Putting patients first and bringing efficiency to cardiac workflows

Melvin cites a data-first approach as the primary reason Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is successful in running a high case volume. “One method to building strong teams is to make data transparent to everyone and create an environment where they can discuss the findings,” says Melvin.

Daily, weekly and monthly reports generated by Philips Cardiovascular Workspace and Xper Information Management with Xper Flex Cardio have a direct effect on improving quality and performance. “Using Xper, an interventional cardiologist can look at turnaround data and discover that the procedure teams are taking longer than others even though they have the same staff,” Melvin explains. “Cardiologists can talk to each other about the data, learn new techniques and build on each other’s skills.” The team was also able to look at prep time for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures and benchmark it against other facilities. The data reveal that they had bottlenecks. They were able to take steps to get patients ready in a more timely way without impacting the quality of care. “We used to do two TAVR procedures a day, now we do three by 3:00 pm,” she says.

Detailed clinical findings in Philips Cardiovascular Workspace can also be queried and analyzed. Structured reports for echocardiograms can be searched to find the number of patients who have significant aortic stenosis. “IntelliSpace Cardiovascular helps physicians’ workflows so they can make faster diagnostic decisions based on insights and accomplish their treatment and diagnostic tasks in one system,” Melvin says.

“Challenges facing us every day are how to maximize our image quality in order to answer diagnostic questions for our patients,” says interventional radiologist Constantino Peña, MD, the Institute’s Medical Director of Vascular Imaging. “In selecting an MRI machine, we wanted state-of-the-art technology that was easy to install, easy to use and that would be easy on the patient. But most definitely, it had to give us high-quality images. That’s how we settled on the Ingenia Ambition.”

Philips Ingenia Ambition has the industry’s first fully sealed Philips BlueSeal magnet that contains just seven liters (vs 1,500 liters) of liquid helium and is completely sealed so helium cannot escape, which helps increase operational efficiency. Its lighter weight, smaller footprint and ability to operate without a vent pipe simplify system siting. According to the institute’s team, the most impressive attribute of Philips Ingenia Ambition is a combination of speed and exceptional quality of imaging, workflow enhancers and patient comfort solutions.

VitalEye smart sensing on Philips MR systems is contributing to fast exams with superior* image quality. VitalEye brings a unique patient sensing approach, enabling respiratory signal without any interaction from the operator.

Dr. Peña explains how this MR system automation allows for shorter breath-holds, and the value it brings for patients and staff. “As soon as the patient is placed on the system, the VitalEye is trying to look at the respiratory rate, and already tagging that. As soon as you close the door, it can start scanning. We’re able to manipulate these segments to lower breath-holds. This has made a significant improvement in our image quality.”

“Data must be usable, accurate and actionable,” summarizes Melvin. “That leads to better efficiencies and better patient care.” At the institute, teams start by understanding data first, and then use that data to guide solutions, rather than invest in equipment and then try to understand the data.

“Philips fine-tunes solutions for each healthcare enterprise. They understand the care we’re providing and have incredible cardiology solutions not being addressed by other vendors. That allows us to be nimble,” says Dr. Carol Melvin. Partnering with Philips, the institute’s approach to data usage and governance is key to their future growth and their primary mission: improved patient experience, better health outcomes, improved staff experience and lower cost of healthcare.

These are a few examples of the Philips cardiology solutions that Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute teams use every day to deliver the best possible care to their patients.