(Courtesy of Holy Name) Holy Name Hospital has a history of delivering the most advanced, innovative care to its patients, and this year is no exception. Its clinical teams have achieved remarkable milestones that reflect the mission – from introducing state-of-the-art technologies to being the first to offer groundbreaking procedures. Holy Name leads the way in precision medicine. Here are a few of the ways Holy Name is shaping the future of healthcare.
Revolutionizing Cardiac Care
Holy Name is one of the few hospitals in the world – and one of only two in New Jersey – to currently use photon counting CT (PCCT) for cardiac imaging. Unlike traditional CT scans, the new technology uses photon-counting imagery to produce clearer pictures of the heart in fewer steps, allowing doctors to get a closer look at the heart with a lower dose of radiation.
“This new technology ensures that our patients have access to the latest, most advanced imaging technology,” said radiologist Dr. Jeffrey Goldman. “In the first few cardiac patients that we have scanned, our team has been amazed by the clarity of the images and its potential. I cannot wait to see the benefits to our patients, as we incorporate it into our imaging armamentarium.”
Advancing Surgical Precision
Under the leadership of Dr. Omar Bellorin-Marin, medical director of robotic and bariatric surgery at Holy Name, the medical center is at the forefront of cutting edge surgical techniques.
It is among only a select number of hospitals in New Jersey using robotics and 3D imaging in spine surgery. Spine surgeon Dr. Teja Karukonda says this advanced technology offers greater accuracy than traditional open and minimally invasive surgery. With guidance from an intraoperative CT scanner allowing for imaging to be performed during surgery, the robot provides essential real-time information to ensure the operation is safe, precise and successful.
“The collaboration between the surgeon and the robot is transformative for our patients,” said Dr. Karukonda.
Holy Name also recently invested in a second da Vinci robotic platform, which was acquired to expand the hospital’s robotic surgery capabilities. Starting in early 2025, the Bariatric and Metabolic Program will offer incision-free, outpatient endoscopic bariatric procedures for weight loss.
Pioneering Vascular Therapies
Holy Name’s interventional radiology team is globally recognized for its leadership in advancing vascular therapies. Holy Name is the only hospital participating in a clinical trial for renal denervation, a minimally invasive procedure aimed at reducing high blood pressure when other traditional treatments do not work.
Additionally, Holy Name was the first in the state to implant the Esprit BTK system, a dissolvable stent used to treat blocked arteries below the knee – a condition known as critical limb ischemia – which can prevent the need for amputation.
A New Era for Neonatal Care
Holy Name debuted its new Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a recent dedication and ribbon-cutting.
The new unit ensures that every newborn who is born prematurely, is critically ill or requires surgery has access to specialized, high-quality care provided by neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists and other specialists. It alleviates the need for infants born prematurely to be transported to other facilities, away from their parents.
“The NICU significantly impacts women and children by providing specialized, compassionate care that enhances the hospital’s reputation for critical care,” said Dr. David Sorrentino, chief of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “With a dedicated team of skilled nurses and physicians, the unit emphasizes family-centered support and education, aligning with the hospital’s mission to promote health and well-being. The medical staff is not only skilled in pediatric and maternal care, but also prioritizes compassionate communication, helping families navigate challenging situations.”
The introduction of our Level III NICU follows the recent modernization of Holy Name’s BirthPlace which, together, offer new parents enhanced acuity, comfort and convenience — from family bonding time, to reduced levels of stress, to continuity of care for mom and baby.