In about four months, Grove City-area residents needing a cardiac catheterization should be able to have it done in Pine Township.

United Community Hospital unveiled plans Monday to create a low-risk cardiac-catheterization program.

Anthony P. Zelenka, new chief executive officer, said, "Right now, patients are leaving the area to have the procedure done. This way we are effectively bringing the service home and keeping the patients in the local hospitals."

The cost of implementing the program, about $600,000, includes the purchase of a GE digital mobile C-arm with a cardiac platform; other equipment, such as a patient monitoring system; and training.

Dr. David Lasorda and his group of cardiology associates from Allegheny County contracted with UCH to provide the catheterization services.

Zelenka said the equipment will be set up in an operating room so that minimal construction will be needed to start the program.

Pittsburgh-based consulting company Health Care Visions Ltd. will develop and implement the program under an agreement with UCH trustees.

Zelenka said a catheterization program gives the hospital the potential to someday begin providing stents. He said the medical staff expects to do two to four catheterizations a week.

If the procedure reveals a blocked artery, followup care would still be provided by any hospital of the patient's choice, Zelenka said.

"I think, community-wise, it's important to me. It provides a high quality of service at a community hospital," he said.

The reason it will take about four months to get the project off the ground is to make sure everything is set up properly, he added.