First Ever 3D Cardiology Catheter Technology Is Unveiled At Dignity Health’s Marian Regional Medical Center

Dr. Brett Gidney is the first Cardiac Electrophysiologist to perform heart procedure using the NuvisionNAV 3D Intracardiac Echocardiography Catheter

SANTA MARIA, CA – May 10, 2023 – Marian Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the implementation of a cutting-edge, 3D Intracardiac Echo (ICE) catheter called NuvisonNAV by Biosense Webster. It’s a significant advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Cardiologists are now able to view an entire chamber of the heart, as it’s beating, in 3D, in intricate detail and in real-time while performing minimally invasive procedures. 

This week, Brett Gidney, MD, a Cardiac Electrophysiologist in Santa Maria, for the first time anywhere, performed this  groundbreaking procedure using this new advanced technology at Marian Regional Medical Center. “I’m proud to say the first ever procedure was a success,” says Dr. Gidney.  “While it may take some time for this technology to be adopted globally, Marian Regional Medical Center has been honored as the first institution worldwide to implement the new catheter in  patients.”

The integration of 3D mapping technology and the new imaging catheter provides a comprehensive view of the heart's structure, giving medical professionals unprecedented access and understanding of the heart's rhythm. This breakthrough allows for increased precision in maneuvering catheters within the heart while it is beating, illuminating the source of life-changing and life-threatening abnormal rhythms.

“This distinction positions Marian Regional Medical Center as a premier destination for advanced heart rhythm care and solidifies its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare solutions to patients in need,” says Sue Andersen, President and CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center.

Biosense Webster Executive Clinical Account Specialist, Leah Shady says, “We chose Marian as a great place to first use this catheter because Dr. Brett Gidney and the Marian Cath lab team is indispensable in their ability to provide high quality work. Dr. Gidney has performed a record amount of ablation procedures at Marian. His expertise is invaluable and he has a great excitement for new technology!”

This new catheter technology helps reduce the risk of complications and can take less time to complete the procedure then 2D technology which was used previously. 

The NuvisionNAV is equipped with a navigation chip and  integrates 3D Intracardiac Echo (ICE) and 3D mapping for use with heart ablation and mapping of heart arrhythmias. 

For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Gidney on this innovative technology and how it will transform the future of heart rhythm care in our community, please contact [email protected]

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About Marian Regional Medical Center

Marian Regional Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 191-bed medical center located in Santa Maria, California. The modern facility is home to a broad array of services including a level II trauma center, a level III neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally recognized cardiac care center, and boasts the Central Coast’s only Comprehensive Community Cancer Program as recognized by the Commission on Cancer. Marian has been recognized for quality and patient safety and named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades® for three consecutive years. It has also been recognized as a 2023 Coronary Intervention Excellent Award recipient by Healthgrades®. 

Marian Regional Medical Center together with Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, and French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, comprise Dignity Health Central Coast, a network of hospitals, physicians, and outpatient services including physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers, and a full service home health agency. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/marianregional.