June 10, 2008

Heart patients benefit from improved cardiac monitoring
System upgrade at Marquette General purchased with charitable gifts

A portable telemetry system in the Cardiac/IntermediateUnit at Marquette General Hospital is providing its patients the latest technology to help keep a watchful eye over their care.

Made possible by philanthropic gifts to the Upper Michigan Heart Institute, the new portable device and upgraded software — an enhancement to an older system no longer supported by its manufacturer — provide uninterrupted monitoring of electrocardiographic (ECG) readings whether patients are in their rooms or walking in the hallways.

Tom Cousineau, left, of Berglund takes a walk on the Intermediate Care Unit at Marquette General Hospital while Alisa Baker, RN, lends a helping hand. The new telemetry system is visible under Cousineau’s gown near his chest. (MGH photo)

The system, according to Clinical Director Margo Carli, is designed for patients who require 24-hour cardiac monitoring but don’t need to be in an intensive care unit. Telemetry heart monitoring is standard care after certain surgeries, after a cardiac event, or to monitor irregular heart beats.

Here is how the system works: A small transmitting device, about the size of an average hand, has wires attached to the patient’s chest, similar to a regular ECG machine. It sends signals to a central monitoring station, where nurses keep a constant watch on the readouts.

Margo Carli, RN, clinical director of the Cardiac Unit at Marquette General Hospital, reviews a computer monitor that shows the readings from the new telemetry software in use at MGH. The system is designed for patients who require 24-hour cardiac monitoring but don’t need to be in an intensive care unit. Telemetry heart monitoring is standard care after certain surgeries, after a cardiac event, or to monitor irregular heart beats. (MGH photo)

“The telemetry system helps our nurses respond quickly in emergencies,” Carli said. “It also provides useful information to monitor even subtle changes. It’s a great intervention tool. We can detect any changes in rhythms and/or heart rate problems. For example, it could be an extremely low heart rate or one that is high. In that case, we can administer medications or do other interventions to treat the patient.”

Carli added the monitoring station stores several days of readouts, allowing caregivers to track issues such as how a patient is responding to new medications or treatments. The advanced monitoring and diagnostic system interprets and analyzes patients’ ECG patterns. This allows for prompt and appropriate therapeutic measures to be taken by the physician.

The cardiac telemetry system is another way Marquette General is utilizing the most up-to-date technologies to provide the highest quality healthcare. For two years running, Marquette General Hospital has been named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals for cardiovascular care by Thomson Healthcare.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have designated gifts to the Heart Institute,” said A. Gary Muller, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Marquette General. “We’re particularly thankful to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, which has been a leading philanthropic partner with the heart program for years. Their generous gifts help make systems like this a reality.”

For more information on gift-giving opportunities, contact the Marquette General Foundation at 225-6914, toll-free at 1-866-906-6914.