University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute Unveils New Structural Heart Program, Cardiac Catheterization Lab at UH Lake West Medical Center

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio – University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is expanding advanced cardiac care and vascular services in the region through the addition of a structural heart program and new cardiac catheterization laboratory at UH Lake West Medical Center.

The cath lab is a specialized area in a hospital where doctors perform minimally invasive tests, cardiac and vascular procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular issues. UH continues to invest in community hospitals to improve patients’ quality of care through a wider range of services.

“University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute has identified UH Lake West as a center of excellence,” said Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, President, University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, and Angela and James Hambrick Chair in Innovation. “Our highly skilled caregivers allow you to stay close to home while receiving the best cardiac and vascular care possible.”

Interventional cardiologist Justin Dunn, MD, MPH, is the new Regional Director of the Valve & Structural Heart Disease Center at UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and oversees the program at UH Lake West.

“We get you back on your feet, and back to your family quicker, through minimally invasive techniques with a focus on providing excellent patient care and satisfaction,” said Dr. Dunn. “We’re happy to announce this is happening right in your community.”

The expanded scope of minimally invasive patient services includes transcatheter aortic valve replacement, (TAVR). It’s used to treat aortic stenosis or narrowed valves with restricted blood flow, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery. Patients can also now undergo left atrial appendage occlusion to treat atrial fibrillation.

Another alternative to open heart surgery now at UH Lake West Medical Center includes percutaneous mitral valve repair, a catheter-based procedure to stop blood leaking from the heart. In addition to a PFO (percutaneous patent foramen ovale) closure procedure designed to lessen the risk of reoccurring stroke.

UH Lake West now has increased capacity for peripheral, coronary and electrophysiology procedures geared towards monitoring and treating the heart’s electrical activity, allowing providers to more effectively treat patients with pacemakers on site.

“We are excited to see the continued investment at UH Lake West Medical Center,” said Robyn Strosaker, MD, Market President and Chief Operating Officer, UH Lake Health Medical Centers. “Here, patients will find the same level of experience and state-of-the-art equipment as they find at UH Cleveland Medical Center – in the convenience of a community hospital setting. It’s the UH difference, we bring the best to you.”

The cath lab features some of the newest equipment available, allowing improved diagnostic imaging for coronary, structural, and peripheral procedures. These enhancements allow caregivers to detect arterial blockages and better deliver treatment options. The equipment also improves safety, reducing radiation exposure for both patients, and staff while strengthening the patient experience in a clean and bright environment.

A focus on strengthening the patient experience continues at UH Lake West with construction of a hybrid operating room scheduled for completion later this year.