P R E C I S I O N I N

Cardiac & Vascular Care

Albany Medical Center

Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care

A R E G I O N A L R E S O U R C EAlbany Medical Center is the region’s only academic health sciences center, serving more than three million people in northeastern New York and western

New England. As the region’s only state-designated Level 1 trauma center, Albany Med’s newly redesigned Emergency Department is equipped with state-

of-the-art technology in four “mini-emergency rooms”—each specifically designated for critical care, pediatrics, trauma and minor emergencies, and each

with its own nursing station and specialized equipment. Albany Med has 115 critical care beds with intensive services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a

year and is the only hospital in the area that provides heart, kidney and pancreas transplantation programs.

“In 2007, More Than 9,000 Heart and 12,000 VascularPatients Were Referred to Albany Med for Treatment...”

Dear Colleague:

Albany Medical Center’s commitment to advance medical science and improve patient care has become dramatically evident in the area of cardiacand vascular care. Over the past five years, unprecedented growth at Albany Med has enabled us to make significant investments in the latest medicaltechnology, while improving our treatment facilities and recruiting nationally respected physicians.The result is that Albany Med now ranks among the top cardiovascular service providers around. In fact, in 2007, more than 9,000 heart and 12,000 vascular patients were referred to Albany Med fortreatment—numbers that continue to grow.

Patients referred to Albany Med with advanced and complex conditions are evaluated in our modern cardiac, vascular, and radiology suites that offersophisticated diagnostic tools—including MRI, two new 64-slice CT machines, cardiac catheterization, intravascular ultrasound, endomyocardial biopsy,transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography, contrast echo and nuclear imaging.

Albany Med’s multidisciplinary team approach to care—led by experienced physicians in cardiovascular medicine; cardiovascular, thoracic and vascularsurgery; anesthesia; neurology, neurosurgery and nuclear medicine—in recent years has brought about remarkable outcomes for our patients, eventhose with the most complicated cases.

For these reasons and more, Albany Med has been consistently named by the National Research Corporation as the only “Consumer Choice Award”winner in our region. In addition, Albany Med was designated by Thompson Healthcare (formerly Solucient) as “A Performance Improvement Leader”—oneof only 15 teaching hospitals in the nation, and the only one in Upstate New York, to receive the honor. Importantly, for two consecutive years, theAmerican Heart/Stroke Association has endorsed Albany Med’s delivery of heart and stroke care in all levels of its “Get With The Guidelines” program.

After reviewing this publication about our capabilities, we invite you to consider partnering with Albany Med’s team to deliver the best care for yourcardiac and vascular patients.

Sincerely,

Steven Frisch, M.D. Vincent Verdile, M.D.EVP, Albany Medical Center EVP, Albany Medical CenterHospital Systems General Director Dean, Albany Medical College

NATIONALLY RANKED CARDIAC AND VASCULAR SERVICESFrom Guidelines to Lifelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Multidisciplinary Specialists at Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Heart Failure Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Heart Transplant Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Neuroendovascular Intervention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Lowest Mortality in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Cardiothoracic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Congenital Heart Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Vascular Surgeons Regarded as National Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Vascular and Endovascular Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

NEW INVESTMENTS IN TREATMENT FACILTY AND MEDICAL TECHNOLOGYCath Labs Give Unprecedented View of the Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Echocardiography/Stress Test Lab Offers Diagnostic Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Keeping Up the Pace: Region’s Most Advanced Electrophysiology Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Biplane Angiography Provides Two Views for Surgeons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Cardiac Patient Simulator:A Remarkable Teaching Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Breakthrough Research Provides New Hope to Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Combined OR/Endovascular Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Physician Pavilion Provides Easy Access to Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Surgical Intensive Care Unit Renowned for Quality of Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Transfer Center Streamlines Referral Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10IT Transforms Quality Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Advanced Technology,Comprehensive Care

L I F E - S A V I N G T R A N S P O R T F O R A C U T E P A T I E N T SKnown widely as Albany Med Flight, Life Net of New York is the only hospital-based helicopter transport service in northeastern New York. Since its inception in

1996, it has been a life-saver for more than 6,000 patients, including premature infants,accident victims and people suffering from stroke and heart attack.

Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care

Multidisciplinary Specialists at WorkWhen it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease, noprovider in the region matches Albany Med for physician experience,for quality and comprehensiveness of care, for the most technologicallyadvanced facilities.We are committed to being responsive and courteousto referring physician partners, as well as their patients and families.

