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Heart health is something we often take for granted—until we or a loved one experiences a problem. At Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, we’re committed to providing life-saving cardiac care close to home, and a big part of that is our state-of-the-art CATH Lab.

This month, we sat down with Robin Wilson, Director of the CVRMC CATH Lab, to talk about the importance of heart health, the cutting-edge procedures available right here in our community, and how early intervention can make all the difference. Whether it’s diagnosing heart conditions, performing minimally invasive procedures, or providing urgent care during a cardiac event, our CATH Lab ensures patients don’t have to travel long distances for top-quality heart care.

Most patients come to us after being referred by a cardiologist due to symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Some come in for preventive procedures based on their age and risk factors. We perform left and right heart catheterizations, with the left heart cath primarily used to check for blockages that may require a stent.

• Pacemakers & Defibrillators: For patients with irregular heart rhythms. We also implant loop monitors to diagnose unexplained fainting episodes.
• Valve Workups: We assess patients for valve replacement procedures like TAVR, though the actual replacement is performed elsewhere.
• Hole in the Heart Assessments: We examine patients who experience mini-strokes to check for heart defects, such as atrial septal defects, which can contribute to clot formation and strokes.

Most procedures are minimally invasive, using a needle puncture at the wrist or groin. Many patients go home the same day, while those receiving stents typically stay overnight. The procedure itself lasts about an hour, but recovery takes longer. We use conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia, meaning patients remain breathing on their own and wake up quickly.

We are introducing a structural heart program, which includes procedures to close heart defects, eliminating the need for patients to travel. Additionally, we’ve upgraded our equipment to treat calcified blockages with shockwave technology, allowing us to keep more complex cases in-house instead of transferring them to the Valley. Our facility is equipped with technology comparable to larger hospitals, making advanced cardiac care accessible to our rural community.