Elizabeth, patients who are eligible for the procedure had to travel outside the region to get treatment, the hospital said.
Visitors got an up-close look at the equipment Tuesday during the unveiling.