Specialized Medicine

The Cardiology Center

The latest technology and the medical expertise of highly-trained interventional cardiologists provides Western Oklahoma with a full complement of cardiovascular services to diagnosis and treat heart disease and disorders and general vascular disease. These services include stress testing and interventional procedures such as peripheral stents, electrophysiology testing, and general vascular angiography.

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State-of-the-Art Heart: New Cath Lab at GPRMC

Western Oklahomans now benefit from the region's only comprehensive cardiac catheterization lab, completed in 2003 at GPRMCat Great Plains Regional Medical Center . The lab features cutting-edge information systems and medical technology to diagnose and treat heart disease and disorders.

A Siemens Angiostar Plus multifunctional digital acquisitions and high contrast fluoroscopy unit is the technical centerpiece of the lab. It, simply, translates into state-of-the-art computerized imaging equipment that aids the cardiologist in the detection, diagnosis, intervention and treatment of cardiac and general vascular disease.

GPRMC's Cardiac Catheterization Team consists of six registered nurses and three radiology technicians. The team has received intense training at Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City and provide excellence in interventional cardiovascular care.

What is Cardiac Catheterization?

Done either in the heart, leg or arm, a cardiac catheterization is an interventional procedure generally performed as a diagnostic test after a patient experiences chest pains or presents other symptoms to his or her physician that could point to a problem with the heart.

Performed by an interventional cardiologist, the “cath” helps the cardiologist to identify narrowed or clogged arteries leading to or within the heart; measure blood pressure within the heart; evaluate the heart valves' functioning; ascertain how well the four chambers of the heart are functioning; checks for congenital heart defects; or evaluates an enlarged heart.

Generally, blood and urine studies are done, as well as an electrocardiogram, chest x ray and stress test, prior to the procedure, which lasts from 1 to 2 hours. Local anesthesia is applied to the catheter insertion site, which may be preceded by a mild sedative. The catheter is threaded over a guide wire, inserted into an artery in the arm or leg, and fed up and into the heart.

The cardiologist watches the threading and placement of the catheter via a fluoroscope (x-ray diagnostic equipment that takes pictures of moving organs). Once in the heart, the guide wire is removed. The catheter is then used to measure blood pressure within the heart's different chambers and to take blood samples.

Dye is injected through the catheter and into the coronary arteries. Multiple x-ray images are taken to allow identification of any disease in the coronary arteries. An aortogram, which gives a clear image of the aorta, is also performed at this time. The catheter is then removed. Recovery time is generally 2 to 6 hours.

Although the procedure is not painful, it can cause some discomfort. There can be complications, such as blood clots leading to stroke or heart attack, arrhythmias, allergic reaction to dye, infection and accumulation of fluid in the heart sac. The patient is carefully monitored, with procedures in place should any complication occur.

Test results are generally available within 24 hours of the procedure.

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Surgery Center

Surgeries in most of the major specialties, including general and vascular, gastrointestinal, orthopedic, urological and ophthalmic, are done on an outpatient and inpatient basis weekly. Endoscopy, lithotripsy and cardiac catheterization and recovery.

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Orthopedics

Full service orthopedic services include joint replacement, foot and ankle surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, head and neck pain management and rehabilitation and sports medicine, with therapeutic and rehabilitative services provided by the Department of Physical Medicine.

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Eye Center

Physicians and surgeons with BVA-Advanced Eye Care provide the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, disorders and injuries at The Eye Center at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. This includes leading edge treatment and surgical techniques for refractive disorders, conditions of the aging eye including cataract, glaucoma, corneal disease and conditions related to diabetes and high blood pressure, and eyelid reconstruction and facial aesthetics.

Here we provide some helpful information about conditions of the aging eye and other eye problems. Also, click on Patient Information and go to Outpatient Surgery to get more information about outpatient eye surgery at GPRMC.

CATARACTS

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens. Symptoms of cataract include gradual, painless decrease in vision sometimes accompanied by glare and haloes at night. When vision is impaired by cataract, the treatment is cataract extraction with lens implant. As we age, the lens becomes clouded and vision becomes blurred. Colors also appear less brilliant and daily activities like reading, driving and working with your hands may become difficult. If we live long enough, everyone will develop cataracts.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed eye procedures. These days cataract surgery is frequently called “no stitch, no-patch” due to modern surgical techniques.

Lens implantation is replacement of the eye's natural lens with a man-made lens that allows many patients to achieve excellent vision, both near and far.

In an out-patient procedure, the surgeon removes the clouded lens, or cataract, and replaces it with a manufactured intra-ocular lens. This procedure requires no hospital stay for most patients and no eye patch is required. Most patients experience clearer vision immediately following the surgery and vision continues to improve over the next several days.

GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the health of the optic nerve and reduces your field of vision.

