Rethinking recovery

A new area for recuperating heart patients has been a hit with patients and staff.

Innovation is a constant feature of medical practice, as new and improved interventions are developed. When a new surgical procedure is introduced, the implications can extend well beyond the operation itself – as the Cardiac Radial Lounge at The London Chest Hospital demonstrates.

Patients with actual or suspected coronary artery disease may need to undergo angiography to visualize heart blood vessels or angioplasty, insertion of a small tube (stent) to widen arteries. Traditionally, both procedures have required surgeons to insert a catheter through a conveniently large artery in the groin. However, some pioneering doctors have promoted an alternative approach, inserting the catheter through a smaller vessel in the arm (the radial artery). Although technically more demanding, this approach has distinct advantages. It is a milder procedure for patients and is associated with fewer complications. Patients can stay fully clothed and mobile, and recover quicker.

This switch to radial artery surgery therefore radically changes a patient’s experience, and enables cardiac teams to rethink post-procedure care. Our funding has enabled the cardiac day unit to be converted into a “Cardiac Radial Lounge”, designed around the new approach.

Rather than hospital beds and intrusive monitoring equipment, the lounge offers a relaxing environment with comfortable reclining chairs. The lounge opened in July 2009, and feedback from patients so far has been extremely positive. Staff also appreciate the high-quality environment.