Tours of the updated digital cath lab will be offered.

LEWISTON – As a quality enhancement to cardiology services provided to the Androscoggin region, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center has updated its existing cardiac catheterization lab.

The public is invited to view the new technology at a special open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The cardiac catheterization lab will welcome guests from 4 to 6 p.m. in the D-2 wing.

Light refreshments will be served and tours of the facility will be offered. St. Mary’s Take Charge! program will also be present to perform free mini health screenings for the public.

Doctors at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center can better view and treat coronary artery blockages that could cause heart attacks or other serious cardiovascular damage with the GE Innova 2000 all-digital cardiovascular imaging system. The system allows the local cardiologists to view hard-to-see blood vessels with exceptional clarity under even the most difficult conditions.

The new equipment replaces conventional X-ray imaging components along with their artifacts and distortions for crisper, cleaner, clearer images. The Innova 2000 reads X-rays passing through the patient’s body, creating an almost instantaneous image on a high-resolution monitor. Images are viewed, networked and archived electronically in a totally filmless fashion.

Doctors also can “zoom in” to look at important areas in greater detail. The computer can adjust the image for the best clarity. That means physicians are seeing more of what they need to see, without the distortions from conventional X-ray systems.

“We’re bringing the future of cardiac X-ray imaging to patients in the Greater Lewiston/Auburn area,” said Kim Metcalf, EdD, RT(R)(T), director of Imaging Services at St. Mary’s. “The medical significance of the GE Innova 2000 is similar to the transition from typewriters to computers. It’s a revolutionary change in the way we image the heart and related blood vessels that will let us provide excellent care for more patients.”

A wide range of cardiac services begins with particular attention to prevention through exercise, nutrition, and wellness activities. The care process continues with health risk screenings, cardiac diagnostics and emergency treatment at St. Mary’s Chest Pain Center. Recovery and rehabilitation complete the spectrum.