Healthy You: Upgrades to United Regional’s Cath Lab brings hope to heart care

United Regional is expanding its heart services with new technology and new providers. Officials said their newly updated cath lab, combined with three cardiologists joining United Regional Physician Group, represents a major investment in advanced cardiac care.

Andy Kocher usually spends a lot of his time outdoors, so when things started to slow down and he wasn't able to do the little things in life on an everyday basis, he knew something was wrong.

“Just doing my yard, walk in the neighborhood with my wife. You know, just every day stuff,” Kocher said.

Eventually, Kocher would be diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation or AFIB on four separate occasions.

“After the fourth time, I was tired of like walking on eggshells and I wanted to get something done about it. And I contacted his office and met with him,” Kocher said.

And that he’s referring to is Dr. Darpan Kumar and his team, who would eventually perform an ablation on Kocher. Just one of many procedures performed in United Regional’s cath lab by Dr. Andre Desire and other on the staff.

“Patient who’s had a stroke, who may have a severe blockage. We stent those just as we fix the aneurysm with that. Clearly, we also take care of patients with heart attacks, which is a big part of our practice. Patients with ischemic heart disease. In fact, last night, I was on call together with patients who came in with a heart attack. So the scope of our practice is quite wide,” Dr. Desire said.

But Cath Lab Coordinator Dr. Larry Dwyer said they can’t perform these procedures without top-of-the-line equipment.

“Having this equipment available nowadays and comparing it to the old days is dramatically different. Back then, none of this was available. We didn’t guess what to do, but we had to do our beds today with the equipment that we have available. Makes a huge difference in how we can diagnose immediately and treat immediately. Patients that need that done here in Wichita Falls,” Dr. Dwyer said. 

While also saving you a trip out of town for medical care.

“We have the capability to do exactly what Dallas can do here in town. It’s terrible to compare us to Dallas, or to Fort Worth, or to Oklahoma City and say, that’s the big city. I’m going there for our care. We have great physicians, great staff here in town, and couple that with our equipment, we’re second to none,” Dr. Dwyer said.

Something that Kocher has experienced firsthand: top-notch care by top-notch professionals.

“I feel great. I gotta tell you, I had that ablation in August of 24, and in September of 24, we went to Disney World, which is our three grandkids. And I guarantee you, we walk at least six miles a day for four days. And being able to keep up with them, it was worth it,” Kocher said.

Ultimately, getting his normal life back, and all thanks to the team and tech at United Regional.

United Regional has also announced the launch of its new United Regional Heart Center at 1631 11th Street. This addition brings three cardiologists to the United Regional Physician Group team and also reflects the continued growth of the system’s cardiac services.

Officials said patients will begin seeing updated signage in the coming weeks, but the care they know and trust remains the same.

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