Intermountain Health is expanding its use of cutting-edge medical technology to address complex cardiovascular needs, including the implementation of the only robotic magnetic navigation system in the Mountain West. The healthcare provider's specialized programs are currently focusing on both interventional cardiology and cardio-oncology to mitigate heart disease risks associated with advanced cancer therapies.
Advancing Minimally Invasive Cardiology
The interventional cardiology program at Intermountain Health manages the highest volume of heart procedures in the region. According to Intermountain Health, the program's specialists utilize hybrid procedure rooms that allow surgeons and cardiologists to collaborate on treatments through less invasive methods.
A key technological differentiator for the program is its robotic magnetic navigation system, which Intermountain Health identifies as the only one of its kind in the Mountain West. This technology is specifically utilized to provide safe support for high-risk patients undergoing complex procedures.
Specialized Heart Procedures
The interventional cardiology team performs more than 10,000 procedures annually, providing life-saving care for patients experiencing heart attacks. The program's services include a wide array of specialized treatments such as ablation therapy, angioplasty, and aortic aneurysm repair.
Other clinical offerings within the interventional department include Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Foramen Ovale repair, cardiac catheterization, and carotid endarterectomy. The facility also provides more specialized interventions like the WATCHMAN procedure for Left Atrial Appendage Closure, MitraClip Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair, and treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease.
Managing Cancer-Related Heart Risks
Intermountain Health also provides specialized cardio-oncology services designed to protect heart health during and after cancer treatment. The program focuses on the fact that advanced cancer therapies can increase a patient's risk of developing heart disease.
The cardio-oncology team, which consists of professionals from heart, vascular, oncology, and laboratory departments, specializes in preventing, detecting, and mitigating the adverse effects of cancer treatments on the cardiovascular system. This includes providing early heart risk assessments, continuous monitoring, ongoing evaluation, and treatment optimization.
Impact of Chemotherapy on Heart Health
The necessity of these specialized services is highlighted by cases where cancer treatments directly impact cardiac function. Intermental Health shared the story of a patient named Stephanie, who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and receiving treatment at the SCL Health Breast Center. During her treatment, a routine echocardiogram revealed a heart condition caused as a side-effect from her chemotherapy.
Following this discovery, her cancer care team referred her to cardiovascular experts at Saint Joseph Hospital. The specialists provided medical therapy and preventative care that ultimately improved both her cardiac condition and her overall quality of life.
The Role of Wearable Technology
Beyond hospital-based interventions, wearable technology is playing an increasing role in cardiovascular monitoring. Intermountain Health notes that wearable heart health technology, such as smartwatches and heart rate monitors, is revolutionizing how patients track their health.
These advancements allow individuals to stay informed and active by providing continuous data on heart health. This trend toward personalized, tech-driven monitoring complements the provider's broader efforts in rehabilitation services, education, support, and clinical research trials.
Commitment to Preventative Care
Intermountain Health's cardiology program has earned accreditation from the American College of Cardiology for its Cardiac Cath Lab with PCI, a recognition of its commitment to high-quality cardiac care. The provider continues to emphasize preventative measures, such as maintaining 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and managing cholesterol through healthy nutrition.
In addition to specialized interventions, the organization provides resources on managing blood pressure, understanding family history in relation to heart disease, and the impact of lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and breathing exercises on long-term cardiovascular health.