Each year our surgical team performs more than 700 heart operations.The surgeons of Albany Med work as a team, because a team approach topatients having complex surgery invariably produces better outcomesfor patients with disorders of the heart and great vessels. Our cardiac surgery program brings together a wide array of surgical specialists inone location who rely on one another’s expertise when challengingcases require multidisciplinary skills.The team often expands to includehigh priority care from Albany Med physicians in every medical specialty,allowing our practice to manage complex procedures frequently complicated by underlying illness or age–related conditions.

Heart Failure ProgramFor decades,Albany Med’s End-stage Heart Disease Treatment Programhas been caring for patients referred to us from across the country with the most challenging cases of heart failure, as well as other forms of complex heart disease.A trusted team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, critical care specialists and anesthesiologists evaluates patients and develops treatment plans based on the unique circum-stances presented by each patient. Plans focus on optimizing medical

management and on educat-ing patients in strategies forself-care known to enhancequality of life and, ultimately,reduce the potential for read-mission.After patients aredischarged, our physiciansand staff are available for follow-up 24 hours a day.

Heart Transplant ProgramAlbany Med’s Heart Transplant Program is fully certified by the UnitedNetwork for Organ Sharing (UNOS), New York State’s Department of Healthand numerous regional, statewide and national insurers.The medical teamworks closely with regional organ procurement agencies, and waiting timesare comparable to other programs in the region. Each potential transplantcase is reviewed by a committee of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeonsand specialists in cardiac and transplant nursing, medical ethics, casemanagement and social work, pharmacology, immunology, nutrition, as wellas financial experts who assist patients with insurance and other concerns.Transplant and VAD surgery patients receive care before and after trans-plantation from a team of transplant surgeons, nurses and therapists. Sinceits inception in 2000 as the region’s first center for heart transplantation,the program has performed more than 100 heart transplants.

Albany Medical Center’s Nationally RankedCardiac and Vascular Services

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F R O M G U I D E L I N E S T O L I F E L I N E SAlbany Med was one of only five hospitals in the nation recognized by the American Heart/Stroke Association’s 2006 Get with the Guidelinesprogram for special performance achievement in three critical areas: stroke, coronary artery disease and heart failure. The award honors amultidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons and nurses for its commitment to the highest standards of patient care.

Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care

Neuroendovascular Intervention Specially trained neurosurgeons at Albany Med are also key members of themultidisciplinary cardiac care team, offering patients emergency treatmentwith a clot-retrieval device that can reverse paralysis caused by stroke. Somepatients have received treatment with the Mechanical Embolus Removalin Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) coil.The coil is inserted into the blockedbrain artery through a catheter, which is fed into the femoral artery in theleg, up through the aorta, and into an artery leading to the brain.Thesmall corkscrew-shaped instrument extends the time window in which astroke patient can get treatment from 3 to 6 hours, to up to 8 hours.

Cardiothoracic SurgeryFormally established at Albany Medical Center in 1953, the Division ofCardiothoracic Surgery has evolved into a leading center for technicalinnovation and education in cardiac and general thoracic surgery.State-of -the-art clinical services include the most advanced forms ofcoronary bypass surgery and valve repair/replacement, and laser coronary revascularization.

The division also offers the region’s only formal programs in artificial heartand mechanical circulatory support, heart transplantation and congenitalheart surgery. Programs in port access, robotic, and arrhythmia surgeryare also in place.

Congenital Heart SurgeryThe Congenital Heart Program is located within the Children’s Hospitalof Albany Med, the only children’s hospital in the region.The programprovides children with congenital heart disease and their families the

highest level of personalized care in an environment designed for theircomfort, needs and convenience.

With the recent addition of the Acuson Sequoia C512 echocardiographymachine, Albany Med now has in hand the most accurate tool for viewingthe structures of a young heart in motion and the flows of blood withinit and through abnormal valves and vessels. Our team has pioneeredsophisticated techniques that minimize the risk of injury and the needfor transfusions.

These trained medical specialists—in everything from anesthetic management to comprehensive pre- and post-operative care—haveworked together to produce successful outcomes for patients and thelowest mortality rate for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in New York State.

