Expanded Electrophysiology Lab Opens

The Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute opened its expanded Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab at Hartford Hospital in July 2017, offering state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated, eight-patient suite for pre- and post-procedure care.

In addition to adding a third electrophysiology lab, the new area offered a complete redesign of the workspace that will make care seamless for patients and doctors. Patients who need treatment for heart-rhythm disorders can now get it more quickly and efficiently than ever before, supporting the Heart & Vascular Institute’s vision to offer access to world-class clinical experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

One important change with the new space brings patients closer to their families. Instead of patients having their pre-op and recovery on one floor while family members wait for them on another floor, a new holding area keeps everyone together.

The expansion makes the entire process easier and more efficient for patients, their families and caregivers by keeping the pre-procedure, procedure, and post-procedure areas close together. The areas are staffed by healthcare workers with specialized areas of expertise, making the peri-procedural process safer and more streamlined.

The expansion became necessary because of a growing demand for these procedures. As the population ages, there are many more people who need pacemakers, defibrillators and treatment for atrial fibrillation. The patient volume is also increasing as more hospitals and physicians across the state refer their heart-rhythm patients to Hartford Hospital. In 2016, the lab performed over 1,300 procedures for more than 800 patients.

The hospital is now better prepared to offer these patients better access and a quick return to their normal lives.