Because most people don't notice the symptoms until some vision loss occurs, early diagnosis is especially important to prevent eye damage. The eye specialist uses the latest in technology to screen patients for glaucoma, providing concise measurements and acquiring immediate results, especially in the earliest stages.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic Retinopathy , a complication of diabetes caused by changes in the blood vessels of the eye, is the leading cause of new blindness among adults in the US .

There is no cure for diabetes or diabetic retinopathy, but laser treatment is usually very successful if performed early enough.

People treated for diabetic retinopathy should have their eyes checked frequently to monitor the progression of their condition.

Native Americans and African Americans are at higher risk for developing diabetes, as are people with a family history of diabetes.

Corneal Transplantation

Your cornea is the clear, protective outer layer of the eye; it is a barrier against dirt and germs, and plays a key role in your vision.

If corneal disease or scarring occurs , corneal transplantation can be an option to improve your vision.

WESTERN OKLAHOMA BVA PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS

Kamran Massoumi, M.D.

Dr. Kamran Massoumi serves patients and referring doctors in Western Oklahoma . He specializes in “no shot-no stitch-no patch” cataract surgery as well as refractive and general ophthalmology.

Dr. Massoumi grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and received his medical education at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Massoumi's ophthalmology residency was at Case Western Reserve University . He has presented research on various ophthalmic subjects throughout his career, confirming his dedication to recent changes in ocular technology.

Robin Smith, O.D.

Dr. Robin Smith, O.D/ Dr. Robin Smith has been serving patients and referring doctors in Western Oklahoma since 1996. She is an active member of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians , the Texas Optometric Association , and the American Optometric Association . She is a graduate of Northeastern State University College of Optometry where she now serves as an adjunct professor and director of the BVA Ocular Pathology Residency for Western Oklahoma.

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Radiology

Full-spectrum radiology services include x-ray, CT,ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, echocardiograms, mammography and cardiac catheterization, read by a permanent, fulltime radiologist.

State of the Art CAT Scanner

Great Plains Regional Medical Center has just installed a new, state of the art, 64 slice CT Scanner.

A CT Scanner (sometimes known as a CAT Scan) uses X-Rays to take pictures of your body from different angles. A computer puts the images together and creates a series of cross sections or “slices” through the part of the body being scanned. This way a very detailed picture of the body can be obtained.

“This is a great step forward for our hospital,” says Duane Mills, Director of Radiology. “With the new scanner, we’ll be able to more accurately “see” what’s happening inside someone’s body. Early detection is often the key to successful treatment of a variety of conditions.”

The CT Scan gives radiologists and physicians more accurate images of the abdomen and chest. For this reason, a CT Scan is the preferred method for diagnosing many different cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer. The image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue.

The instrument is also vital for diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.

Because of its versatility and ability to take picture of all parts of the body, a CT Scan can also be used in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death.

Great Plains Regional Medical Center received its first CT Scanner back in February of 1986.

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Department of Physical Medicine

GPRMC has a full complement of qualified, trained therapists in physical, occupational and speech therapy for treatment of injuries or rehabilitation after prolonged illnesses or surgery. The Physical Medicine team works hand-on-hand with an orthopedics and other medical professionals to help patients increase strength, range of motion, flexibility, coordination and endurance, as well as reduce pain.

From a muscle strain to advanced post-operative care, you can count the professional therapists in GPRMC’s Physical Medicine Department to deliver the highest quality treatment using the latest techniques. We focus on getting our clients back to their activities as quickly as possible without compromising safety.
Great Plains Regional has a full complement of qualified, trained therapists. There are three registered physical therapists, three PT assistants, one PT assistant/athletic trainer, one occupational therapist, one OT assistant, and one speech therapist. These healthcare professionals provide:

• Strength & flexibility training
• Aquatics therapy
• Postural and lifting mechanics
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Ortho/sports/rehab programs
• Skilled wound care
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Swallowing training
• Pain management for arthritis, back, neck and injury sites

To keep your life in balance, talk to your doctor, or call the Department of Physical Medicine at 580/821-5351.

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Home Health Services

Great Plains Home Health provides patients with the opportunity to be cared for in the comfort and security of their homes when recovering from surgery or illness. Home health care encompasses IV therapy servives, physical, speech pathology and ongoing occupational therapy, and a number of other specialty services.
For more information about home health care, call 225-5656.

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Emergency Department

GPRMC’s Emergency Department is staffed 24/7 by permanent, fulltime emergency physicians and a staff of seasoned emergency/trauma nurses.

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Urology

Joe Coker, M.D., board certified urologist, has been one of Western Oklahoma's leading specialists for nearly 20 years. In his practice at GPRMC, he diagnoses and treats conditions of the urinary tract and male gentital sytem, including kidney stones, incontinence, impotence, and prostate problems.

One area in which the GPRMC urology program excels is in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

More than 180,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. More than 30,000 will die of the disease. Eighty percent of men who reach age 80 have prostate cancer. These statistics are definitely sobering, but the good news is that survival rates are improving. Eighty-nine percent of the men diagnosed with the disease will survive at least five years; 63 percent will survive 10 years or more.

