First published in the May 14 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital recently held a preview of its newly constructed interventional radiology cardiac catheterization laboratory, or IR Cardiac Cath Lab.
The lab is equipped with new technology required for image-guided, minimally invasive heart procedures, such as angiography or aortic stent grafts. USC-VHH will be one of only a few hospitals in the country with the latest technology, which is safer for patients, can accommodate larger patients and enables better image quality and performance.
Physicians from the USC Cardiac and Vascular Institute will be on-site for patients with complex issues.
The establishment of the IR Cardiac Cath Lab ensures that patients experiencing cardiac events can quickly and conveniently receive potentially life-saving care in a moment where every second counts.
Dr. Armand Dorian, USC-VHH’s CEO, talked about the impact of the new lab in his welcoming remarks at the preview, and expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff, leadership and donors whose contributions established an important part of the hospital’s legacy.
“This year, USC-VHH celebrates 50 years of dedicated service to our community, and the completion of our IR Cardiac Cath Lab is a remarkable way to kick off the next 50,” Dorian said. “Nearly everyone is affected by heart disease, either with their own health history or through someone they love, and this lab will help save countless lives in the years to come.”
USC-VHH began construction on the IR Cardiac Cath Lab in March 2021. Since then, construction moved quickly, in no small part due to the efforts of the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation.
The foundation, led by fundraising co-chairs Sue and Steve Wilder, has surpassed its $3 million goal in contributions from the local community, and many of the donors were in attendance to see the impact of their support firsthand, according to hospital officials.
Additional attendees included Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian; state Sen. Anthony Portantino, who presented Dorian with a certificate of recognition for the lab’s opening; Dr. Steven Shapiro, senior vice president for health affairs, USC; Rod Hanners, CEO, Keck Medicine of USC; and Shawn Sheffield, chief strategy officer, Keck Medicine of USC and heart health advocate.
The facility will open to patients this summer. To learn more about heart health services available at the hospital, including cardiac rehabilitation, screenings, procedures and appointments, visit uscvhh.org.
