The CathLab facility at St. Elizabeth Hospital is poised to transform cardiac care by offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic and interventional procedures including coronary angiography, angioplasty, and stent placement, significantly enhancing our ability to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a highly skilled team of medical professionals, including experts in adult cardiology, interventional cardiology, and interventional radiology, our facility is dedicated to delivering superior patient outcomes and experiences.
Patients in our region will no longer need to travel outside the area to access advanced cardiac treatments. By providing these services locally, we aim to alleviate the financial burden associated with seeking care in distant cities while ensuring that patients can receive the support of their families throughout their treatment journey.
Allow us to introduce the distinguished members of our CathLab team, who are dedicated to delivering exceptional care:
- Dr. Rachel Denila, Adult Cardiologist – Dr. Denila graduated from Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. where she ranked 2nd as academic scholar, and completed her residency in internal medicine at Southern Philippines Medical Center. She pursued subspecialty training in adult cardiology at the Philippine Heart Center and was recognized as the most outstanding fellow in research in 2022.
- Dr. Anna Lorraine Lucero, Interventional Cardiologist – Dr. Lucero obtained her medical degree from Our Lady of Fatima University and completed her fellowship training in adult cardiology and interventional cardiology at the Philippine Heart Center and Manila Doctors Hospital, respectively. She specializes in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology procedures such as Coronary Angiogram, Graft Angiogram, Coronary Angioplasty, and other-related procedures.
- Dr. Alain Tracy Mosqueda, Interventional Radiologist – Dr. Mosqueda completed his medical education at Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier University College of Medicine and received fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology at the National University Hospital. He is a fellow of the Philippine College of Radiology and an affiliate member of the Southern Mindanao Chapter.
- Dr. Johnson Wee, Adult Cardiologist – Dr. Wee is an esteemed adult cardiologist with over three decades of experience in heart health and patient care. A graduate of Southwest University in 1990, Dr. Wee refined his medical expertise through an internship at Southern Island Medical Center in 1991, followed by a residency and fellowship at Chong Hua Hospital in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Renowned for his compassionate approach and innovative treatments, Dr. Wee’s profound knowledge and dedication to cardiology have made him a trusted and respected figure in the medical community, profoundly impacting the lives of his patients.
Here are some common procedures performed in a Cathlab:
- Coronary Angiography. An imaging technique used to visualize the blood vessels of the heart to detect blockages or other abnormalities.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Includes procedures such as angioplasty (balloon dilation) and stent placement to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
- Electrophysiology Studies. Tests conducted to evaluate the heart’s electrical system and diagnose arrhythmias.
- Cardiac Catheterization. Insertion of a catheter into the heart to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions.
- Valvuloplasty. Procedure to repair a narrowed heart valve by inserting and inflating a balloon.
- Implantation of Pacemakers and Defibrillators. Placing devices to help manage abnormal heart rhythms.
- Atherectomy. Removal of plaque from blood vessels to improve blood flow.
- Endomyocardial Biopsy. Taking small samples of heart tissue for diagnostic purposes.
- Peripheral Angiography and Intervention. Imaging and treatment of blood vessels outside the heart, such as in the legs or arms.
- Right Heart Catheterization. Measures pressures in the heart and lungs to diagnose conditions like pulmonary hypertension.
The opening of our CathLab facility represents a significant step forward in advancing cardiovascular medicine in our region, and we are excited to embark on this journey together with our healthcare partners. We look forward to serving our community and collaborating with you to enhance patient care and outcomes.