Executives’ takeaways in the 3rd Quarter CILA General Membership Meeting

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What is the biggest challenge executives face each day? You guess it right, stress! As executives are bombarded with hectic schedules and full loads of office works just to reach targets and quotas, stress could be detrimental, as it is inevitable. In result, little did they know that they are beginning to overlook their own lifestyle, triggering lifestyle-related diseases to arise.

This was one of the takeaways during the 3rd Quarter General Membership Assembly of Clark Investors and Locator’s Association (CILA) held last August 15, 2018, Wednesday, at Xenia Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone. The event underscored the profound discussions and legislative agenda vis-à-vis the “Updates on TRAIN Law 2” led by the CILA President, Dr. Francisco Villanueva Jr. 

Dr. Villanueva mounted his presidential report about the accomplished and upcoming paces of progress for the development of the TRAIN campaign project. Taken into account the radical changes made for the plan and other inputs from the affiliated governing bodies involved in the fabrication of the aforesaid project. Moreover, it was followed by the induction of the new CILA members and the presentation of Dr. Enrico L Basilio, one of the guest speakers. offering 

After the heavy discussions, to lighten up the atmosphere of the event, The Medical City Clark smoothly engaged the executives to choose to rest for a while and feel the ambience of a piece of home—in the concept of “The Living Room”. 

Furthermore, Dr. Sebastian, one of the wellness doctors of TMC Clark, along with Evelyn L. Yumul, The Medical City Clark’s Sales and Marketing Director, and Ms. Rochelle Lagman, The Medical City Clark’s Manager of Wellness Center, underlined stress as the business world’s silent killer and the ‘healthy extra-mile’ steps to recover from stress and improve a person’s regimen. 

Atop of the steps, TMCC put forward the Executive Health Check-Up (ECU), a preventive health check package tailor-fit for each person, to screen the common diseases in the different age-groups and examine the vital functions of the body through the tranquil and hotel-like facilities, giving them the utmost care that they, and all the patients deserve to feel. 

To showcase what TMCC ECU Check Up could offer, availees will automatically become members of the Executive Circle Club, a VIP club that brings together managers and directors of prominent businesses in the region. Through this, Executive Circle Cardholders can revel in the following benefits and exclusive perks: 

· Exclusive discount on top of the discounted packages for CILA members 
· 5% discount on ECU Standard Package for members and their dependent 
· Entitlement for corporate rates at TMC Clark partner hotels, establishment, and merchandisers 
· Complementary VIP passes to TMC Clark Events such as post-graduate courses, fairs, and launches. 

Evidently, Ms. Yumul proudly informed everyone that some of the prominent personalities including CILA President, Dr. Francisco Villanueva Jr., and Clark Development Corporation President, Mr. Noel F. Manankil have undergone and experienced the Executive Check-Up as part of their lifestyle essentials. 

From an all-embracing perspective, the General Membership Meeting has been productively and successfully fulfilled. And now, it’s time to take an ECU day-off! 

To know more about this Executive Check-Up, call 045-300-8888 or 0916-448-8046.

Why You Should Add Health in Your Calendar

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Healthcare is now more than just curing diseases. Medical practitioners have a new and more comprehensive approach when it comes to treating their patients.

According to Dr. Lizbeth Sto. Tomas, a Wellness Doctor of Internal Medicine at The Medical City Clark, “Health is simply the absence of any physical sickness. Wellness, meanwhile, is a more encompassing concept that is rooted in a person’s overall lifestyle.” 

The Medical City Clark’s Executive Check-up program focuses on giving solutions that aim to improve their patients’ overall wellness, one that is preventive, promotive, proactive, and personalized.

More comprehensive tests than regular check-ups

According to Dr. Sto. Tomas, the doctors at The Medical City Clark’s Executive Check-up do comprehensive tests that allow them to check the patient’s overall condition. They personalize it based on the patient’s current lifestyle as well as his genetic family history and previous medical conditions. The same physician also oversees the same patient for a better and more comprehensive overview of the patient’s case.

Ms. Rochelle Aquino-Lagman, the Manager for Customer Relations and Allied Services of the Medical City Clark noted a crucial detail in their program, “We make it a point that our Executive Check-up Coordinators would be closely managing a patient up until they checkout. The same person will also be following up on them post-executive check-up.”

