SGMC Health enhances heart care with lab upgrades
Published 9:46 am Thursday, January 30, 2025
- Submitted photo: SGMC Health team celebrates the opening of a state-of-the-art electrophysiology lab with its first Concomitant procedure.
VALDOSTA — SGMC Health is raising the bar in cardiac care with the introduction of a cutting-edge Cardiac Electrophysiology (EP) Lab at its main campus. This milestone is part of an ambitious plan to transform the heart center, including substantial upgrades to three cardiac catheterization (cath) labs within the next year.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the new EP Lab enables cardiac electrophysiologist Kamil Hanna, MD, to perform groundbreaking procedures that enhance patient outcomes, the health system said in a press release. Recently, Dr. Hanna used advanced Boston Scientific devices to achieve a Georgia milestone: SGMC Health became the third health system in the state to perform a “Concomitant” dual procedure by implanting a WATCHMAN device and performing an atrial fibrillation ablation in a single sitting. This innovative approach streamlines care, reduces the need for multiple procedures, and improves overall patient recovery.
“The addition of the EP Lab elevates our ability to deliver comprehensive, world-class cardiac care,” said Dr. Hanna. “Patients benefit from not only the latest technology but also the personalized, compassionate attention SGMC Health is known for.”
To complement the new EP Lab, SGMC Health is investing in state-of-the-art upgrades for its three cath labs as part of a multimillion-dollar initiative. These enhancements will include cutting-edge imaging equipment and technology designed to expand procedural capacity and improve patient care.
“The new cath labs will feature advanced imaging systems that provide superior image quality with reduced radiation exposure,” said Luke Seibolt, MD, interventional cardiologist. “With integrated intravascular ultrasound and enhanced visualization technology, we’ll also reduce contrast usage, making procedures safer and more comfortable for patients. These improvements mark a significant leap forward in the precision and safety of cardiac care.”
Randy Smith, senior vice president and chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of these advancements in meeting the community’s growing demand for high-quality, local heart care.
“No one looks forward to undergoing a cardiac procedure, but with our new Philips Azurion system, clinicians can treat cardiovascular conditions with unmatched precision and confidence,” Smith said. “By expanding our capacity and integrating the latest technology, we’re not only offering exceptional care but also ensuring timely access to life-saving treatments for more patients in our community.”
For more information about SGMC Health’s advanced heart services, visit sgmc.org.
