Freeman Invests in New Technology in New Cath Lab

Joplin, MO – Freeman Health System held a ribbon cutting Tuesday with the Joplin Regional Chamber of Commerce to recognize major renovations to one of four catheterization labs at the Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute. The room is redesigned for better workflow, making it more efficient for staff providing care. A new generation of catheterization lab machine – a GE Innova™ – is in place to offer the most up-to-date technology. The new equipment is a major investment by Freeman, costing more than a million dollars and will improve heart care for patients in the community.

“Freeman Health System’s investment in this new cardiac catheterization lab reflects our commitment to high-quality care, excellent clinical outcomes and an exceptional patient experience,” said Paula Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud of our cath lab team for their dedication to continual improvement of patient care, which includes using the most advanced technological innovations. Heart and vascular conditions are among the most widespread in the four-state area, and the physicians working in our new cath lab will save many lives through rapid and sophisticated cardiac intervention.”

Crews began work on floor-to-ceiling cath lab improvements in May. Duct work and the ceiling were redesigned to accommodate equipment such as a ceiling-hung zero-gravity lead shield with an articulating arm. This equipment offers protection for surgeons who once had to wear heavy lead aprons to shield them from radiation. Integrating the shield with other hung equipment also removes obstacles from the floor.

Another innovation was installation of medical gas connections and anesthesia tubing in the ceiling rather than from the wall. This allows anesthetists to connect patients without impeding the doctors or nurses working around the patient.

The heating and air system was upgraded to HVAC that meets top industry standards and to be energy efficient. Lighting was upgraded to LED, offering extended life and more energy efficiency.

The ability to sterilize and sanitize the improved lab were a priority from the room’s top to bottom. The Armstrong Medintone™ flooring is engineered for clinical settings without cracks or crevices, enabling complete sanitization. New cabinetry for equipment is mounted off the floor for better cleaning as well.

Interventional cardiologists working in the cath labs save lives performing procedures like angioplasty and implanting stents. The renovated lab is one of four used by Freeman’s eight cardiovascular physicians.

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About Freeman Health System

Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.