Driscoll Heart Center Expands

Driscoll Children’s Hospital Invests $100 Million to Expand Heart Center

Published: June 26, 2024

The Expansion Includes Two Cardiac Operating Rooms And A 35-Bed cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Credit: Zakir1346 / Shutterstock.

Corpus Christi, TX – Driscoll Children’s Hospital Has Officially Opened Its newly Expanded Heart Center, Backed By A $100 Million Investment, marking a important leap forward in pediatric cardiac care for South Texas.

Advancing Cardiac Care in South Texas

The New Pavilion, Spanning 53,333 Square Feet Across Two Floors, Is Dedicated To Enhancing The Treatment of Complex Congenital Heart Conditions. This Expansion Equips The Hospital To Handle More Complex Cases and Improve Patient Outcomes.

Karen Long, Driscoll Clinical Operations vice-President, Emphasized That The Project Represents Far More Than Just Added Space. Instead, The Expansion Reflects The Hospital’s Dedication To Providing Exceptional Care Through State-Of-The-Art Technological Advancements In Paediatric Cardiology And Surgery.

“this Expansion Is More Than Just Adding space; It’s About Ensuring That Every Child Receives The Best Possible Care With The Latest Advancements In Paediatric Cardiology And Surgery,” Long Said.

The Hospital’s Commitment Aims To Ensure Local Children And families can access World-Class Heart Care Without Traveling Long Distances.

Key Features of the Expansion

The Expanded Driscoll Heart Center Features:

• Two State-Of-The-Art Cardiac operating Rooms
• A 35-Bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
• Two Cardiac Catheterisation Labs for Minimally Invasive And Hybrid Procedures

Multidisciplinary Approach

The Driscoll Heart Center Employs More Than 40 Specialists To Deliver Multidisciplinary Care For A Wide Array Of Intricate Congenital Heart Conditions. This Team-Based Approach Ensures Extensive And Coordinated Treatment Plans For Each Patient.

Dr. Stephen Langley, Medical Director Of The Driscoll Heart Center, Highlighted The Importance Of Precision and Expertise In Paediatric Heart Surgery. He Stressed that Each Case Advances The Hospital’s knowledge And capabilities, Leading To Improved Outcomes For Patients.

“Paediatric Heart Surgery Demands Precision, Expertise, And A Commitment To Progress,” Dr. Langley Said. “At Driscoll, Every Case Is Part Of A Continuum-Each Advancement Builds On The Last, Driving Better Outcomes And Greater Possibilities For Our Patients.”

Expanding Services to Meet Growing Needs

In response To The Growing Population In South Texas, the Driscoll Heart Center Aims To Increase Its Surgical Capacity To Perform More Than 500 paediatric Heart Surgeries Annually. This expansion Includes Hiring Additional Cardiologists And Specialized Staff To Support The Increased Volume.

Moreover, The Center Is Broadening Its Reach By Opening A Cardiology Clinic in El Paso And Launching South Texas’s First Mobile ECMO Program. The Mobile ECMO Program Will Offer Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Support To Cardiac Patients During Transportation,Enhancing Critical Care Access.

Recent Advancements at Driscoll Children’s Hospital

Earlier This Year, Driscoll Children’s Hospital demonstrated Its Ongoing Commitment To Paediatric Care by Opening A New 60-Bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This Addition Further Strengthens The Hospital’s Ability To Provide Comprehensive Care For Young patients.

Driscoll Heart Center Expansion: Key Facts

Feature	Details
Investment	$100 Million
Area	53,333 Sq Ft
Operating Rooms	2
CICU Beds	35
Annual Surgeries (Target)	>500

The Growing Need for Pediatric Cardiac Care

According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), About 40,000 Babies Are Born In The United States Each year With Congenital Heart Defects. These Conditions Require Specialized Care, Making Facilities Like The Driscoll Heart Center Crucial For Affected Children And Their families.

Furthermore, Advances In Medical Technology And Surgical techniques Are Continuously Improving Outcomes For Paediatric Cardiac Patients. The Expansion Of Facilities Like The Driscoll Heart Center Ensures That These Advances Reach Those Who Need Them most.

pro Tip:

Families Seeking Specialized Paediatric Cardiac Care Should Inquire About Multidisciplinary Approaches, Access To Advanced Technologies, And The availability Of Support Services For Both patients And Their Families.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What Is The Main Goal Of The Driscoll Children’s Hospital Heart Center Expansion?

   The Main Goal Is To Enhance Cardiac Care For Children In South Texas, Ensuring Access To World-Class Treatment Without Needing To Leave Home.

2. What New Facilities Are Included In The Driscoll Heart Center Expansion?

   The Expansion Includes Two Cardiac Operating Rooms,A 35-Bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU),And Two Cardiac Catheterisation Labs For Minimally Invasive Procedures.

3. How Many Pediatric Heart Surgeries Does Driscoll Heart Center Aim To Perform Annually?

   Driscoll Heart Center Aims To Perform More Than 500 Pediatric Heart Surgeries Each Year As It Expands Its Services.

4. Where Else Is Driscoll Heart Center Extending its Services?

   The Center Is Opening A Cardiology clinic In El Paso And Launching South Texas’s First Mobile ECMO Program.

