Great Catch and Exceptional Teamwork at CGCH

Great Catch and Exceptional Teamwork at CGCH

While performing an outpatient ECHO, the technologists identified a suspected abnormality of the aorta and immediately notified the cardiologist before the patient left the department. Acting quickly, the cardiologist ordered a same-day CTA chest, which Imaging was able to promptly work into the schedule and complete without delay.

Upon completion of the scan, the CT technologists recognized findings consistent with a large aortic dissection and immediately notified the cardiologist, who reviewed the images right away. The technologist also sent a Sectra message to the hot-seat Radiologist to communicate the urgent need for interpretation.

The patient was then directly admitted to the Emergency Department and then transferred to CRMH to receive the critical care and surgery he needed. The Radiology QCT team communicated the critical result to the physician via PerfectServe, with acknowledgment received promptly.

I am incredibly proud of our Imaging and Carilion teams for their vigilance, communication, and advocacy for this patient. Their quick thinking, seamless collaboration, and commitment to patient safety very likely saved this patient’s life. Excellent work by all involved

Staff involved:

ECHO techs: Haley Spencer & Marsha Mcfarland

CT techs: Mark Atkins & Rachel Smith

Cardiologist: Jose Rivero

MD: Ethan Freeborn