Comfort and Convenience

Waiting for the doctor’s appointment can get dragging and results can take hours or even days. The Medical City Clark offers its VIPs a comfortable stay complete with a lounge with free snacks, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and television. VIPs who undergo a complete physical exam have the option to be admitted in one of The Medical City Clark’s hospital suites for an easier time in getting results the next day. Ms. Rochelle, who has a background in hotel management, describes their Executive Check-up Program as “similar to a hotel, a mini-hotel, where we assist like a butler, up until the client will be inferred to a specialist.”

The Executive Circle Club Card

The Executive Circle Card is the newest offer by The Medical City Clark that has exclusive membership discounts that will even include the cardholder’s dependents. The Medical City Clark also partners with several hotels, offering corporate rates to patients as well as their dependents with the Executive Circle Club Card.

True to their VIP treatment of their patients, members will also have first access to events by The Medical City Clark such as post-graduate courses, congress fair, and launches. Card registration is free and is activated when you schedule an appointment at The Medical City Clark’s Executive Check-up Program.

Dr. Lizbeth Sto. Tomas recommends an annual executive check-up for patients with unremarkable medical history or those who don’t have any serious medical concerns in the past or at present. However, if a person is taking maintenance medications, the attending physician may require an executive check-up every 3-6 months.

When it comes to your health, choose a hospital that will give you the best care. The Medical City Clark is located in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga that is accessible to Central Luzon residents. For more information, you may call The Medical City Clark’s Wellness office at (045) 300 8000 or 0916-448-8046.

The Medical City Clark offers top-notch Nutrition Services for Patients

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The Medical City Clark has unique practice of screening and assessing the nutritional status of all the patients being admitted. TMC Clark is proud to say that we provide diet recommendations for all our patients.

As with the rest of the hospital, the Nutrition Management Services Team under the Diabetes, Nutrition, and Weight Management Services Center recognizes that every patient is a unique individual, and can best benefit from a personalized and customized approach to health care. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to health care, and that includes how patients are nourished during treatment.

The Nutrition Management Services (NMS) is an interdisciplinary team established to assist clinicians in developing comprehensive plans for the nutrition support best suited to their patients' varying medical needs and nutritional requirements.

It offers the following services:

• Determination of a patient's current nutrition status and requirements
• Development of patient-specific nutrition programs including the optimal formulation, amount, timing and delivery of feeding
• Nutrition therapy implementation and monitoring
• Instruction on proper home nutrition preparation and administration for patients and their families
• Outpatient nutrition counseling and follow-up for :
• Weight management
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Persons with diabetes
• Cancer survivors
• Chronic kidney disease
• Pregnancy
• Inborn/acquired metabolic disorders (e.g. G6PD deficiency, gout)
• Difficult-to-feed adults and children

A registered dietician carries out daily rounds to all the admitted patients of TMC Clark for their thorough nutrition assessment and diet recommendations. For an integral management pooled with collaborative processes, the attending physician is advised to direct the recommendations posted by the dietician.

In conclusion, Dr. Del del Rosario, a Nutrition Management Physician fostered that, “Nutrition is part of the holistic management leading to our desired result. Similarly, a well-fed child performs well in school, a well-nourished patient ends up having a good outcome.”

Ask your TMC attending physicians about Nutrition Management Services! For more inquiries, contact Customer Service at 045-300-8008.

Know Your Enemy: How to Protect Yourself from Heart Attacks, The Medical City Clark sheds some light on this silent killer

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Heart attacks, known as the “silent killer”, are a result of the build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart’s arteries, blocking the blood flow and therefore cutting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body. Most people who suffer from a heart attack have some form of coronary heart disease.

To this day, heart diseases still pose as a serious threat to millions of Filipinos. The Philippine Statistics Authority found that Coronary Heart and Artery Disease is the top cause of death in all regions in the Philippines, including North Luzon. A total of 14,658 deaths were recorded in the region in 2011 by the Department of Health. In a study they conducted in 2009, the number of lives claimed by cardiovascular diseases in the Philippines has doubled from 85,000 to 170,000 after 20 years.

Being informed about heart attacks has never been more important; you never know when a heart attack will strike you or someone close. As shared by Dr. Domicias Albacite, Head of the Cardiovascular Center in The Medical City Clark, here are some things you need to know about heart attacks:

Genetics versus Lifestyle

Which of these two is the real cause of heart attacks? According to Dr. Albacite, heart attacks are partly caused by genetics but most of the time, they are greatly influenced by a person’s lifestyle. People who are smokers, inactive, and unhealthy eaters are more likely to suffer from a heart attack.

However, he noted that genetics do play a role in heart attacks. Those that occur in people below the age of 50 are most likely caused by genetics, while those that occur later are more likely caused by lifestyle.

