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Network: April/May 2007
Medicine
 Sentara Heart Hospital Performs Region’s First Radiofrequency Ablation
 Sentara Heart Hospital recently performed the region’s first Radiofrequency Ablation procedure, which uses heat to destroy cancerous lung and esophageal tumors. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Joseph Newton and interventional radiologist Dr. Harlan Vingin teamed up on the first procedure, which is an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate surgical removal of tumors. The process involves placing a CT-guided electrode directly into the cancerous tissue and subjecting the tumors to heat from radio waves. The heat kills cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue.
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| (L-R) Debbie Kaye, PT, Hiltop Therapy Center, assists David Albright as he rides the ERGYS-2. | Sentara Offers Region’s First Computerized Exercise Bike
Sentara Hilltop Therapy Center has installed the region’s first ERGYS-2 Rehabilitation System exercise bike for patients with spinal cord injuries. The bike comes through a grant from the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative and is one of just five now in operation in Virginia. The first bike was donated by the late actor Christopher Reeve’s family to the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, VA. The system uses low-level electrical stimulation that allows spinal cord patients to pedal a stationary bike. The workout helps cardiovascular health, weight control and muscle tone. “Our goal is to offer independent workouts to as many people with spinal cord injuries as possible,” said Catherine Gilden, MPT, team coordinator, Sentara Hilltop Therapy Center. “To see these patients use their legs in ways they haven’t since their injury is very rewarding.”
Sentara is Raising the Bar on Clinical Performance Goals
Sentara takes great pride in its long-standing commitment to and success in providing high-quality, safe care for its patients. As an organization, that commitment is demonstrated by a strategic imperative outlined in the 2006 Strategic Plan: to be the regional best and among the top 10 percent nationally in quality and patient safety, customer service, employee satisfaction and financial performance. The efforts of Sentara employees are directed toward providing the best health outcomes for patients and the community. Sentara’s clinical performance goals for 2007 raise the bar even further. The efforts of Sentara employees are continuous and ongoing.
Healthcare Performance Improvement Consulting Group
Having enjoyed success and peer recognition for patient safety initiatives, Sentara is now helping other systems develop a culture of safety through creation of a new consulting group called Healthcare Performance Improvement (HPI). Several Sentara family members are working with the new organization, including: Gary Yates, M.D, who serves as HPI president; Carole Stockmeier, practice director; Gene Burke, M.D., and Shannon Sales, RN. The group is already working with 14 client systems representing 35 hospitals in 10 states. Learn more about the team’s efforts.
ExploreHealth with Sentara Live Surgery Webcast 
The first ExploreHealth with Sentara Live Surgery Webcast is scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 3 p.m. The show’s topic is "Minimally Invasive Procedures for Improving Circulation to the Legs" with host Dr. Marc H. Glickman, Vascular Specialist Surgeon. This live webcast will take the viewer right into the Vascular Suite to see first hand the innovative, minimally invasive procedures that are helping patients who suffer from circulation blockages in their legs. Although not available on our Sentara network, you can watch the show in archive from a home computer. Get more details and sign-up to receive an email reminder one day in advance of the live webcast.
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