Estes Park Health Foundation has launched its new Waves of Hope: Cardiac Ultrasound Initiative, with the goal of a new premium, cutting-edge upgrade to its cardiology technology.
The current technology used for echocardiography at Estes Park Health’s cardiac clinic has reached the estimated end of its product lifespan. And because of its commitment to provide the absolute highest quality care for Estes Valley residents and visitors, the Estes Park Health Foundation is striving to fund the purchase of the latest and best technology in the industry, the Phillips EPIQ CVx cardiology ultrasound system, including an all-new, more ergonomically designed patient bed.
This latest Phillips technology is vital for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing various cardiovascular conditions, including during cancer treatment. Cardiac sonography, also known as echocardiography or simply echo, is designed to detect congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and cardiac tumors. It also allows the evaluation of cardiac function, including ejection fraction, cardiac output, chamber size, and wall thickness. Tracking these functions, and changes within them over time, is important not only in the sense of general patient health, but also during cancer chemotherapy treatment.
The EPIQ CVx system provides industry-leading imaging, updated security and better ergonomics, which translates to more comfort for patients. Access to adjustments during the procedure have been reengineered in the newest system, and the upgraded patient bed lowers an additional five inches for easier entry, while also featuring a special comfort wedge section which allows the patient to stay on one side easily during treatment.
“This our most utilized procedure at the Estes Park Health cardiac clinic, so an upgrade to this service will touch a large segment of the Estes Valley community immediately,” says Kevin Mullin, President of the Estes Park Health Foundation. “Not only is the imaging and security of the EPIQ CVx superior to what we have now, but this new machine will be much more comfortable for both patients and sonographers. Patients entering from a wheelchair will have to travel considerably less to get comfortably into position, as its ability to lower much further creates easier entry.”
The cardiac clinic here at Estes Park Health carries a special significance for me personally, as I served as a primary caretaker for my parents for many years, both of whom were undoubtedly gifted extra healthy and productive years by excellent cardiac care. My father benefited from an implanted pacemaker, while my mother had the full
cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) technology, offering both pacing and defibrillation. Particularly in my father’s case the improvement from such technology was stark and immediate. Each of my parents utilized cardiac ultrasound multiple times during their treatment.
Estes Park Health Foundation is using this year’s Rotary Duck Race Festival as the launching point for fundraising to support this important technology upgrade. The commitment to better the health of all residents and visitors to this beautiful valley is what inspires all of our staff members each and every day.
Supporters of Estes Park Health are encouraged to visit the Duck Race Festival website and contribute to the Waves of Hope Initiative by adopting an Estes Park Health Foundation duck for the race. And by adopting five ducks, the Quack Pack, supporters will gain an additional 6 th chance to win one of the major prizes in the race event, including cash and even luxury vacations.
David Johnston is the Development and Communications Manager for Estes Park Health Foundation
