Accredited Chest Pain Center
In November 2009, Swedish Covenant Hospital received full accreditation as a Chest Pain Center with PCI by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.
As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, our staff has proven that SCH is maximizing cardiac care capabilities, integrating best practices and constantly improving our patients' care, quality of life, treatment and communication.
"Getting accredited as a Chest Pain Center is not only another achievement of excellence, but it also emphasizes the quality of work which we do at Swedish Covenant Hospital and the passion that goes into providing the best available care to our patients," said Sikander Akbar MD, Medical Director of the Chest Pain Center. "Our Cardiology Department, in collaboration with the Emergency Department and paramedical staff, has once again shown that we are a leading hospital on the North side of Chicago."
These advances benefit the whole hospital by improving patient outcomes, decreasing lengths of stay, improving emergency department throughput, streamlining processes and having a positive impact on the bottom line.
"We can be extremely proud that the services we provide here are unsurpassed anywhere, and our patients are getting the best possible cardiac care. And this is done through a true team approach, with doctors and nurses working together across specialties to provide truly remarkable service," said Bruce McNulty MD, Chairman of the Emergency Department.
Congratulations to the entire hospital staff on this achievement and a special thank you to the Cardiology and Emergency departments and other contributing departments for their work to achieve this designation. They have worked hard to provide our patients with leading cardiac care during the critical window of time (Door-to-balloon), when we can save heart muscle and possibly a life. Please recognize and thank the Cardiology staff for their efforts.
Swedish Covenant Hospital is one step closer to beating heart disease in our community.
Cardiac Care Unit
Swedish Covenant Hospital recently opened a Cardiac Care Unit as part of its expansion of the Galter Medical Pavilion in 2003. The unit was developed by cardiologists, cardiac nurses and staff in order to centralize, streamline and enhance the quality of care for our cardiac patients.
Continuous Care
Consistent coverage is provided by the Cardiac Care Unit manager, critical care fellow, interns and specialized nursing staff—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Senior residents provide coverage nightly, and board-certified cardiologists are involved in patient care decisions.
The Cardiac Care Unit features centralized care, which results in fewer patient transfers between units. Collaboration between attending physicians and the nursing staff is a key goal of this unit, with emphasis on follow-up communication among staff members.
Latest Technology and Education
The Cardiac Care Unit, located in the Main Building on 5 South, features the latest technology for cardiac care. This includes equipment that enables invasive monitoring capabilities as well as the ability to care of patients with pacemakers and those who require intravenous medications.
Our specialized staff on the unit also continually enhances their expertise and proficiency in cardiac care through education.
Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Swedish Covenant Hospital recently updated its Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory as part of its expansion of the Galter Medical Pavilion in 2003. The newly expanded area, located on the 2nd floor, features cutting-edge technology in a brand new, spacious area that supports high-quality cardiac care programs.
Additional Cardiac Catheterization Lab
A second laboratory allows Swedish Covenant Hospital to respond to physician referrals of patient with greater speed and efficiency. It also increases the volume of cardiac services that can be performed so that patients can be more quickly accomodated.
Programs and Treatments
Spae and technological enhancements provide more comprehensive treatments and procedures for our patients. The procedures and programs in our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory now include:
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Angioplasty and Stents
- Cardiac Ablation
- Pacemaker and ICD Implants
- Pacemaker and Defibrillator Clinic
- Electrophysiology Program
Advanced Imaging Devices
High-performance equipment including advanced GE imaging devices enable cardiac specialists to view images on monitors within the lab to assist them during procedures. These devices not only offer dramatic improvement in image quality, but also enable treatment of a much broader range of patients.
Pre- and Post-Operative Patient Area
The expanded laboratory area also features a 4-bed pre- and post-operative area for patients. Located within a sanitary operation room environment, this new area assures optimal cleanliness and comfort for our patients.
Electrophysiology Program
Swedish Covenant Hospital's Electrophysiology Program brings specialists and expertise to the hospital to conduct studies of the heart. The program focuses on diagnosis and management of arrhythmias, which are abnormalities of the heartbeat.
What is an electrophysiology study?
An electrophysiology study allows precise diagnosis of rhythm problems to determine the appropriate therapy. During the study, the physician examines electrical heart patterns and tries to recreate the arrhythmia for observation and analysis. Learn more >
What procedures can be performed in the Electrophysiology Program?
In addition to electrophysiology studies, the program performs the following procedures:
- Pacemaker and Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) insertions
- Cardiac Ablation
- Implantable event monitors
Who runs the program?
Along with a team of nurses and other health care professionals, Dr. Hanna Konarzewska serves as Medical Director of the Electrophysiology Program. Board-certified in cardiovascular disease, cardiac electrophysiology and internal medicine, she brings thirteen years of experience to the program.
Where is the Electrophysiology Program located?
It is incorporated as part of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory on the 2nd floor of the Galter Medical Pavilion. To reach the Electrophysiology Program, please call (773) 878-8200 ext. 7330.
Pacemaker and Defibrillator Clinic
The Pacemaker and Defibrillator Clinic at Swedish Covenant Hospital provides patients with regular check-ups on pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). The clinic is open to all patients with existing or newly implanted devices, and is located on the 3rd floor of the Main Building.
Patients are seen every three to six months. Those with newly implanted devices are initially evaluated one to two weeks following implantation to ensure that the incision is healing properly.
During an evaluation, your caregiver will optimize the programming of the device for maximum efficiency, check the battery and leads and look for any other potential problems.
Dr. Hanna Konarzewska, board-certified in cardiovascular disease, cardiac electrophysiology and internal medicine, oversees the clinic and is available should a problem be found during routine evaluation.
The clinic is open on Mondays, from 8:00am to 12:00pm.
To make an appointment, call the Swedish Covenant Hospital Appointment Center at 773-878-6888.
How do I know if I need a Pacemaker or ICD?
Your physician will recommend an electrophysiology study to determine your need for a Pacemaker or an ICD. An implantation of a Pacemaker or ICD is performed through the Electrophysiology Program.
