Tag: Terrebonne General

Terrebonne General and CIS Lead with Innovative Artery Disease Treatment

On May 16, a groundbreaking procedure took place at Terrebonne General Health System (Terrebonne General), marking a significant milestone in the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI) in the Gulf South. Terrebonne General and the Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) became the first institutions in this region, and one of only five in the entire United States, to employ the newly FDA-approved Esprit™ BTK (Below the Knee) Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System. This innovative dissolvable stent, designed to treat artery disease in the lower legs, represents a pioneering step forward in vascular intervention, as per this article from The Houma Times.

The landmark procedure was conducted by CIS interventional cardiologist Dr. Pradeep Nair in the cath lab at Terrebonne General. The Esprit™ BTK System, developed by Abbott, was implanted through a minimally invasive process. This system works by keeping the arteries open while administering the drug Everolimus, which promotes vessel healing and helps prevent future blockages. Remarkably, the scaffold provides structural support for about three years before it gradually dissolves, much like the material used in sutures or stitches.

Before the introduction of the Esprit™ BTK System, the treatment options for blockages below the knee were limited and less effective. The traditional approach involved balloon angioplasty, where a small balloon is inserted via a catheter to open the vessel and restore blood flow. Unfortunately, this method often yielded inconsistent results both in the short term and long term, with a significant risk of re-blockage over time. The advent of the Esprit™ BTK System, therefore, represents a significant advancement in providing lasting relief for patients suffering from chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Dr. Pradeep Nair, who played a pivotal role in the research trial that led to the device’s FDA approval, elaborated on the significance of this development. He pointed out that patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia are perpetually at risk of losing their legs, with many experiencing blockages in the tibial arteries below the knee. Dr. Nair emphasized the revolutionary nature of the new system, highlighting its dual benefits of drug elution and vessel scaffolding, which not only keep the vessels open longer but also completely resorb into the body over time. He regarded this technology as transformative for patients suffering from chronic limb ischemia.

Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO of Terrebonne General, expressed immense pride and excitement about offering this cutting-edge technology to their patients. She underscored the long-standing partnership of 41 years with CIS, which has been instrumental in bringing advanced cardiology services to the community. Peoples reaffirmed the health system’s commitment to high-quality care and its continuous efforts to adopt the most advanced procedures to better serve their patients and community.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is a severe stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which affects the blood vessels in the legs. This condition can lead to symptoms such as painful cramping during physical activity, persistent sores, numbness, coldness, discoloration, or a weak pulse in the foot or leg. These symptoms indicate a critical need for medical intervention to prevent severe complications, including limb loss. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek prompt consultation with their cardiologist.

The introduction of the Esprit™ BTK System at Terrebonne General marks a transformative advancement in the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia. By utilizing this innovative dissolvable stent, patients in the Gulf South now have access to cutting-edge technology that significantly improves long-term outcomes. Terrebonne General and CIS continue to lead the way in providing high-quality, advanced care, underscoring their commitment to enhancing patient health and well-being in the community.

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Mary Bird Perkins Expansion Bringing New Services to Houma Area

It was recently announced via HoumaToday that Terrebonne General’s Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma, Louisiana will begin construction soon for a $4 million expansion, as per this article. The construction, which will add a variety of new services and technologies to the Cancer Center, is expected to be completed by next fall. During the renovation, which will consist of expanding the center by more than 15,000 square feet, all cancer care and cancer center services will continue to be offered without interruption.

The $4 million expansion will include a relocation of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s infusion center, where chemotherapy and other intravenous treatments are delivered. The infusion center will be relocated to the third floor of the clinic. Other additions that will occur due to the renovations are the increase in the number of infusion bays, from 22 to 27 total infusion bays, and the clinic exam rooms will see a capacity increase from eight people to twenty.

Additionally, there will be the installation of semi-private bays with televisions, a new common area treatment space that will be able to be used for patients who want to be in the company of others, and the addition of more private rooms for patients who wish to receive their infusion in a quieter environment.

In a news release, the president and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System, Phyllis Peoples, said “this renovation and expansion project is about bringing even more state-of-the-art, comprehensive services to patients in the Bayou Region in a calming, comforting environment. Our goal continues to be laser-focused on providing the best and most up-to-date clinical cancer care in the region.”

