Memorial Hospital of Union County reached a very special milestone in its history- completion of its first cardiac catheterization. The procedure, conducted in Memorial Hospital’s new multi-purpose catheterization laboratory or “cath lab”, begins a new era of cardiac care not previously available in the community.Late last week Marysville resident Henk Berbee began to experience shortness of breath and dizziness, much like he experienced during his last cardiac event in 2007. Knowing the importance of not dismissing signs of cardiac distress, Henk called his cardiologist and was directed to the emergency room at Memorial Hospital. There an examination showed low blood oxygen levels, indicating a need for further cardiac diagnostics to determine the underlying cause. After meticulously monitoring Henk’s current condition and reviewing his health history, a special team of cardiologists from The Ohio State Heart & Vascular Center at Marysville determined that Henk would be a suitable candidate for diagnostic heart catheterization at Memorial’s new cath lab.
“This diagnostic cath was by far the best of the three procedures I’ve had,” remarks Henk. “I felt very comfortable thanks to the state-of-the-art technology used and the fact that I didn’t have to travel to access it. My family was able to feel comfortable because we know this hospital and I was able to avoid being transported by ambulance. In fact, one of my neighbors was my nurse and that brought comfort to us during my procedure and recovery.”
Special preparation and training has been underway for months with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, through The Heart Partnership, to establish outstanding protocols and the highest levels of safety and comfort. Now residents of Union County and surrounding areas can save time and increase convenience as they remain close to home, and loved ones, while accessing exceptional cardiac care.
Board certified cardiologists Michael Davis, MD and Douglas Magorien, MD expertly lead the cath lab team in offering diagnostic cardiac catheterizations and diagnostic and interventional peripheral vascular catheterizations. For Henk’s procedure, Dr. Davis gathered his team and called a meeting before starting the cath to update each team member on Henk’s medical history and review the important role each person would play. “I was very impressed with how prepared everyone was,” adds Henk. “It was like a team huddle just for me and each person precisely knew their function.”
“Due to his medical history and risk factor profile, Henk was in need of a diagnostic heart catheterization to evaluate the pumping function of his heart,” shares Dr. Michael Davis. “Instead of incurring the cost, inconvenience and time of transfer, he received his heart cath right here. The information we obtained was used to adjust his medical therapy and to direct future cardiovascular care.”
Returning home the same day, Henk is recovering nicely and looks forward to fully regaining his normal level of energy. He will continue seeing his cardiologist, Dr. Douglas Magorien, for routine check-ups and monitoring.
As thankful as the Berbee family is for the treatment offered at Memorial Hospital, they are also grateful for access to the preventive care offered through The Heart Partnership. Coincidentally, Henk’s wife, Marianne, was the first patient to be seen by the Anticoagulation Clinic when it relocated to the Heart & Surgical Pavilion.
A multitude of services are offered, from free community health screens and educational classes to ongoing treatment like Memorial’s cardiac rehabilitation program and Medication Therapy Clinic. Learn more by visiting memorialhosp.org/heart.