There is no first aid for heart attacks

With heart attacks, time is of utmost importance. Almost 30% of first time sufferers of heart attacks do not make it to the hospital. This is why Dr. Albacite strongly discourages first aid as it may complicate the person’s condition when going to professional help is delayed. The moment a person suffers a heart attack, immediately call a hospital to get an ambulance. If you are alone, quickly call the hospital or seek the help of neighbors. Make sure that you always have the phone number of the nearest and most competent hospital with you, like The Medical City Clark. For the residents of Central Luzon, The Medical City Clark is one of the most accessible hospitals that have world-class facilities and expert doctors that can expertly handle an emergency situation. 

Minor heart attacks are a big deal

Not all heart attacks are life-threatening, but this does not mean the minor ones do not require attention. On some occasions, a person does not even know that they experienced a heart attack. Once you feel its symptoms which include chest pain, cold sweats, and shortness of breath. Heart attacks can be triggered by physical or emotional stress. Ignoring these symptoms can result to worse and fatal conditions.

Regular check-ups are recommended as you get older

A semi-annual check-up is a good prevention for heart attacks. This is especially if you are a person at risk – if you smoke, live an inactive lifestyle, eat innutritious diet, and have other unhealthy lifestyle choices. It is also good to know your family history, as those that have history of premature heart attacks could also suffer the same fate. If your family has history of heart attacks, make sure you closely monitor your body to check for signs and symptoms of heart attacks, no matter the age.

Being aware of these misconceptions can help save a life, maybe even yours. Don’t wait for a heart attack to happen before you take action; maintaining your blood pressure, adopting a healthy lifestyle by being physically active and avoiding vices such as smoking and drinking alcohol all contribute to lowering the risk of having a heart attack. Make sure to consult right away if you experience any symptoms. The Medical City-Clark is an ideal hospital to visit as it is only located in Pampanga and has state-of-the-art medical facilities that can cover everything from screening to surgery and cardiac rehab. The accessibility to residents of Central Luzon will make it faster to get to in times of emergencies.

For more information, you may call The Medical City-Clark’s Cardiovascular Center at (045) 300-8888 loc. 80060 or 0916-448-8046.

The Medical City Clark’s Cardiovascular Center Offers World Class Services for Open Heart Surgery

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The Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass is a faster, safer, and less costly surgical procedure for heart patients

Internationally-acclaimed surgeons of The Medical City Clark performing the Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass (OPCAB) surgery

The Medical City Clark’s (TMC-Clark) Cardiovascular Center continues to provide residents of Central Luzon with world-class and advanced services for open heart surgery as it offers all the benefits of the Off-Pump Coronary Bypass (OPCAB).

Here are 5 facts about OPCAB to shed some light on what it is all about, shared by the experts from The Medical City Clark’s Cardiovascular Center.

It is performed by expert doctors from TMC-Clark’s Cardiovascular team.

TMC-Clark houses a team of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgeons who are locally and internationally accredited on their sub-specialties, a cardiovascular anesthesiologist and an in-house cardiac critical care intensivist who perform OPCAB surgeries. These doctors were trained in the Philippine Heart Center and are internationally recognized fellows from the American College of Surgeons, Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Asian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

It is accessible to North and Central Luzon residents.

Heart diseases has remained one of the top causes of mortality in North and Central Luzon. These trained doctors with the same level of expertise as Metro Manila doctors cater to North and Central Luzon residents due to this rising need in heart surgeons in the area. High quality medical services are not only found in Metro Manila. The Medical City Clark offers the same high quality surgery with less cost for the patient. People in Central Luzon now have easier access to world-class medical services especially when there is increased connectivity through nearby airports as well as expressways such as NLEX and SCTEX.

High-risk patients are eligible for this operation.

High-risk cardiac operations are now managed with expertise. The heart-lung machine used in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgeries could be harmful since it increases the risk of a heart attack, more commonly in high-risk patients, as it needs to arrest the heart. OPCAB performs the procedure while the heart is still beating, overruling the need to use a heart-lung machine.

It results to a faster recovery time.

Due to the previous fact, it reduces recovery time for patients. Not using the heart-lung machine in most of the procedure will now remove its bad effects resulting to the patient’s early recovery and early return to work. Those who undergo the OPCAB surgery usually recover within 5-7 days after the surgery. In addition to that, OPCAB surgeries has the same success rate as CABG surgeries at 99%.