Great Plains Regional Medical Center has an outstanding prostate cancer program, one that is comparable in quality to programs at major medical centers.

Family practice and internal medicine physicians in Elk City and surrounding areas promote awareness of the disease and conduct testing on a yearly basis on men 50 or over. These tests include the standard PSA and digital rectal exam. Testing will be done in men younger than 50 if they have a family history of prostate cancer, and in African-Americans, who are twice as likely to get prostate cancer.

Once diagnosed, decisions are made on treatment options. Surgery is recommended for younger men, radiation therapy for older. The patients are then followed by the physicians for a long time.

The most important quality standard in any cancer program is the pathology component. Stephen Krompecher, M.D., GPRMC's staff pathologist, works closely with Dr. Coker and provides the medical expertise in all of the testing phases needed to diagnose prostate cancer.

As with many cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is unknown. It is more common, though, in men with a family history of the disease and among African-American men. The sex hormone testosterone also contributes to the growth of the cancer.
Because prostate cancer is a slow growing disease, many affected men will die from other causes. Evidence also indicates that many patients detect their prostate cancer at a curable state because of annual screening.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination
• Inability to urinate
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the back, hips or upper thighs

Prostate cancer, however, can easily exist with no symptoms, Coker noted.
Once prostate cancer is diagnosed, more tests are done to determine the size and location of the cancer, and if the cancer has metastasized beyond the prostate.

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Neurology

The services of a board-certified neurologist, who treats diseases and conditions of the nervous system such as back and neck pain, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches, are available twice weekly.

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Center for Sleep Disorders

This special center has both board-certified sleep physicans and registered sleep technologists who can diagnose and treat sleep-related problems and disorders that may indicate such serious health problems as heart problems, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes.

If you can answer "yes" to many of the following questions, you may have a sleep disorder:

SLEEP APNEA

I’ve been told that I snore.
I’ve been told that I stop breathing when I sleep
I feel sleepy during the day, even though I sleep through the night
I have high blood pressure
I’ve been told that I am a restless sleeper
I seat excessively during the night
I frequently awaken with headaches
I am overweight and/or am gaining weight
I seem to be losing my sex driveINSOMNIA
I have real difficulty falling asleep
Thoughts race through my mind
I wake up during the night and can’t go back to sleep
I wake up earlier in the morning than I would like to and can’t go back to sleep
I’ll like awake for half an hour or more before I fall asleep

NARCOLEPSY

I had trouble concentrating when I was in school
When I’m angry, or surprised, or laugh, I feel like I am going limp
I have fallen asleep while driving
I feel like I go around in a daze
I experience vivid dreamlike scenes upon falling asleep or awakening
I have fallen asleep while laughing or crying
I have trouble at work because of sleepiness
I have vivid nightmares soon after falling asleep
Sometimes, no matter how hard I try to stay awake, I fall asleep anyway.
I feel like I have to cram a full day into every hour to get anything done
Sometimes I feel unable to move when I’m waking up or falling asleep

PERIODIC LIMB MOVEMENTS DISORDER & RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

I experience muscle tension in my legs even when I am otherwise relaxes
I have noticed, or others have commented, that parts of my body jerk
I have been told that I kick at night
I experience aching or "crawling" sensations in my legs
I experience leg pain at night
Sometimes I can’t keep my legs still at night; I just have to move them
Even though I sleep through the night, I feel sleepy during the day

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

I wake up with heartburn
I have a chronic cough
I have to use antacids almost every week for stomach trouble
I am hoarse in the morning
I wake up at night coughing and wheezing
I have frequent sore throats
During the night I suddenly wake up gasping for breath.

If you are your partner are concerned about possible sleep disorder symptoms, or for more information, contact your physician or The Center for Sleep Disorders at GPRMC at 580/225-2511, Ext. 350.

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Senior Health Care Center

Many people face numerous losses in later life. These losses might include: loss of independence, abilities, loved ones and their home. As a result, some elderly people suffer from symptoms of grief or depression that might be ignored or misinterpreted as normal patterns of aging. There are warning signs that a loved one may need treatment or help in understanding the changes in their lives. Some of these signs are:

Confusion
Depression
Tearfulness
Agitation
Sleep Disturbances
Memory Loss
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Suicidal Thoughts
Change in Appetite
Feelings of Hopelessness or Helplessness

The Senior Health Care Center at Great Plains Regional Medical Center understands how difficult it can be for a family member or caregiver to watch a loved one struggle through physical and emotional difficulties. At Senior Health Care Center, the focus is on helping patients achieve optimal level of functioning. Each patient receives a thorough evaluation of their physical and emotional needs. A team of physicians, nurses, social workers and therapists work with the patient and family to design a treatment plan specific to each patient. The patient participates in a program of activities and therapies designed to help patients cope with family change and loss.
To learn more about the Senior Health Care Center at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, call (580) 821-5205.