HJBR Mar-Apr 2019

Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge I  MAR / APR 2019 57 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com A radial peripheral procedure allows the physi- cian to intervene on a blockage in the leg through access from the radial artery in the left wrist. This groundbreaking technique dramatically reduces bleeding and other complications, while increas- ing patient comfort post-procedure. It also allows patients to go home just a couple of hours after the procedure. “This is the final frontier in access for peripheral intervention,” said Dr. Ankur Lodha, who performs the procedure in Lafayette. “Imagine the patient satisfaction and increased comfort because they can go home an hour after the procedure. And while waiting, they can sit, relax, drink coffee, and check their email, rather than having to lie down.” Dr. David Homan, interventional cardiologist at CIS in Opelousas, said, “The more tools we have to treat peripheral arterial disease, the better. Uti- lizing the radial artery for treatment of PAD, similar to how I generally treat coronary artery disease, is a great way to provide safe and successful treat- ment for the right patients.” “It’s amazing to be able to go from the wrist all the way down to the lower leg and open block- ages,” said Dr. Satish Gadi, CIS interventional car- diologist in Baton Rouge. “With this new technol- ogy, patients can literally walk off the operating bed, and it is incredible from a patient safety and satisfaction standpoint.” CIS utilizes the Diamondback 360® Extended Length Peripheral Orbital Atherectomy Device (OAD) from Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (CSI®) to treat patients with PAD. This disease affects as many as 20 million Americans and is a circulatory condition in which narrowed and hardened blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs and, if left untreated, could lead to limb amputation. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Holds Deck the Halls Holiday Donation Drive Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital asked the community to help “deck the halls” by pro- viding toys, crafts, games, and supplies during a four-day donation drive held in December. Dona- tions to the Deck the Halls Holiday Donation Drive benefited children who were in the hospital receiv- ing treatment. “This event is a wonderful way for friends, families, and corporations to touch the lives of hospitalized children,” said Sharon Wesberry, child life manager for Our Lady of the Lake Chil- dren’s Hospital. “Every donation helps us bring holiday cheer to children who aren’t able to be at home enjoying Christmas. Every gift truly makes a difference.” Baton Rouge General Named Center of Excellence for New Stroke Prevention Procedure Baton Rouge General (BRG) has been named a Center of Excellence by the developer of a new stroke prevention procedure. The hospital is one of only three facilities in Louisiana to earn the dis- tinction from Silk Road Medical. Dr. Vince Weaver, a vascular surgeon with Vas- cular Specialty Center, was the first physician in South Louisiana to perform the TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure at Baton Rouge General last year. He also proctors other vascular surgeons performing the procedure throughout the country.  “Strokes can be tragic and life-altering but bringing TCAR to Baton Rouge General has been a game-changer,” said Weaver. “To be honored for excellence in patient care and outcomes gives me confidence that our team is a driving force in TCAR becoming the standard of care for all patients.” The minimally invasive procedure reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert blood clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent block- age and stroke. Through a small incision at the base of the neck, physicians temporarily reverse the blood flow in the carotid artery prior to placing a stent in one of the patient’s neck arteries to pre- vent blockage from clogging arteries and poten- tially leading to stroke. Baton Rouge General (BRG) has been named a Center of Excellence by the developer of a new stroke prevention procedure. With the Center of Excellence certificate, from left to right, are Director of Perioperative Services Jennifer Manale, Kayley Naquin, Dr. Vince Weaver, Claire Smith, and Brandt Corban.