The renovation of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will also see the installation of the new Elekta Infinity. The Elekta Infinity is an advanced treatment system that reduces time and radiation exposure from radiotherapy; additionally, the system can deliver aggressive treatment more precisely to a targeted area through sophisticated computer programming. This will limit the effects of radiation on healthy cells while also enhancing the quality of life for patients.

Chief Operating Officer Jonas Fontenot, who is also the Dr. Charles M. Smith Chief of Physics, made it known that this new technology, referring to the Elekta Infinity, is currently available to cancer patients at the center.

Fontenot added, “the science and technology of cancer care are constantly evolving, and the cancer center is committed to bringing the latest advancements to help improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. Together with Terrebonne General, we are building an integrative care model where there is a level of support not available at any other cancer center in the region. It’s about always putting the patient first.”

The second floor of the Cancer Center will have new and existing support service areas located there for patient convenience. Additionally, the second floor is set to house a gym for cancer patients requiring physical rehabilitation or exercise programs as part of their treatment. Also coming to the second floor of the Cancer Center is a lymphedema management service, which will be used to reduce pain and swelling that’s caused by lymph node damage; a dietary consultation area that will provide patients with specialized nutritional guidance; a meditation room to provide a place of serenity, reflection, and comfort for patients and their loved ones; a multi-purpose space so that patients can be supported mentally, emotionally and spiritually through music and art therapy; and a supporter space for loved ones to comfortably wait for patients.

Amy Boudreaux, the director of the Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center spoke about the renovations coming to the Cancer Center by saying, “we are extremely excited to deliver a larger-scale, more advanced Cancer Center to our community. We appreciate the Bayou Region’s continued support, and look forward to fulfilling the needs of those who turn to us during such a vulnerable time of their lives.”

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Terrebonne General Health System Receives Recognition for Leading Tech

It was recently announced by the Terrebonne General Health System that for the second year in a row, they have earned the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition by The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), according to this article from the HoumaTimes.

For the second consecutive year, Terrebonne General Health System was awarded the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition, and this year they were additionally recognized as being a certified level eight out of ten in two separate categories: acute and ambulatory care. Furthermore, Terrebonne General Health System is the only health system in the region to receive this designation two years in a row.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) recognized Terrebonne General for innovations like their top-rated EPIC medical records system and their MyChart patient portal, which provides patients with instant access to medical records. They were also recognized for their Terrebonne Connect Bar, a system that pairs patients with technology so they can manage their health on the go.

Terrebonne General Health System’s President and CEO, Phyllis Peoples, commented on the recognition by saying, “it is an honor to be recognized with the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired Award for the second consecutive year. This acknowledgment is a true testament to Terrebonne General’s unwavering commitment to offering the latest innovations and technologies to serve our community better.”

Amidst the 38,000 organizations that were surveyed by CHIME, Terrebonne General Health System ranked above its peers in categories such as population health, analytics and data management, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration, and overall impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development. These healthcare organizations can be in various stages from early development to industry-leading health systems.

To help organizations improve their performance in eight different aspects (infrastructure; security; business/disaster recovery; administrative/supply chain; analytics/data management; interoperability/population health; patient engagement; and clinical quality), CHIME provided each participating organization with a customized benchmarking report that detailed their strengths and opportunities for improvement via an overall score and scored of the previously listed aspects. Participating organizations are then able to use the scores to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.

What factors into the quality of patient care? Being mindful of the customer experience and embracing digital innovation are two good answers. The Digital Health Most Wired survey honors healthcare providers who are best at keeping up with digital changes to deliver the best quality healthcare.

CHIME’s Digital Health Most Wired survey and its accompanying recognition program serve as a “comprehensive Digital Health Check-up” to be used by healthcare organizations worldwide. Increasingly, the quality of patient care is determined by success in digital health. The larger scope of the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey is meant to reflect the progress that leading healthcare providers are making as they reinvent how healthcare operates for a new century.

CHIME, the care integration alliance member organization, has been conducting the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey and overseeing it for five years. In every successive year, they’ve expanded the study to capture more types of organizations that serve patients across all different levels of care. They also promote this program internationally to give a global overview of digital health advances.

CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell addressed Terrebonne General Health System’s recognition by saying, “we are proud to honor your team’s exceptional dedication to excellence in digital health. Your pioneering performance in the industry inspires other organizations by example. Patients worldwide receive better care when you drive change through digital transformation, as you have proven through your success in this rigorous program.”

Due to their achievement, Terrebonne General Health System will be recognized at CHIME 22 in San Antonio, Texas this fall.

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