Cutline: Pictured is Dr. Wayne Gibson as he reviews the TEE of a patient with Dolores Farmer, a registered echo technologist.
Paris, TN – With the arrival of Saint Thomas Heart Cardiologist Dr. Wayne Gibson, our Cardiology program at Henry County Medical Center has thrived. And, we continue to do so with further enhancements and additions of the latest diagnostic technology.
Along with the arrival of Dr. Gibson, who practices full-time at HCMC and is still affiliated with Saint Thomas Heart, the hospital purchased a new ultrasound machine with the capability to perform transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) to assist him in providing the most up-to-date care possible.
Unlike a traditional echocardiogram, the TEE provides a much clearer image of the heart, which enables Dr. Gibson to assess certain structures within the heart. The outpatient and/or inpatient procedure is performed by Dr. Gibson in the operating room at HCMC while the patient is sedated.
Dolores Farmer, RDCS AE, a registered echo technologist with over a decade of echocardiography experience, assists Dr. Gibson during the procedure. According to Farmer, the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) procedure at Henry County Medical Center is an important diagnostic tool for Dr. Gibson and offers greater benefits to the patients of the local community and the region.
“Typically, patients would have to travel to Nashville, Memphis or Paducah (KY) for this procedure,” said Farmer. “Patients prefer to stay close to home as much as possible, now more than ever. HCMC helps them to do so by offering this essential diagnostic tool by providing excellent patient care and get them on their road to recovery.”
Patients who are candidates for TEE are: stroke patients, patients in atrial fibrillation and patients with valvular diseases, amongst other conditions.
HCMC is continuing to look at ways to add enhancements and technology to our Cardiology program to better serve our community and continue to grow forward.
For more information about Henry County Medical Center and our services, go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org.
ABOUT HENRY COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 8 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.