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Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Opens New Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs

Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital has a new cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) and electrophysiology laboratory (EP lab) to enhance services for heart patients. Physicians and associates participated in a blessing ceremony of the $6.1 million investment that includes newly expanded space and state-of-the-art technology.

The newest cardiac cath lab at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital features advanced angiography equipment–innovative technology to diagnose cardiovascular disease and evaluate how well blood is flowing through the heart.

“We pride ourselves on delivering state-of-the-art cardiovascular care to our patients,” said John F. Collins, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of cardiac cath labs at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital. “This advanced technology reduces risks and improves patient outcomes, enabling our cardiology team to provide quality care more effectively and efficiently.”

The new EP lab increases capacity for complex heart rhythm procedures. Advanced technology provides imaging capabilities at ultra-low radiation dose levels, enabling physicians to conduct more complex procedures with greater precision to assess and repair the heart’s electrical system.

“With increasing patient volume and case-complexity, the ability to more effectively identify and treat cardiac conditions is elevated by the evolution in electrophysiology technology,” said Asim Yunus, MD, electrophysiologist and medical director of the EP program at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital. “The new EP suite provides innovative advancements for how we treat arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia, and perform faster ablations for atrial fibrillation with less radiation to the patient and care team. We also perform device implants including pacemakers and defibrillators, and advanced technologies such as leadless pacemakers and subcutaneous defibrillators. We are well positioned for future advancements in the field of electrophysiology.”

Ascension Michigan Physician Receives Award from Michigan Chapter of the American College of Cardiology

Peter G. Fattal, MD, cardiologist at Ascension St. Mary’s Riverfront Cardiology/ MCVI Surgical Division, received the Alice Betz Distinguished Service Award at the Michigan Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Conference recently held in Novi. Dr. Fattal has served as an at-large representative on the Michigan ACC Chapter Board from 2011-2013, an Advocacy Chair 2014 to present, and three years on the ACC PAC Advisory Council. He has also attended 12 ACC legislative conferences. Congratulations Dr. Fattal!

Dr. Stephanie Duggan Recognized by Becker's Hospital Review

More than two dozen women CEOs of hospitals and health systems in the United States were recently honored by Becker's Hospital Review. Among the 26 women executives recognized was Saginaw's own Stephanie J. Duggan, MD, FACEP, FAAPL, CPE, Regional President & CEO, Mid/North Region, Ascension Michigan. Dr. Duggan oversees four hospitals in Ascension Michigan's mid and northern regions including Ascension St. Mary's, Ascension Standish, Ascension St. Joseph and Ascension Genesys. She is responsible for strategic growth, business partnerships and clinical program development, talent development and retention, quality and fiscal outcomes, and community reputation, engagement and advocacy. She has been instrumental in recent growth initiatives including the expansion of the Emergency Care Center at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital. Dr. Duggan also serves as a board member for several organizations, including the American Association of Physician Leadership, the Saginaw County Board of Public Health, Saginaw Chamber of Commerce and Saginaw Promise. Congratulations Dr. Duggan!

Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Performs its First Tricuspid Valve Clipping

Safwan Kassas, MD, conducted the first tricuspid valve clip in mid-January at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital. Symptomatic severe tricuspid valve regurgitation is a common valvular disease that has a significant adverse outcome with decreased survival and progressive heart failure symptoms. Tricuspid TEER is a low-risk, minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment option for