Athens Regional Medical Center is the first facility in Northeast Georgia and only the 15th nationally to use a new medical technology in cardiac procedures, similar to the global positioning system drivers use to determine the location of their vehicle on a map, that drastically reduces radiation exposure for patients and clinicians.

The MediGuide™ Technology allows physicians to see the precise location of specially designed delivery tools and catheters enabled with miniature sensors to navigate within the heart. Using a low-powered electromagnetic field, the system allows physicians to see in real-time, a three-dimensional image of these tools on pre-recorded fluoroscopy (a rapid series of X-ray images). Automatic adjustments are made to the pre-recorded images to compensate for changing heart rhythms, breathing and patient movement. By allowing the physician to track devices on pre-recorded fluoroscopy, MediGuide technology can help avoid additional fluoroscopy throughout the procedure and significantly reduce radiation exposure.
 
“This technology essentially reduces radiation exposure by 80 percent. That’s a monumental leap in patient, physician and clinician safety,” said Dr. David Woodard, FACC, an Electrophysiologist at Athens Regional Cardiology.
 
The MediGuide technology may be used to aid a physician in navigating delivery tools and catheters in the cardiac anatomy during implantable device procedures, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy cases, which helps restore a patient’s heart rhythm back to normal and protects against sudden cardiac death. MediGuide technology can also be used in ablation procedures where radiofrequency energy is delivered to correct an arrhythmia (or irregular heart beat).
 
The current standard practice for viewing devices in the heart uses continuous, live fluoroscopy, which is a rapid series of X-ray images taken throughout the course of the procedure. Worldwide, physicians perform several billion of these radiation-based imaging procedures annually and approximately one-third occur in cardiovascular patients.
 
While the benefits of imaging provided by fluoroscopy are important, studies show that the ionizing radiation from repeated exposure to fluoroscopy over time may compromise a person’s immune system, elevate the risk of developing cancer, or present other health hazards. These risks also have the potential to greatly impact overall health care costs.
 
“Our commitment to patient and clinical safety is relentless. Offering the Mediguide Technology is yet another example how Athens Regional Medical Center is committed to being the safest hospital possible for our patients, our physicians and our staff,” said Charles Peck, MD, CEO and President of Athens Regional Health System.
 
Athens Regional Medical Center is hosting a Gauze Cutting ceremony to officially open the new MediGuide equipped catheterization laboratory on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 from 3pm – 5pm. The hospital treats its first patient with the new technology on Monday, September 14, 2015.