TGMC installs third Toshiba Infinix DP-i system with Next Generation Advanced Image Processing

As a nationally recognized healthcare organization, home to one of the most advanced vascular interventional practices in the country, Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) handles approximately 3,300 cath lab patients annually. Patients from all over the country come to TGMC for interventional treatment for conditions associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), including limb ischemia. After success with its three older Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. cath labs, TGMC has completed installation of the third new Infinix^TM DP-i system with Next Generation Advanced Image Processing (AIP) from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., to meet the needs of its growing interventional practice and increase in limb salvage cases.

“This system is an example of Toshiba's commitment to designing innovative technology to improve workflow and collaboration during procedures through better patient access.”

"As one of the largest interventional practices in the country, many of our patients are critically ill and have disease in multiple areas," explained Dr. Peter Fail, director of cardiac catheterization laboratories and interventional research, Terrebonne General Medical Center and Cardiovascular Institute of the South. "The Infinix DP-i gives us the best of both worlds by allowing us to switch from evaluating the heart to peripherals, all within a single procedure using the same system."

As a shared cardiac and vascular cath lab, the Infinix DP-i is ideal for meeting the needs of a busy interventional practice treating patients with CVD or PVD. The Infinix DP-i's unique dual C-arm system allows one lab to perform like two. One C-arm is designed for cardiac work, while the other is optimized for peripheral work outside the heart, such as carotids, renals and legs. The system enables clinicians to seamlessly transition between cardiac and peripheral work during a single procedure. The improved image quality during fluoroscopic intervention allows TGMC to see with more clarity and enhances device guidance and deployment, creating safer, faster and more comprehensive exams.

In 2009, TGMC performed approximately 1,160 peripheral interventions, and that number continues to grow. With PVD, blockages can occur when deposits build up in the inner linings of the artery walls and restrict blood circulation leading to the legs and feet. Eventually, blockages in the limbs can turn into limb ischemia, which can result in gangrene, nonhealing wounds and eventually, amputation. Diabetics, a patient population on the rise at TGMC, are at particular risk for limb ischemia and amputations, since impaired circulation is one of the complications associated with diabetes. Using the Infinix DP-i, TGMC clinicians can access the patient from either side of the table, which is especially useful in limb salvage cases where ischemia could be present in one or more limbs.

"TGMC specializes in limb salvage cases, and the Infinix DP-i's high quality images help us assess the severity of the condition, develop a roadmap for treatment and aid during intervention," explained Dr. Craig Walker, MD, interventional cardiologist at Terrebonne General Medical Center, and founder, president, and medical director of Cardiovascular Institute of the South. "From a clinical standpoint, if the condition is identified early, monitored and treated properly, the limb may be salvageable in many cases. The images acquired using the Infinix DP-i aid us in developing a complete treatment plan to improve these patient outcomes."

"The flexible design of the Infinix DP-i and unprecedented patient access make it ideal for high-volume interventional practices," explained Doug Ryan, vice president, Marketing and Strategic Development, Toshiba. "This system is an example of Toshiba's commitment to designing innovative technology to improve workflow and collaboration during procedures through better patient access."