What Can Be Done in a Cath Lab?
4/1/2025
How New Physicians and Advanced Technology Are Transforming Heart Care in Granbury
When it comes to a heart attack, every second counts. And now, thanks to significant upgrades at Lake Granbury Medical Center’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab—along with the addition of two highly trained interventional cardiologists—residents of Granbury and Hood County no longer need to drive 30 or 40 minutes into Fort Worth to receive life-saving care.
“We can handle a full range of interventional cardiology procedures right here in Granbury,” says Levi Rice, D.O., MBA, FACC, one of the two new interventional cardiologists recently hired by LGMC. “From diagnostic angiograms to placing stents during heart attacks, the cath lab gives us the tools to treat blocked arteries immediately—and that can save a life.”
So... What Is a Cath Lab, Anyway?
A cath lab, short for catheterization laboratory, is a specialized hospital suite where doctors diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions without open-heart surgery. Using thin, flexible tubes called catheters, cardiologists can navigate blood vessels, clear blockages, place stents, and even address certain heart rhythm issues—all with minimally invasive techniques.
“We want people to know: this isn’t just some basic setup,” says Michael Ibe, M.D. “Our cath lab is equipped with advanced imaging and interventional tools—the same capabilities patients would expect at larger urban hospitals.”
What Procedures Are Performed in a Cath Lab?
At Lake Granbury Medical Center, cath lab capabilities now include:
- Emergency coronary interventions (for heart attacks)
- Angioplasty and stent placement
- Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations
- Peripheral vascular interventions
- Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation
“We can treat patients experiencing a heart attack in real time—before more damage is done,” explains Dr. Rice. “The goal is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible. If someone drives to Fort Worth, that delay could be 30 to 60 minutes or more. Here, we can start treatment immediately.”
A New Era for Cardiology in Granbury
Lake Granbury Medical Center is ushering in a new chapter for heart care in the region. With the recent investment in upgraded technology and the addition of two highly skilled interventional cardiologists, the hospital is expanding its capabilities and deepening its commitment to cardiovascular health.
Dr. Rice previously served as an interventional cardiologist at Methodist Cardiovascular in Grand Prairie and as chairman of cardiology at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. He received his medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed his interventional cardiology fellowship at Michigan State University.
Dr. Ibe joined Lake Granbury Medical Center after serving at Cardiovascular Disease Associates of San Antonio., Prior to that, he worked as an interventional and structural heart cardiologist. He completed his interventional and structural heart cardiology fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, gaining extensive experience in advanced cardiac procedures, including high-risk interventions and structural heart therapies.
“We’ve taken significant steps to enhance heart care for this community,” says Dr. Ibe. “Between the advanced technology in the cath lab and our clinical experience, patients can now feel confident that they’re receiving high-quality, timely cardiac care—right here in Granbury.”
A Message from Leadership
“We are deeply committed to the health and well-being of this community,” says Curt M. Junkins, CEO of Lake Granbury Medical Center. “This investment in our cath lab and the recruitment of outstanding cardiologists reflects our promise to provide exceptional care, close to home. Our residents deserve timely, quality heart care they can trust—without having to leave Granbury.”
Know the Signs. Trust the Team.
Time lost is heart muscle lost. The warning signs of a heart attack—chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the arm or jaw—should never be ignored. The faster you get to a cath lab, the better your chances for recovery.
And now, thanks to the major upgrades at Lake Granbury Medical Center, that care is closer than ever.
“If you live in Granbury, Glen Rose, Cresson, Tolar, or anywhere nearby, don’t hesitate,” says Dr. Rice. “We have everything you need, right here at home.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (817) 579-3970.
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