Community Healthcare System received a $1.5 million federal grant for new imaging technology for cardiac care at St. Catherine Hospital.

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan recently announced the grant through the Health Resources & Services Administration, which is tasked with improving access to health care.

“Thank you to all of the leaders at St. Catherine Hospital for your initiative to secure this impactful federal resource,” Mrvan said in a press release. “I am grateful that this positive action will enhance your abilities to provide care and services for all those in need in East Chicago and throughout our region.”

The highlight of the update is the Azurion 7 C20 Catalyst table, which provides high-quality imaging with low-dose X-ray levels. Procedures include the cardiac swing, which shows uncommon angiography views; StentBoost Live, which focuses on coronary artery balloon and stent replacements; and 3D views.

“Both our patients and clinicians benefit from the faster procedure times, reduced radiation exposure and superior image quality of this new technology,” said Mary Miller, director of cardiovascular services.

The grant is part of a larger project to upgrade the East Chicago hospital's cardiac catheterization lab, which will happen in phases.

“St. Catherine Hospital is committed to ensuring that our community has state-of-the-art cardiac care close to home,” said Leo Correa, CEO of the East Chicago hospital. “It’s a well-known fact that in the 1960s, St. Catherine Hospital became the choice facility in the Chicagoland area for the treatment of heart disease, performing the first open heart surgery in Northwest Indiana. And today, we continue to invest in cardiac care and treating heart disease.”

St. Catherine Hospital is a disproportionate share health care facility, which relies on public subsidies to help finance its operations.