It costs less

OPCAB requires fewer anesthesia and without the added cost of the heart-lung machine, it lessens the expenses of the patient. Since the recovery time is also shorter, there is less hospital room costs. The Medical City Clark also offers the best package for catastrophic illnesses including coronary bypass graft with the PhilHealth Z Benefit, which lowers the cost to ₱650,000 and PhilHealth shouldering ₱550,000. The patient only needs to pay a total of ₱100,000 for the operation.

OPCAB is a proven surgical procedure that has successfully treated many patients with coronary heart diseases. With its well-trained doctors and world-class facilities and equipment, patients of The Medical City Clark are sure to receive the best treatment possible closer to home.

The Medical City presents the winners of “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate" poster-making contest on good nutrition

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L-R: 3rd place Jason Oliver Bacas from Lourdes School, 1st Isabella R. Hilario from St. Paul College and Patrice Sebastien M. Olaguera, Lourdes School

“TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition” winners were awarded last July 27, 2016 at the TMC Auditorium.

Winners received plaques, gift certificates and gift bags, while a special prize given to the entry with most likes on The Medical City’s Facebook page. The winning designs were used by The Medical City for internal posters and educational materials.

Advocating proper nutrition through arts, the Medical City raises awareness on proper nutrition through a poster making contest dubbed as "TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate."

The Medical City Nutrition Management Services, together with the Center for Developmental Pediatrics, have taken heed of this concern by launching a poster-making contest dubbed “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition.” 

This project is also in line with the “Pinggang Pinoy” campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) in celebration of the National Nutrition Month 2016. The contest was opened to all Grade 5 students and each school sent their five best entries. A total of 25 posters have already been entered into the competition. 

“We are glad of the turnout and the number of entries that we received, which means more and more people are now realizing the fact and the dangers of unhealthy eating, especially among kids. We are happy as well that people responded to this contest, which is aligned with the DOH’s National Nutrition Month campaign and serves as a vital part of the hospital’s advocacy on healthy eating that should start at an early age,” declares Dr. Marianna Sy-Quia Sioson, Head of the Nutrition Management Department of The Medical City.

The impact of good nutrition early in life can reach far into the future.

The right nutrition in the first 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday builds the foundation for the child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive.

However, recent surveys showed a significant rise in malnutrition among Filipino children, making the situation truly alarming. Without a doubt, undernutrition still exists and remains a national priority but pediatric overweight and obesity have both become a growing concern among medical practitioners and should be of importance to mothers and would-be mothers.

The Medical City (TMC) is a world-class hospital healthcare organization with 48 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. With its main facility located along Ortigas Avenue, TMC boasts of experienced and esteemed medical experts of various fields with modern facilities that offer the highest standard of healthcare quality as accredited by the Joint Commission International, a prestigious accrediting body for international healthcare organizations.

The Medical City Liver Center Launches LIGTAS

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Imelda Guzman, the mother of a liver transplant recipient, says she has a strong desire to meet and bond with families who, like them, have a loved one in need of or have undergone a liver transplant operation.

When she and daughter Marilda went to Manila for a vacation last April, they took time to visit four-year-old Aga Fulgencio who was then recovering from his liver transplant operation performed on February 17, 2015 at The Medical City (TMC). Marilda underwent the same operation in 2013 also at TMC.

“In my own way, I would like to offer our support and share our experiences with Aga’s family,” says Guzman.

Waiting for or living with liver transplant can be difficult. Thus, having support from family and friends can be very helpful. 

“The patient and his family may also benefit from joining a support group of people who understand what the patient is going through,” says Dr. Vanessa de Villa, head of TMC’s Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation (CLDMT).

With this in mind, CLDMT in coordination with TMC’s Center for Patient Partnership (CPP) is launching the Liver Transplant Information and Guidance Through Awareness and Support or LIGTAS support group.

LIGTAS is designed to offer support and education to liver transplant recipients, candidates, caregivers and family members. It provides a forum for sharing information and experiences and helps patients and their loved ones better understand and cope with the issues and concerns associated with liver transplant. 

The support group uses a multidisciplinary approach in providing social and wellness support and education on liver health and disease to its members. LIGTAS is facilitated by a set of professionals engaged in allied medical, administrative and support services. 

“All liver transplant candidates, recipients and their families are eligible to join LIGTAS. They just need to fill up an application form which can be secured from the CLDMT office at TMC Ortigas,” says Dr. De Villa.

Dr. De Villa, a liver transplant surgeon, has worked in some of the best transplant centers in the world and plays a lead role in the development of liver transplant in the country. Since 2011, CLDMT under her leadership has done eight liver transplant operations.

