January 29, 2010

Mary Greeley Medical Center Becomes First Hospital in Central Iowa to Incorporate New Ensite Velocity^TM Mapping System as Part of Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmias

Ames, Iowa -- Mary Greeley Medical Center announced the first use of the EnSite Velocity^TM Cardiac Mapping System, a new mapping technology designed to help physicians more efficiently visualize and guide treatment for abnormal heart rhythms, or cardiac arrhythmias. The EnSite Velocity^TM heart mapping system was developed by St. Jude Medical to put more control in the hands of physicians by collecting and displaying real-time anatomical and electrical information more efficiently.

Mary Greeley Medical Center has utilized St. Jude Medical's three-dimensional (3D) mapping system for several years, but recent upgrades to the Ensite Velocity^TM System incorporate technological advances that will allow for better planning and execution of cardiac procedures by physicians.

"Mary Greeley Medical Center's investment in this cutting-edge technology shows our commitment to leading the way in diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms," said Shaunda Calkins, R.N., B.C, B.S.N., M.S., director of Cardiology Services at Mary Greeley Medical Center. "The enhanced mapping capabilities of the EnSite Velocity^TM System enable our physicians to better plan and execute complicated cardiac procedures in a timely and efficient manner, qualities that our patients have come to expect from Mary Greeley Medical Center."

The EnSite Velocity^TM System creates a 3D model of the patient's heart, allowing physicians to visualize their patients' unique anatomy with great detail; this enables physicians to quickly locate the source of the problem and formulate a treatment strategy.

The EnSite Velocity^TM System introduces innovative tools that the physician can use to streamline the diagnostic and treatment process, potentially reducing treatment time. The system can simultaneously collect 3D model data and electrical mapping points from multiple catheter electrodes, simplifying data collection. The system also provides side-by-side views of the live procedure and previously recorded portions of the procedure, giving physicians a quick and easy comparison of events and results at different times throughout the procedure without losing the ability to visualize and navigate catheters.

"By placing the relevant information conveniently on one screen in a streamlined format, the EnSite Velocity^TM allows me to focus my attention where it needs to be-on the patient," said Dr. Denise Sorrentino, M.D., board-certified cardiologist. "The EnSite Velocity^TM System also allows me to treat patients with any arrhythmia and navigate the heart with a potential reduction of procedural time."

In an article, published in the European Heart Journal, entitled "Radiofrequency Ablation of Arrhythmias Guided by Non-Fluoroscopic Catheter Location: A Prospective Randomized Trial," Drs. Mark J. Earley, Refai Showkathaliet al. found that by using the 3D mapping of the EnSite System there was a reduced risk of patient exposure to fluoroscopy, an imaging technique which can pose a potential health risk because of the use of radiation associated with the X-rays. The article concluded that the reduction may provide long-term benefits to the patients being treated for arrhythmiasas well as the lab staff.

About Mary Greeley Medical Center

Mary Greeley Medical Center has been providing high quality, cost effective health care services that advance the health of central Iowans through specialized care and personal touch for more than 90 years. Please visit www.mgmc.org or call 515-239-2011 for additional information.