A New Era in Heart Care for Iowa and Beyond
With heart disease a leading cause of death, outpatient catheterization labs are reshaping care delivery, bringing critical treatments closer to communities in need.
The numbers are stark: heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives annually. In Iowa, where RDG’s healthcare team works to design and improve healthcare facilities, the number of heart disease-caused deaths is just as concerning, equating to approximately 167 deaths per 100,000 people and placing the state 19th in the nation for cardiac-related fatalities. These statistics underscore a great need for accessible, high-quality cardiovascular care across the state, further compounded by a healthcare system under increasing strain. Growing patient volumes, escalating costs and an aging population more prone to heart-related conditions mean healthcare providers face mounting pressure to deliver specialized services efficiently and affordably.
Traditional hospital settings, long the standard for cardiac procedures, can be limited by higher costs, longer wait times and operational constraints that may hinder the timely care needed by some patients. In response, the healthcare industry has shifted toward outpatient care models that prioritize accessibility, convenience and cost-effectiveness. This evolution has been made possible by advancements in medical technology, allowing for procedures that once required inpatient stays to be performed safely in outpatient settings. Among the most impactful developments in this shift is the emergence of outpatient cardiac catheterization labs, where patients can receive non-emergent heart diagnostics and treatments without needing overnight hospitalization. These labs are helping reimagine what cardiac care delivery can look like and, ultimately, enabling patients to receive life-saving diagnostics and treatments in a more straightforward, convenient and cost-effective environment.
This move toward outpatient cardiac catheterization reflects a broader trend in healthcare that emphasizes patient-centered, value-driven care. According to recent studies, the volume of procedures performed in outpatient settings is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, driven by technological advances, payer incentives and evolving patient preferences. In particular, outpatient cardiac cath labs represent a critical opportunity to address gaps in care for patients living with heart disease, especially in places like Iowa where the need is particularly acute. By expanding cardiac services beyond the hospital and into communities, outpatient cath labs have the potential to transform the way cardiovascular care is delivered, offering a pathway to improved health equity, reduced costs and greater operational efficiency, all while placing the patient experience at the forefront.
Why Outpatient Cardiac Cath Labs Matter
Cardiac catheterization is an essential procedure for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases. These procedures have traditionally been confined to hospital settings due to the complexity of the equipment and procedures involved; however, innovations in minimally invasive techniques and imaging technology are helping revolutionize how doctors perform these procedures, and as a result, outpatient facilities such as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are now able to provide a viable and increasingly preferred alternative for certain cardiac interventions. This transformation has been driven by innovations in minimally invasive techniques and imaging technology, which make these procedures safer and significantly reduce risk and recovery time. These advancements enable same-day procedures, as patients no longer require extended hospitalization, further broadening the range of treatments offered in an outpatient setting.
These outpatient cath labs enhance accessibility by bringing specialized cardiac care closer to communities, reducing travel burdens and ensuring that patients – particularly those in underserved or rural areas – can receive timely, same-day treatment, allowing for greater adherence to care plans and improving long-term health outcomes. Outpatient cath labs also offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional hospitals by eliminating expenses associated with overnight stays and ancillary services, which can result in lower costs for patients and healthcare systems alike.
Additionally, the streamlined operations of ASCs, such as shared prep and recovery rooms and centralized sterile processing, optimize workflows, enabling clinical teams to deliver care more effectively. Beyond operational benefits, the staffing model of outpatient facilities offers unique advantages for healthcare professionals. Unlike the demands of inpatient settings, which often require overnight staff shifts and long hours, outpatient cath labs provide a more predictable schedule and reduced workload intensity, ultimately helping support staff well-being and enhance recruitment and retention opportunities. Combined with the calmer environment and simplified admission and discharge processes, outpatient cath labs prioritize patient and provider experiences, making them an increasingly preferred model for delivering essential cardiac care.
Outpatient cardiac cath labs are uniquely positioned to address critical healthcare challenges by enhancing accessibility, reducing costs and improving patient experience. To successfully integrate cardiac catheterization labs into outpatient facilities like ASCs, designers must have a deep understanding of the complexities of both clinical care and facility operations. Unlike traditional inpatient environments, outpatient facilities require a balance of clinical precision, operational efficiency and patient comfort – all within a smaller, more flexible footprint.
The Iowa Clinic Outpatient Cardiac Catheterization Lab
The Iowa Clinic’s new facility at the South Waukee Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) in Waukee, Iowa, marks a transformative advancement in cardiac care for the state. As the first of its kind in Iowa, the facility represents a deliberate shift from the traditional hospital model, integrating cutting-edge cardiac procedures into a 56,000-SF outpatient wing of a medical office building and surgery center. This innovative approach offers patients minimally invasive procedures, including diagnostic angiograms, balloon angioplasty, stenting, and pacemaker and ICD implants, in a streamlined and patient-focused setting.
Designing this state-of-the-art facility required close collaboration and extensive knowledge to address its multifaceted demands. From incorporating sophisticated technologies to maximizing operational efficiency and ensuring a welcoming environment, every design choice strives to balance functionality and patient comfort. Key elements include:
Stringent clinical standards: The cath lab adheres to Facilities Guidelines Institute’s (FGI) Class III suite requirements, ensuring air quality, lighting and infection control meet the rigorous standards of an operating room and are accessible via a semi-sterile corridor. Collaborative efforts with mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants meant lighting, airflow and humidity control systems supported optimal performance and safety.
Seamless integration of equipment: Features such as wider corridors and doorways for ease of future equipment replacement and attention to floor levelness enable precise placement and operation of sensitive diagnostic technologies.
Shared resources for flexibility: Prep and recovery rooms serve dual purposes, accommodating surgical and cath lab procedures while allowing the facility to adapt to fluctuating patient volumes. Centralized sterile processing further streamlines workflows and reduces redundancy.
Optimized patient flow: Clearly defined pathways for public, patient and staff movement enhance efficiency while providing an intuitive experience for visitors.
Emergent accommodations: A private 23-hour recovery room for patients who need extended recovery time and a designated, canopied ambulance pickup area at the private discharge door to allow for greater patient convenience and safety.
Patient-centered design: Aesthetic elements such as natural light, warm finishes and intuitive wayfinding create a calming, welcoming atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed spaces balance privacy and openness, helping patients and their families feel at ease.
Heart disease continues to challenge communities across Iowa and the nation, but The Iowa Clinic’s new facility offers a powerful example of hope and healing. This project is part of a broader shift in healthcare that seeks to balance innovation with accessibility, offering a roadmap for how thoughtful design can bridge gaps in care delivery. As more healthcare providers across the country look to adopt outpatient care solutions, The Iowa Clinic’s success underscores the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking design in creating environments that truly meet the needs of patients and communities.
A Catalyst for Change in Healthcare Design
As outpatient care becomes an essential pillar of modern medicine, facilities like The Iowa Clinic’s cath lab pave the way for a new generation of healthcare environments, exemplifying how interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, clinicians and communities can drive better outcomes and expand access. By addressing challenges such as geographic disparities, rising healthcare costs and the growing need for specialized services, outpatient facilities are redefining how and where care is delivered.
This shift challenges us to think bigger about what healthcare can achieve. It’s not just about treating patients efficiently but about reimagining the entire care experience to make it more equitable, compassionate and effective. As we continue to confront systemic barriers to healthcare, projects like The Iowa Clinic’s cath lab remind us that design can be a powerful tool for transformation, ensuring that all patients, regardless of geography or income, have a fair chance at better health.