In today’s COVID-19 world, even complex heart procedures can now be performed with at least some social distancing, thanks to new high-tech capabilities at WellSpan York Hospital.
WellSpan cardiologists are among the first in the United States to employ Avail MedsystemsTM camera and video technology to collaborate with their fellow physicians during complex cardiovascular procedures, all while limiting hospital in-person interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using this state-of-the-art Procedural TelemedicineTM solution, a WellSpan specialist not in the procedure room can offer real-time support during live procedures taking place in the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Multiple high definition cameras can be remotely controlled to get close up views of the procedure. Remote physicians also have the ability to access views from external imaging equipment, split the screens to view inputs side by side, annotate and freeze frames. A portable Avail Console in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab allows the treating physician to see everything the remote physician displays in real-time and provides a clear audio/video feed of the remote physician offering consultation.
“We’re harnessing the power of technology to find a better way to provide leading-edge care for those who need it, ensuring we do so in a safe environment,” explained Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health. “As we continue to manage COVID-19 in our communities, our care teams are reimagining healthcare for our patients with new, innovative approaches such as this remote consulting option for complex heart procedures.”
WellSpan York Hospital physicians have also utilized this technology beyond the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, for orthopedic endoscopic procedures.
Daniel Hawkins, Founder and CEO of Avail Medsystems, said, “We created Avail with the goal to
enhance clinical knowledge sharing, collaboration and speed of training while mitigating infection risk and lowering costs. Our technology can play an even bigger role during the current COVID-19 surge and into the post-surge “new normal” by ensuring the right experts have access to a procedure, even when they cannot physically be in the room. We’re thrilled that WellSpan York Hospital is offering Avail’s Procedural TelemedicineTM solution during this unprecedented pandemic.”
WellSpan York Hospital interventional cardiologists and their teams are currently on a rotating schedule that involves one week of covering procedures and being on call, followed by two weeks of self-quarantine in order to stay responsive to patients who need cardiovascular procedures, while limiting the probability of any transmission of COVID-19. Using Avail, physicians who are under self-quarantine at home can virtually join the procedure room to provide support.
“It’s safely adding the support of a second set of eyes from our expert physicians in the middle of these complex procedures,” said James Harvey, III, M.D., interventional cardiologist, WellSpan York Hospital. “Collaboration is key, and this affords us that opportunity regardless of our physical location. It ensures the safety of everyone involved, while allowing us to deliver the quality care our patients expect.”
Interventional cardiology procedures offered at the hospital include diagnostic cardiac heart catheterizations, coronary interventions (including stent implantations), treatment of chronic total occlusions, and transcatheter aortic valve replacements.
Learn more about WellSpan Heart & Vascular care, visit www.WellSpan.org/Heart.
About Avail MedsystemsTM
Avail MedsystemsTM is a pioneering medical technology company that provides simple cost-effective solutions that connect procedural healthcare professionals regardless of location. The organization aims to democratize access to clinical and procedural expertise by removing physical, economic and logistical barriers. Avail’s Procedural TelemedicineTM solution addresses these barriers by enabling on-the-go collaboration with any remote healthcare professional.