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L O W E S T M O R T A L I T Y I N P E D I A T R I C C A R D I A C S U R G E R YData released in 2007 by the NYS Department of Health shows that Albany Med’s Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Program ranks first in New YorkState for the lowest risk-adjusted mortality rate. The risk-adjusted rate of 1.96 for surgery performed on infants and children with congenitalheart defects was lower than 14 major New York City centers and other hospitals offering this special surgery.

Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Located at Albany Medical Center,The Vascular Institute is among thefirst coordinated academic programs based entirely on quality of care for patients with vascular disease.The program was founded in 1998 to establish a comprehensive vascular care center consisting of the topphysicians in their fields.

Today, the team is comprised of physicians who are expert in traditionalopen surgery and cutting edge interventional and endovascular techniquesfor managing vascular disease. In fact, it is a national leader in the numberof surgical and endovascular procedures being offered. Surgical proceduresinclude arterial; venous; arteriovenous malformations; access; thoracicoutlet decompression; repair of vascular trauma and surgical wound care.

Endovascular “minimally”invasive proceduresinclude carotid stenting;abdominal aortic reconstruction; extremity artery reconstruction—as wellas a number of interventional procedures.

Each surgeon is board certified in vascular surgery and has been fullytrained in both open and endovascular surgery.They participate in themost current, cutting edge clinical trials—thereby enabling Albany Medto provide the most comprehensive care available to our patients.

As the field of vascular surgery has rapidly expanded over the past decade,Albany Medical Center has kept up with important technological advance-ments and now houses the only angiography operating room in the region.In this OR, fixed systems are accompanied by floating angiography tableswhich allow the vascular surgeon to move the patient easily—affordingthe most control during surgery and permitting the most effortless andefficient imaging of patients.

Investments in Albany Med’s physical plant have also resulted in greaterefficiencies for surgeons and patients. Upgrades include a dedicated floorin the hospital with ample space and technology to meet the needs of ourvascular surgery patients who are transported from intensive care units.

Our physicians bring quality of care close to home. For those patientswho cannot reach our Albany Med location, a mobile vascular lab is onhand to get to those patients within a 100 mile radius for treatment.

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Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care

V A S C U L A R S U R G E O N S R E G A R D E D A S N A T I O N A L L E A D E R SThe Vascular Institute is distinctive in that it offers a diverse and comprehensive array of surgical, endovascular and interventional procedures. In fact, it is

a national leader in the number of surgical and endovascular procedures being offered.

Echocardiography/Stress Test Lab Offers Diagnostic AccuracyThe fully accredited and fully digital Echocardiography Laboratory at AlbanyMed provides echocardiographic evaluations, including transthoracicstudies, exercise echocardiograms, dobutamine stress echocardiograms,myocardial perfusion imaging and tilt table tests.The lab also performstransesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) to evaluate patients after tran-sient ischemic attacks and stroke. All non-invasive diagnostic tests areconducted by physicians and technicians with finely honed interpretiveand technical skills.The program’s technicians are certified by theRegistry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Keeping Up the Pace: Region’s Most AdvancedElectrophysiology Lab The newly opened Electrophysiology Laboratory at Albany Med is theonly facility of its kind in the region. Using the very latest digital equip-ment, including a 3-dimensional electrical mapping system, experiencedspecialists record the hearts electrical activity and diagnose and treat various arrhythmias and cardiac conditions. Unique to Albany Med is afellowship trained cardiologist who can perform laser extractions ofdefibrillators and pacemakers.

Biplane Angiography Provides Two Views for SurgeonsAlbany Med’s bi-plane angiography equipment features two separate X-raytubes positioned at 90-degree angles that project sharp, high-resolution

3-dimensional images onto a seriesof screens, enabling physicians andsurgeons to see two views of bloodvessels and aneurysms simultaneously.The new equipment replaces theneed for multiple injections of X-ray dye, which reduces patients’ tabletime, X-ray dose and contrast media exposure.The equipment’s highspeed also compensates for unavoidable patient movement.

Cardiac Patient Simulator: A Remarkable Teaching ToolAlbany Med is home to one of the most ingenious teaching devices ever created: the Cardiac Patient Simulator. From aortic valve sclerosisand hypertension to mitral stenosis and acute pericarditis, the full-sizedcomputerized manikin realistically simulates 27 cardiovascular condi-tions, and assists physicians, nurses and medical students in studying a variety of cardiac conditions and to practice their techniques in con-ducting examinations.

