Hospital Invests $1.2 Million in Cath Lab Technology Upgrades

New Technology Unveiled at Covenant Health Cumberland Ribbon-Cutting

Crossville, Tenn. – February 2025 – Covenant Health Cumberland held a ribbon-cutting for the hospital’s updated cardiac catheterization lab (“cardiac cath lab”) on Friday, Feb. 7. The event recognized the hospital’s $1.2 million investment in new cath lab technology equipment to provide more advanced care for cardiac patients. More than 75 hospital staff, physicians and community leaders attended, including members of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce.

Cumberland Medical Center opened its cath lab in 1996. The most recent cath lab technology upgrade includes new X-ray equipment and monitoring software, which are already in use at the hospital. The new technology allows for better visualization of the cardiac images while delivering an overall reduction in radiation exposure for patients. The newly renovated suite and services position the hospital to attract more cardiology specialists to the community. The updated facility also provides the capacity for future expansion, including advanced procedures such as defibrillator placements and electrophysiology.

In 2022, the hospital expanded its cardiac program to provide 24/7 STEMI coverage. A STEMI is a heart attack that may have more serious complications. When patients who are experiencing an emergent cardiac event, like a heart attack, they receive emergency intervention locally. Time-saving care can preserve heart muscle if intervention occurs within 90 minutes or less (often referred to as “door-to-balloon” time).

About Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization (“heart cath”) allows doctors to examine the heart and conditions of the heart muscle, valves, and blood vessels. During the procedure, the patient receives light sedation while the cardiologist inserts a very small, flexible, hollow tube (catheter) into a blood vessel to reach the heart. Once the catheter is placed, tests are done to determine the heart’s ability to function.

A physician might recommend a heart cath if a patient experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or extreme tiredness. If a screening like a cardiac stress test suggests a need for more exploration, a heart cath might be recommended. Cardiac catheterization is also useful for examining patients with atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), cardiomyopathy (heart enlargement due to thickening or weakening of the heart muscle), congenital heart disease and other heart-related issues.  

High-Quality Heart Care That’s Close to Home

“Our Covenant Health Cumberland teams dedicate themselves to providing excellent heart care,” says Randy Davis, president and chief administrative officer. “I want people to know they don’t have to travel for advanced, high-quality care – it’s available here on the Plateau. For more advanced services, we have access to other capabilities and providers by being part of Covenant Health. 

“The hospital’s investment in its cardiology program and cath lab technology underscores our commitment to comprehensive care. Caring for heart attack and stroke patients is vital to community health. We will continue enhancing services, adding providers, and making investments to meet the needs of this community,” Davis added.

The medical center has served the community since 1950. Throughout its history, the hospital staff has provided emergency care for patients experiencing cardiac events.

Jeremy Backstrom, RN, BSN, CNML, has managed Covenant Health Cumberland’s cath lab for 12 years. He says, “I chose to work in the cath lab because of my passion for making a tangible difference in patients’ lives during critical moments. I’m drawn to the fast-paced environment, the exciting procedures, and the teamwork required to provide life-saving care. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the immediate impact our team can make in restoring hope and improving quality of life.”

In addition to the cardiac care provided at Cumberland, Backstrom encourages Plateau residents to take their heart health seriously. “Your heart is the engine that keeps your body running. It’s so important to take the necessary steps to ensure it’s healthy and functioning at an optimum level.”

###

About Covenant Health Cumberland

Covenant Health Cumberland (Cumberland Medical Center) is a member of Covenant Health, a not-for-profit healthcare delivery system serving East Tennessee and the surrounding region. Located in Crossville, the 189-bed medical center offers medical services including comprehensive breast and cancer centers, cardiac care, outpatient imaging services and wound care. It is certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. The medical center holds accreditation by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. It also is accredited in oncology by ACR and the Commission on Cancer. Covenant Health Cumberland is accredited by the American College of Surgeons in surgery and has earned recognitions for patient safety and maternity care. For more information, visit CovenantHealth.com/Cumberland.