Important Cardiac Procedure Leads the Way For More to Follow

From Better Health Magazine, Winter, 2002

 To bring the latest in cardiac care to the Dan River Region, and in preparation for the opening of the new Danville Regional Heart Center early next year, Danville Regional has begun performing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) procedures. They combine the artery-clearing action of balloon angioplasty with stent technology that produces better long-term outcomes.

DRMC has performed approximately 50 PCI procedures since June, 2001. They are performed in our cardiac cath lab by highly qualified cardiologists trained and credentialed at Duke University Medical Center and a support staff that has also been trained at Duke. The procedure customarily takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the patient and the location of the blockage.

According to Boshra Zakhary, M.D., cardiologist, "The patient experiences benefits immediately. Chest pain is relieved, the risk of heart attack is lowered, with fast recovery and return to normal daily activity."

As a safeguard, an ambulance stands ready to transport patients to Duke Medical Center if needed. This precaution will no longer be required once our Heart Center is completed.

The availability of the PCI procedure in this area affords patients the comfort and security of receiving advanced cardiac care close to home. Family members also benefit from eliminating the expense and lost time involved in travel.