In January 2011, TMC performed the first successful pediatric liver transplant in the country with three-year-old Catherine Erica Buenaventura as patient. Erica then had a living donor, her 17-year-old uncle.

Marilda and Aga were TMC’s third and 7th liver transplant recipients respectively. 

“We have proven again that we can do successful liver transplants here at The Medical City. The expertise is here, the technology, the system and all the auxiliary services are ready. We can offer our patients in the Philippines the same world-class quality healthcare that overseas liver centers provide,” says Dr. De Villa.

Dr. De Villa is also thankful for the generous support of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) led by its General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II. The PCSO, through a formal partnership with TMC, has been very committed in giving liver transplant patients financial assistance.

Aside from the generous financial aid, Rojas also makes it a point to personally visit these patients, to talk to them and provide moral support.

“We at CLDMT and the PCSO will further strengthen our partnership as we seek to reach out to more patients in dire need of liver transplantation,” adds Dr. De Villa. 

The CLDMT is a specialty unit that offers a comprehensive array of diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with liver diseases and liver tumors through an integrated and highly skilled multidisciplinary, patient-partnership approach. 

It is otherwise known as The Medical City Liver Center and may be reached through 9887000 local 6506.

First Philippine Hospital on U.S. Soil Opens in Guam

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Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), the first Filipino-owned hospital in United States soil, held its official grand opening on Monday, July 20, 1015. Majority owned and operated by premier health institution The Medical City (TMC), GRMC is the latest addition to TMC’s growing network of hospitals and clinics.

TMC President & CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, GRMC CEO Margaret A. Bengzon, Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Guam Governor Eddie Calvo with other GRMC officials and special guests during the Ribbon-cutting ceremony

More than 600 guests from Guam, across Micronesia and from the Philippines turned out to celebrate the opening of the first private hospital in Guam.

The 130-bed acute care facility represents an investment of $240 million by the Philippine-based TMC.

TMC President and CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon and other members of TMC’s senior management graced the opening ceremony. Also present were Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Guam Governor Eddie Calvo.

GRMC CEO Margaret A. Bengzon

During his speech, Dr. Bengzon spoke about the perseverance and faith it took them to overcome the obstacles and realize their dream to build the hospital located in Dededo, Guam. He likewise emphasized the commitment it represents to the people of Guam.

“GRMC is a gift of The Medical City and the Filipino people to the people of Guam. I encourage the residents of Guam to embrace TMC’s service philosophy of Patient Partnership, one that moved the patient from the periphery to center stage, defining for him a role as equal and empowered patient in the pursuit of his health,” said Dr. Bengzon.

For her part, GRMC CEO Margaret Bengzon welcomed the guests and thanked all the people who worked hard to make the event possible. 

TMC President & CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, Surgeon and GRMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael W. Cruz, and Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo

“We must now look ahead and we need to get started on the real work, providing quality health care for the people of Guam,” she said.

Bordallo, on the other hand, underscored the importance of having a new hospital in Guam that will save both the financial and emotional burden of having to seek off island medical care. 

In 2010, TMC announced that it would be part owner and full operator of the first private hospital in Guam. GRMC’s services will be aligned with TMC’s centers of excellence and the Region’s specific health profile, featuring wellness, cardiology, medical oncology, endocrinology, pulmonology, neurology and other medical and surgical subspecialties. TMC’s unique value proposition of patient empowerment and partnership will enliven all programs and services.

Even before the formal opening of the hospital, Guam residents have begun to experience TMC’s brand of healthcare. GRMC physicians have been seeing patients at the GRMC Specialty Care Center since September 2014.

Dr. Bengzon and Governor Calvo capped the ceremony with an impromptu rendition of "The Impossible Dream,” signifying that with GRMC now in full operations, they have reached the unreachable star.

Health made affordable with Citi Credit Cards and The Medical City Center for Wellness and Aesthetics

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PayLite your way to health with this latest offer from Citi credit cards. Citi cardholders can now avail of customized preventive health checks at 0% PayLite for 3 months at The Medical City Center for Wellness and Aesthetics. The Center offers Personalized Medicine for all ages (Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric) with its comprehensive array of services and programs designed for the optimization and enhancement of the client’s health through health profiling and lifestyle coaching, as well as complementary dermatological and aesthetic surgery options.

For inquiries, log on to www.citibank.com.ph, or call Medical City Ortigas at 988-1000 or 988-7000 loc.6576.

