Improving transesophageal echocardiography workflows at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico

The Heart Hospital of New Mexico stands as a beacon of cardiovascular care in the state. Its advanced facilities include three operating rooms, two hybrid rooms, two cath labs and three EP rooms, allowing the hospital to address a broad spectrum of cardiac conditions.

Despite its state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital faced significant challenges in coordinating cross-functional services for outpatient transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), a common problem across the U.S. healthcare system. This coordination is crucial for maintaining workflow efficiency and can help patient well-being.

The hospital’s Chief of Anesthesia, Dr. Daniel Berson, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the diagnostic ultrasound capabilities within the institution. Recognizing the significance of addressing these challenges, he leveraged his extensive experience to find a solution.

The hospital needed an innovative tool that could manage the complexities of their workflows and patient needs. So began a collaboration with Philips to develop and adopt the X11-4t mini 3D TEE probe.

The Philips X11-4t mini 3D TEE was integrated into the hospital’s diagnostic procedures, offering a miniaturized yet fully functional tool with full articulation capabilities. This technology was specifically designed to enhance diagnostic efficiency and comfort for patients of all ages and sizes, from pediatric and geriatric.

Philips provided support during the initial implementation of the X11-4t, helping hospital staff to quickly gain proficiency with the device. Designed for intuitive use, the probe’s handling matches that of the previous Philips X8-2t, allowing clinicians to easily incorporate it into their workflows without disrupting patient care.

The introduction of the Philips X11-4t mini 3D TEE probe has improved diagnostic capabilities and patient throughput at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico. As of this writing, Dr. Berson has successfully used the probe on more than 79 patients, achieving diagnostic-level quality across a wide range of patient sizes and conditions.

Prior to the adoption of the X11-4t, the hospital struggled with lengthy setup times and coordination across multiple departments, leading to delayed diagnostics and increased patient discomfort. Post-implementation, the hospital has reported a reduction in these issues, enhancing overall care quality and patient satisfaction.

The partnership between the Heart Hospital of New Mexico and Philips to implement the X11-4t mini 3D TEE probe has revolutionized the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities. This collaboration has not only addressed the immediate challenges of workflow efficiency and patient comfort, but it has also set a new precedent in the use of advanced diagnostic technology in cardiac care.

For other institutions facing similar challenges in diagnostic ultrasound, exploring the Philips X11-4t mini 3D TEE probe could be the key to unlocking enhanced imaging confidence and efficiency.