Breakthrough Research Provides New Hope to PatientsBiomedical research scientists at Albany Med are leading significant NIH-funded studies in the area of heart care.We offer patients with complexand advanced heart disease new hope through a range of experimentaltherapies in clinical trials.These trials are ideal for cardiovascular patientswho, for a variety of reasons, choose to move beyond traditional treat-ment modalities. Our clinical protocols have been approved by a HumanSubjects Committee and involve little or no expense to patients.

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C A T H L A B S G I V E U N P R E C E D E N T E D V I E W O F T H E H E A R TThe latest digital equipment in Albany Med’s three cath labs gives physicians the ultimate view of the heart, both for diagnosing heart function and for clearing arterial blockages. The labs were the first in the region to offer drug-eluting stents that not only reduce restenosis in patients down to as low as 3-7%, but also decrease the need for open-heart surgeries. The labs also provide the region’s only pediatriccatheterization program. Cath lab teams can be mobilized within 30 minutes to treat patients in emergency situations.

Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care

New Investments in Treatment Facility and Medical Technology

Physician Pavilion Provides Easy Access to CareBrand new to Albany Med is the recently opened Physicians Pavilion,which houses all outpatient activity and related hospital services in a single location.As a result, physicians who participate in multidisciplinarycare are within a central location that facilitates collaboration and improvespatient care.Also located in the Pavilion are labs for non-invasive cardiologyand vascular testing, pulmonary function testing and endoscopy. For theconvenience and comfort of patients and their families, we offer free valetparking and streamlined registration at the new facility.

Surgical Intensive Care Unit Renowned for Quality of CareThe national award-winning members of Albany Med’s 17-bed SurgicalIntensive Care Unit, as well as the staff of the Cardiac Pulmonary Surgery(CPS) and step down units, provide skilled and compassionate care tocritically ill patients following surgery.The multidisciplinary team consistsof doctors, critical care nurses, a respiratory therapist, social worker,technician, dietician, and pharmacist or clinical pharmacologist, occupa-tional and physical therapists.Together they serve the full range of needsof each patient during recovery and provide support for their families.

Transfer Center Streamlines Referral Process Albany Med’s Transfer Center was created to assist you in quickly andefficiently transferring a patient to our hospital. Our trained operatorshandle the logistics and put you in touch with your patient’s medical

team immediately. Access to the team is open anddirect throughout thecourse of treatment. Uponyour patient’s discharge, both a discharge summary and comprehensivereport on all procedures performed are provided to you.To reach thetransfer center call 518-262-4660.

IT Transforms Quality CareA huge commitment to advance patient safety and quality of care throughinformation technology systems has not only achieved greater efficienciesand standardization at Albany Med, it has also earned the us nationalrecognition as “Most Improved” in information technology by Hospitalsand Health Networks Magazine.To date, IT upgrades include PictureArchiving Communication System technology; Soarian Clinical Accessby Siemens; Bedside Medication Administration barcode technologyand Citrix Remote Access, allowing instant wireless remote access fordoctors. In addition, broad-band internet connections between AlbanyMed and selected outlying hospitals create tele-medicine links betweenour staff and referring physicians for immediate consultation on a patient’scondition at any time of day.

New Hotel on Hospital PropertyA newly contructed Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center offersmodern amenities for visiting families.The 7-story Hilton features spaciousrooms for overnight stays, as well as same-day packages for friends andfamilies who may want a retreat from hospital waiting areas.

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C O M B I N E D O R / E N D O V A S C U L A R S U I T E Albany Med’s modern combined operative/endovascular suite is one of only several such advanced facilities in the entire nation. Complete with digital fluo-

roscopic imaging equipment that creates three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels and arteries, the state-of-the-art facility allows surgeons to perform

advanced minimally invasive procedures as well as traditional surgeries. Complex “hybrid” open and endovascular procedures, as in the case of bypass and

stenting procedures, can now be performed simultaneously by a team of vascular surgeons and interventionalists.

Albany Medical Center: Precision in Cardiac & Vascular Care

Albany Medical Center43 New Scotland Avenue • Albany NY 12208 • www.amc.edu

To learn more about our cardiac and vascular care,or to make an appointment call 518.262.3125