The Medical City Expands its Cardiac and Vascular Catheterization Laboratory

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The Medical City Cardiac and Vascular Catheterization Laboratory (TMC Cath Lab) acquired its second Artis Zee, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose imaging system. The equipment allows for clearer, more accurate images of the arteries of the heart, brain, internal organs, and limbs. 

The Cath Lab hopes to address the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies in a more effective and timely manner as recently expanded its capabilities. With the addition of a second imaging system, Interventional cardiologists can perform longer vascular procedures without compromising access to an emergency procedure if needed.

In 2013, the Cath Lab performed more than one thousand coronary procedures, more than any other Cath Lab in a private institution in the country. 

Dr. Gregorio Martinez, Jr., Head of the Cardiac and Vascular Catheterization Laboratory and the Cardiovascular Center, clarifies that responding to cardiac cases, especially heart attacks, is time sensitive. Delays in treating a heart attack patient impact on the size of the damage to the heart muscle, and ultimately on the patient’s prognosis. Prompt diagnosis and right treatment within the specified time frame is vital.

“Those who depend on us to take care of their cardiac patients can continue to rely on us for excellent care,” says  Dr. Martinez.

“The TMC Cardiovascular Center has an Acute Myocardial Infarction Program which targets a 90 minute Door-to-Balloon time. This means that a heart attack patient who walks through the doors of our emergency room should have the blocked coronary artery opened in the Cath Lab within 90 minutes. TMC’s expanded Cath Lab capacity, backed by experienced and highly competent interventional cardiologists and support staff who are trained to handle such complex cases, can assure patients of the best possible and the most timely cardiac care,” explains Dr. Martinez.

“The expansion of TMC Cath lab will raise the bar for cardiac care at The Medical City,” says Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Michelangelo Sabas.

“Adding a second Cath Lab system not only provides us with the latest technology but will also allow us to care for more patients and reduce the backlog of patients waiting for diagnostic testing. It enables us to care for multiple urgent care patients at once. We can see more patients with less disruption of patient care with this second Cath Lab system.”

Interventional procedures done in the TMC Cath Lab are minimally invasive treatments where doctors use catheters, introduced through a small skin puncture, to access the heart, the coronary arteries, the arteries to the brain and various organs in order to treat abnormal conditions. Furthermore, the TMC Cath Lab offers state of the art technology for coronary angiography and angioplasty, valvuloplasty, pacemaker implantation, peripheral vascular angiography and angioplasty, embolization procedures, cerebral angiography and coiling of intracerebral aneurysms.

It has enhanced capabilities for Fraction Flow Reserve (FFR), Thrombectomy (AngioJet), and the visualization of implanted stents (CLEARstent). FFR measurements, which are done during the angiogram procedure, help identify lesions that restrict blood flow to the heart and therefore serve as accurate guides on whether a borderline narrowing should be opened up with a stenting procedure. Thrombectomy is a procedure to extract blood clots and therefore restore blood flow to arteries and veins clogged with clots (thrombus), while CLEARstent is a stent visualization enhancement tool that makes possible the placement of stents in complex coronary angioplasty.

The TMC Cath Lab is the leading Cath Lab in the country for coronary angiography and angioplasty via radial artery approach. Angioplasty via the radial artery approach makes use of the wrist artery instead of the groin artery as access. This enables patients to go home the same day after the procedure and resume their normal activities the next day. Approximately nine out of ten coronary procedures in the Cath Lab are done via the wrist artery.

“At the TMC Cath Lab, we have a comprehensive range of cutting-edge equipment that can be utilized for more accurate diagnosis and effective and safer treatment. At The Medical City, we treat each patient not as a ‘case’ but as a unique individual who deserves the best informed medical care. This is why acquiring technology which can give us a clearer, more accurate assessment of each patient’s individual case is paramount,” says Dr. Martinez.

For more information about The Medical City Cath Lab, you may contact tel. nos. 988-1000 or 988-7000 ext. 6278.–end-

About The Medical City

The Medical City is a tertiary care hospital with over 40 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. Its world-class health care complex serves some 40,000 in-patients and 400,000 out-patients annually. TMC has a medical staff of over 1,000 physicians who are established experts in their various fields of specialization. This core of professionals is complemented by a 2,200-strong human resource complement, engaged in allied medical, administrative and support services. TMC is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world’s most prestigious accrediting body for international health care organizations.

The Medical City is located along Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

For more information about The Medical City and its services, call (+632) 988-1000 or (+632) 988-7000 or email at mail@medicalcity.com.ph or visit www.themedicalcity.com.