Challenge:

The University of Kansas Health System identified a critical need to expand and modernize its cardiovascular imaging capabilities to meet growing patient demand and deliver advanced diagnostic care. The existing cardiovascular department was undersized and lacked the space required for evolving clinical practices. To accommodate this need, the health system renovated 20,000 SF on the ground floor of Bell Hospital, transforming it into a state-of-the-art Cardiovascular Imaging Department.

The project scope included the integration of a PET/CT room, three nuclear medicine camera rooms, nine stress/echo rooms, and four transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) rooms. In addition, the department required 11 pre/post-procedure bays to support patient preparation and recovery, as well as a significant expansion of the Structural Heart Clinic to serve an increasing volume of patients. Achieving this vision required careful planning and coordination, as several prior relocations and expansions, including a 10,500 SF office space renovation for the CVM/CTS team and a 16,000 SF clinic expansion in the Medical Pavilion, were necessary to clear the way for this project.

Solution:

Pulse Design Group partnered with The University of Kansas Health System to develop a thoughtfully phased renovation to enable the expansion while minimizing disruptions to active hospital operations. The resulting design delivers a high-performance cardiovascular imaging environment, elevating the patient and staff experience through efficient layouts, advanced technology integration, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The expanded department not only increases procedural capacity and clinical throughput but also reinforces the health system’s commitment to patient-centered care. The multi-phase approach ensured that imaging services and related cardiovascular functions remained operational throughout construction, supporting uninterrupted patient care. Upon completion, January 2026, the new Cardiovascular Imaging Department will significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to deliver timely, innovative, and comprehensive cardiovascular care.