Some of the most advanced technologies and heart procedures are performed at Bronson.
Here are a few examples:
Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) - CTA is a non-invasive procedure that makes detailed images of the coronary arteries possible. For some patients, CTA can replace cardiac catheterization as a means for detecting heart disease. We perform this procedure with our state-of-the-art, GE Lightspeed 64-slice VCT scanner. Coronary CTA scans, performed at Bronson Methodist Hospital, are interpreted by both a cardiologist from Advanced Cardiac Healthcare, PLC, and a radiologist from the Kalamazoo Division of Advanced Radiology Services, PC. This joint read is industry best practice and ensures that patients receive a complete evaluation of not only their hearts, but their lungs and chest cavity as well. Bronson was one of the first hospitals in the country to use this new technology.
Bronson Heart Scan - a new way to determine your risk of having a heart attack - before any symptoms occur. This painless, non-invasive screening test uses CT technology to detect calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart - an early indicator of heart disease. Bronson was the first hospital in southwest Michigan to offer the Bronson Heart Scan.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) - A treatment available for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), or irregular heart beat. In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the heart in the area of the pulmonary veins. AF patients who have not had success with other treatment options may significantly improve their quality of life with PVI.
Left Ventricular Reconstruction (LVR) - a surgical treatment for heart failure patients that reshapes and restores the heart after muscle damage caused by a heart attack. Reshaping permits the normal cardiac muscle twisting action that improves the heart's pumping ability.
Drug-Eluting Stents - A heart specialist inserts a stent (a small metal tube) into the coronary artery at the site of the blockage to restore proper blood flow to the heart. Drug-eluting stents minimize the growth of scar tissue and reduce the need for repeat procedures.
Abiomed Biventricular Support System - An external, temporary, artificial-heart system that can completely take over the pumping function of the heart. This is used for patients who need additional support after heart surgery or after a massive heart attack. It is used either as a temporary measure to allow the heart to heal or as a bridge to a heart transplant.
Biventricular Pacing - A special pacemaker used to treat some patients with heart failure. This specially designed pacemaker stimulates the lower chambers of the heart to contract at the same time, making the heart more effective and efficient. This procedure can improve activity tolerance and quality of life.
Modified Cox Maze - A surgical procedure to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), or irregular heart rhythm, in which a surgeon uses a pen-like device or clamp during surgery to prevent the irregular electrical signals that cause AF and restore the normal heart rhythm.
Electrophysiology - Procedures to diagnose and treat irregular rhythms of the heartbeat (arrhythmias). Advances in technology include three-dimensional mapping of the electrical activation of the heart to pinpoint the source of arrhythmia, catheter ablation of the arrhythmia, ICD placement and biventricular pacemakers for the treatment of heart failure.
Off-Pump Beating Heart Surgery - A procedure in which the surgeon can operate on the heart without the use of a heart-lung machine. Only hospitals with the most experienced clinicians can perform this type of surgery. Off-pump surgery patients typically recover more quickly than traditional open-heart patients.
Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) - TMR is a procedure performed during heart surgery to improve blood flow to the heart muscle in an area that cannot be reached by angioplasty or bypass surgery. A laser is used to create small channels in the heart muscle that then allow blood and oxygen to perfuse the heart muscle. The goal of TMR is to relieve angina (chest pain) and improve the quality of life.
