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Hays, KS – Leaders at HaysMed announced the DeBakey Heart Institute is now home to Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA), the first and only cardiac center in western Kansas to offer this highly advanced level of cardiac imaging for our patients. CCTA is a noninvasive imaging test specifically designed to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), the major cause of morbidity and mortality burden in the U.S.

The CCTA procedure produces detailed 3D images of the arteries to detect if there is plaque buildup and narrowing of coronary arteries that could signal CAD. This advanced technology offers better diagnostic capabilities with rapid results and no recovery time needed after testing is complete.

“CCTA gives us the ability to provide more specific diagnoses, similar to heart catheterization but much less invasive – and we are thrilled that people no longer have to travel out of western Kansas to access this level of cardiac testing,” said Dr. Hema Pamulapati and Dr. Siva Taduru, who are both board-certified cardiologists and the Co-directors for Cardiac CT at HaysMed. “With CCTA technology, we can now get a real-time estimate of CAD very quickly, which accelerates the path to treatment and saves lives.”

CCTA technology involves the CT scanning hardware already available at HaysMed with an added and highly advanced software application for cardiovascular testing. DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed is one of very few providers in the state of Kansas to offer CCTA cardiac testing. Alongside Drs. Pamulapati and Taduru is Dr. Kalyan Wagle, a board-certified cardiologist who also oversees CCTA procedures at DeBakey Heart Institute. All three cardiologists work closely with the Imaging Department, where the tests are performed.

Patients undergoing a CCTA receive a nontoxic contrast dye injection, so blockages and other abnormalities are more visible. Cardiologists may order CCTA testing for patients with known cardiovascular disease or the onset of new symptoms that may be CAD. An abnormal stress test or echocardiogram may also suggest a need for CCTA.

“This new diagnostic capability is one more testament to the quality of cardiac care offered at HaysMed,” said HaysMed President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Herrman. “We are fully committed to delivering the best cardiac care in our region – because everyone we serve deserves the very best.”

The DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed is a specialty center serving patients from across the region. It is the only SPCP-accredited Chest Pain Center in the region, with award-winning emergency and cardiac care. More information is available at haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute.

About HaysMed

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary level services in the region. The hospital is NIAHO-accredited by DNV Healthcare and ISO Certified. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, general, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center, an accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, a Primary Stroke Center and a Certified Hip and Knee Replacement Center of Excellence by DNV GL Healthcare.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. In 2022, HaysMed was named as one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association. Learn more at haysmed.com.