Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center Celebrates Expansion and Significant Updating of Advanced Cardiac Program with New State-of-the-Art Catheterization Lab

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – April 4, 2025 – Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center today celebrated the expansion of its advanced comprehensive cardiac program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its second, newly upgraded heart catheterization lab. This marks the second major investment in advanced cardiac technology at French Hospital in less than two years, further solidifying its commitment to providing exceptional cardiovascular care to the San Luis Obispo County community.

Located in the Copeland, Forbes and Rossi Cardiac Care Center, the newly upgraded heart catheterization lab, which is the second of two labs, features the leading-edge GE Allia IGS 5 Fluoroscopy system, complementing the existing GE Allia IGS 730 Fluoroscopy system in the first upgraded lab. These advanced systems provide physicians with enhanced imaging capabilities, enabling more precise diagnoses and treatment of complex cardiac conditions. In addition to handling diverse cardiovascular procedures, this second lab's advanced technology will be primarily utilized for Electrophysiology (EP) cases, Vascular and Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures including uterine and prostate embolizations. 

"French Hospital is very proud to offer continued high quality and distinction in cardiovascular care with this latest advanced equipment and technology combined with the excellence of our experienced team," said Sue Andersen, President and CEO of French Hospital Medical Center. "Advancing cardiac services and investing in state-of-the-art technology at French Hospital aligns with our mission to provide the highest quality care in the communities we serve."

"This new lab represents a significant step forward in our ability to provide the best possible care for our patients," said Dr. Ragesh Panikkath, Cardiac Electrophysiologist. "The advanced imaging capabilities of the GE Allia IGS 5 Fluoroscopy system will allow us to perform complex procedures with greater precision and efficiency, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our patients."

Kristi Dickson, RN, Director of Cardiac Services at French Hospital, added, "We are thrilled to offer our community access to the latest advancements in cardiac technology. This newly updated lab, combined with our highly skilled, expert team, will enable us to provide even more comprehensive and effective care for patients with cardiovascular disease."

As San Luis Obispo County’s only designated STEMI (heart attack) receiving center, French Hospital plays a crucial role in providing timely and life-saving interventions for patients experiencing the most critical types of heart attacks. The hospital's dedicated team consistently achieves the national standard of performing angioplasty in less than 90 minutes, significantly improving patient outcomes. In addition to these state-of- the-art heart Cath Labs, French Hospital also has the George Hoag Family Advanced Hybrid Surgical Suite for more complex cases as part of its comprehensive heart program.  

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by hospital staff, and physicians at French Hospital Medical Center.

For more information about cardiac services at French Hospital click https://www.dignityhealth.org/central-coast/locations/frenchhospital/services/cardiac-services

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About French Hospital Medical Center

French Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 98-bed acute care hospital located in San Luis Obispo, California. French’s Oppenheimer Family Center for Emergency Medicine is the area’s most advanced emergency services center. The modern facility is home to the Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center, San Luis Obispo County’s premier cardiac center, providing the latest cardiac and imaging technology, and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. 

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/frenchhospital

About Dignity Health Central Coast

Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.