HJBR Nov/Dec 2023

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  NOV / DEC 2023 41 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com purposes, they cannot be used to accurately cal- culate dose for radiotherapy treatment, thus CT scans are crucial. And while critical, a CT scan can add additional burdens on patients. CTs typically require an additional appointment and patients to be in the exact same position as an MRI, mean- ing there is little room for deviation between the two images for proper treatment planning. The implementation of this technology will ben- efit patients as well as cancer center team mem- bers. For patients, undergoing one fewer scan will provide an additional layer of convenience, especially for those who may face transporta- tion issues getting to appointments. Through the use of MR-Box, patients will also be able to begin treatment quicker due to clinicians’ abil- ity to create personalized treatment plans in a shorter timeframe without sacrificing any accu- racy. This streamlined process will also help team members who may face an increased workload to cut down on future scan backlogs and clear up additional calendar space for other patients who also require various scans. Currently, MR-Box is FDA-approved to produce scans for multiple cancers affecting the brain, abdomen, and pelvis. CIS Uses New Insertable Cardiac Monitor CIS Uses EnSite X EP System to Treat Arrythmias Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is the first in the Baton Rouge region to use the EnSite X EP System for the treatment of cardiac arryth- mias. Electrophysiologists Robert Drennan, MD, and Ryan Gullatt, MD, used this new high-defini- tion system at Baton Rouge General. The EnSite X EP System manufactured by Abbott uses EnSite Omnipolar Technology (OT) to produce highly detailed three-dimensional maps of the heart. Designed with input from elec- trophysiologists around the world, this new car- diac mapping platform helps physicians to iden- tify and treat the areas of the heart where irregular or abnormal rhythms originate. “This new technology allows us to better treat complex arrythmias,” said Drennan. “With the accuracy and clarity of the images, physicians are able to precisely identify the areas of the heart that need to be targeted with ablation to treat the arrythmia.” In cardiac ablations, physicians deliver radio- frequency energy or extreme heat or cold to the tissue to eliminate the problem cells and restore normal heart rhythm. LDH: Take Precautions Due to Air Quality Conditions Extreme heat and drought have contributed to wildfires throughout Louisiana, which can nega- tively impact air quality. LDH is urging residents in areas where wildfires are burning or air qual- ity is otherwise poor to take precautions to mini- mize the impact poor air quality can have on their health. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and State Fire Marshal issued a statewide burn ban on Aug. 7 due to dangerously dry and hot con- ditions. Hundreds of wildfires are burning across the state, resulting in a dangerous and unpredict- able situation. Gov. John Bel Edwards has urged everyone in the state to follow the state burn ban until further notice and refrain from burning any- thing at this time. Not everyone exposed to wildfire smoke will have health issues. However, even young, healthy adults can experience serious effects from short- term smoke inhalation. Residents in affected areas and those living outside of the wildfire radius in neighboring parishes should be aware of the health effects caused by smoke and poor air quality and take precautions. If you suffer from respiratory or cardiac prob- lems and you are in the proximity of a fire, consult with your doctor. Regardless of health or age, it is vital to have an evacuation plan, whether threat- ened by actual fire or the effects of smoke. Ways to stay safe • Evacuate from the area if you are threat- ened by fire. • Pay attention to local air quality reports, and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings. • If there is an air quality advisory, stay indoors and try to minimize the intrusion of smoke. Keep the windows and doors closed. • Do not go outside if there is a large amount of smoke outdoors. • If possible, keep an air conditioner’s fresh air intake closed, and ensure the filter is clean. • If you do not have air conditioning, seek out a local shelter and/or cooling center. • Air filters and purifiers can help reduce par- ticle levels indoors. The type and size of the air purifiers should fit the size of the room or house. Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is the first in the Baton Rouge region to use the EnSite X EP System for the treatment of cardiac arrythmias. Pictured from left to right are Jeremy Martone, RN; Chad Clement, RT; Christie Dean, Abbott; Robert Drennan, MD; Ryan Gullatt, MD; Michael Herin, RN; and Tyler Mixon, Abbott.