5. What Recent Additions Has driscoll Children’s hospital Made Besides The Heart Center?

   Earlier This Year, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Opened A 60-Bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

What Are Your Thoughts On The Impact Of This Expansion On Paediatric Cardiac Care In South Texas? How Can Other Hospitals Replicate This Commitment To Specialized Care?

Share Your Thoughts And Questions In The Comments Below!

How has the Driscoll Heart Center expansion impacted access to specialized cardiovascular care for the community?

Driscoll Heart Center Expands: Strengthening Cardiovascular Care

The Driscoll Heart Center, a trusted provider of thorough cardiovascular care, has announced a significant expansion. This growth reflects a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of patients and providing advanced, state-of-the-art treatment options. this expansion includes new facilities, equipment upgrades, and the addition of experienced cardiologists, enhancing the center’s ability to provide exceptional heart health services. Understanding the Driscoll Heart Center expansion is crucial for individuals seeking top-quality cardiovascular care.

Why the Expansion? Addressing Increasing Demand

The decision to expand the Driscoll Heart Center stems from several factors. Primarily, an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the community has created a greater demand for specialized care. Further, advancements in medical technology necessitate upgraded facilities and equipment to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatments.The expansion allows Driscoll to stay at the forefront of this vital field. Key drivers for the expansion effort include:

• Higher rates of Heart Disease: Addressing the rising number of patients requiring cardiovascular services.
• Technological Advancements: integrating the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies.
• Increased Patient Volume: Accommodating a growing patient population needing heart health support.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community

The driscoll Heart center expansion project reflects a essential commitment to the well-being of the community. With the growing prevalence of heart disease, there is a significant need for expanded services. The center plans to meet this demand by offering more appointment slots, reducing wait times, and ensuring access to advanced diagnostic and treatment modalities. This includes providing excellent care with compassion and efficiency.

New Services and treatments Offered

The recent expansion at the Driscoll Heart Center brings about a variety of new services and treatments, improving patient access to the newest and most effective care options. Key additions include advanced imaging capabilities, enhanced cardiac rehabilitation programs, and cutting-edge interventional cardiology procedures.

Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Imaging

One of the most significant upgrades is in the area of diagnostic imaging. The center now features even more elegant cardiac imaging capabilities, including advanced MRI, CT scans, and echocardiography equipment. These advances enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of heart conditions. This will contribute to overall and sustainable heart health. Some advantages of these technologies include:

• Higher Resolution: Offering greater precision in identifying cardiovascular anomalies.
• Faster Results: Reducing the time it takes to receive diagnosis.
• Minimally Invasive techniques: Improving comfort and lowering patient’s recovery periods.

Enhanced Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

Driscoll Heart Center has expanded its cardiac rehabilitation programs, focusing on comprehensive support to patients post-cardiac event or surgery. these expanded programs now include:

• Personalized Exercise regimens: Customized plans tailored to individual needs.
• Nutritional Counseling: Guidance in adopting heart-healthy diets.
• Mental Health Support: Providing emotional support to help patients cope with the unique challenges of heart health recovery.

Advanced Interventional Cardiology

The expansion also brings new advancements in interventional cardiology, allowing for less invasive procedures that led to faster recovery times and reduced risk.These procedures encompass:

• Angioplasty and Stent Placement: Re-opening blocked arteries.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): For patients whose aortic valve is damaged.
• Advanced Catheterization Techniques: For enhanced precision in diagnosis and less patient discomfort.

benefits for Patients

The expansion of the Driscoll Heart Center offers several significant benefits for patients. Foremost, increased access to comprehensive and specialized care is now available.Moreover, the new services and treatments result in improved patient outcomes, better quality of life, and shorter recovery periods. These improvements are a testament to the center’s ongoing investment in patient care.

Benefit	Impact
Improved Diagnostics	Earlier Detection, Better Treatment Outcomes
Advanced Treatment Options	Less Invasive Procedures, Faster Patient Recoveries
Personalized Cardiac rehab	Enhanced patient Support, Improved Long-Term Health
Access to Experts	Increased Availability, Shorter Wait Times for Consultations

Finding a Cardiologist at Driscoll Heart Center

Finding a qualified cardiologist is paramount for maintaining heart health. the Driscoll Heart Center expansion has resulted in the addition of experienced cardiologists.If you want to find a cardiologist near you, you can visit the Driscoll Heart Center website. It is also important to ask about any new cardiologists who have been added to their roster. Make sure that the cardiologist and center are well-respected and have a history of excellent patient care.

Practical Tips to Maintain Heart Health

Ensuring heart health requires proactive efforts. The Driscoll Heart Center, in their expansion declaration, encourages community members to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles.Consider these practical suggestions:

• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Reduce intake of saturated and trans fats, and sodium.
• regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep your BMI within a healthy range to reduce the burden on your cardiovascular system.
• Manage Stress: Find strategies, such as meditation and yoga, to cope with stress effectively.
• Get Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular cardiovascular screenings and check-ups with your primary care physician or cardiologist. This is essential to detect and treat issues early on.