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Robert Reinhart, MD, an interventional radiologist, showing and discussing Siemens’ latest, most technologically advanced angiography system.
Geisinger St. Luke’s (GSL) Hospital is proud to announce that it is the second hospital nationwide to offer Siemens’ latest, most technologically advanced angiography system.
The new ARTIS system will allow Geisinger St. Luke’s providers to better diagnose and treat a range of fairly common health conditions, such as blocked arteries, internal bleeding, blood clots, bile duct and ureteral blockages, using non-surgical interventions. The system’s high-resolution imaging provides higher quality images while exposing patients to less radiation.
Among the procedures to be performed are biopsies and certain cancer treatments as well as stent, catheter and tube placement and management. These procedures use X-ray technology to observe catheter movement and “contrast” flow inside the body – without any incisions.
Dr. Felicia Heath, Director of Critical Care and Anesthesiology and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Geisinger St. Luke’s Campus, described the new technology from Siemens, a German medical device manufacturer, as the best of the best.
“It is gratifying to be able to look Schuylkill County residents in the eye and tell them they don’t have to leave the region to get world-class care. They can get it close to home, right here at GSL,” Dr. Heath said.
More options for medical issues that once required surgical intervention
In recent years, hospitals have moved toward minimally invasive therapy, which is easier for the patient, has less risk of surgical complications and a shorter recovery time compared to surgery. These minimally invasive procedures are typically performed by an interventional radiologist using angiography, often allowing the patient to be home the same day.
Robert Reinhart, MD, an interventional radiologist who practices at GSL and also serves as Vice President of Medical Affairs for St. Luke’s Miners Campus, said using ARTIS is like driving a new car with advanced navigation: “It shows you the way, remembers where you parked and generally makes driving easier and safer.”
“It’s a gamechanger for the region,” he said.
GSL’s investment in Siemens technology follows the hospital’s acquisition, in April, of advanced MRI imaging technology, becoming the fifth hospital in the world to offer GE Healthcare MR30 software for improved images with less scan time.
“Our region is fortunate to be served by two truly distinguished health care systems that have improved the quality of care we offer in our region. Geisinger St. Luke’s is committed to investing in technology to enhance patients’ access to award-winning care,” said GSL President Gabe Kamarousky, MBA, FACHE.
Additionally, GSL Hospital opened 20 new, private medical-surgical beds in February to accommodate the hospital’s increased inpatient volumes. And last fall, GSL added The Health Center in Pottsville, a 20,000-square-foot facility in West Pottsville. The Health Center includes Care Now urgent care services, Pottsville Primary Care, St. Luke’s Physical Therapy, Occupational Medicine and Laboratory services.
