Phoebe Enhances Cardiac Care with Renovated Catheterization Lab And National Recognition from the American Heart Association

Catheterization Lab Renovations 2025 2Albany, GA | August 6, 2025 –

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (PPMH) continues to advance its delivery of lifesaving cardiovascular care in southwest Georgia with the completion of a major renovation of its Cardiac Catheterization Lab. The upgrades coincide with three national awards from the American Heart Association, recognizing Phoebe’s commitment to exceptional care for heart attack and stroke patients.

PPMH’s renovated primary cath lab now features the Philips Azurion 7 M20 Flex Arm, a leading-edge imaging platform that provides real-time 3D guidance, exceptional image clarity and high-tech tools for structural heart procedures.

“The Phillips Azurion M7 has transformed the way we perform complex interventional procedures. Its advanced imaging capabilities – especially the real time 3D guidance and exceptional image clarity – allow us to operate with greater precision, speed and confidence.  It’s not just about seeing more; it’s about doing more for our patients, with less radiation and greater efficiency,” said Mark Cohen, MD, Phoebe Medical Director of Heart & Vascular Services.

Catheterization Lab Renovations 2025 1Other advanced features in the new lab include:

  • Philips Intrasight System, enabling co-registration and detailed measurements for precise stent placement.
  • Egg Medical’s radiation protection systems, enhancing staff and patient safety.
  • A custom-built communication and audio system installed by Albany-based Invision Technologies.
  • Improved workflow and increased square footage based on direct input from Cath Lab staff.

 

“This renovation is not just a visual upgrade; it’s a transformation of how we deliver safe, quality and evidence-based care. We designed the space with our team’s input to improve efficiency and satisfaction, and the result is one of the best and most high-tech procedure rooms I’ve seen,” said Dianna Grant, MD, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Medical Officer.

As a designated STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) Receiving Center, PPMH provides 24/7 support for patients suffering a severe and life-threatening type of heart attack caused by complete blockage of a coronary artery. The hospital coordinates closely with referring hospitals and emergency medical services to ensure patients receive the fastest, most effective care possible.

PPMH also has received three American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital. These awards include the:

  • Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke GOLD with Target: Type 2 Diabetes for Stroke Award
  • Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Silver Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Award
  • State of Georgia M:L Regional Report – Mission: Lifeline® Regional Award

Catheterization Lab Renovations 2025 3These prestigious honors highlight Phoebe’s dedication to providing rapid, research-based care to patients suffering from stroke and STEMI.

“These awards show Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care. By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, PPMH can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates, a win for health care systems, families and communities,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee.

“Earning this national recognition while unveiling our newly renovated, state-of-the-art Cath Lab is a powerful statement of who we are. At Phoebe, we don’t just follow best practices, we set the standard for care in southwest Georgia,” said PPMH President Deb Angerami.

Each year, more than 1 million cases of acute coronary syndrome require hospitalization in the U.S., and about 30% are STEMI cases. Fast, coordinated treatment is essential to save lives and limit damage to the heart.

Phoebe’s continued investment in people, processes and technology exemplifies its role as a regional leader in cardiac care and its unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for the people of southwest Georgia.

About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.