Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center

Heart and Vascular Center of Acadiana

The Heart and Vascular Center of Acadiana sets the standard for advanced heart care in Lafayette and across Acadiana. OLGMC was the first hospital in the region to perform open-heart surgery and heart catheterization, establishing itself as a regional leader in cardiovascular treatment. Today, the center delivers expert, patient-centered care throughout the entire healing process, including emergency care, surgery, recovery and cardiac rehabilitation after discharge.

The Heart and Vascular Center is located at 155 Hospital Drive, Suite 201, in Lafayette. For more information, call 337-289-7999.

Noninvasive cardiac lab

Accurate diagnosis is one of the most critical steps in treating heart disease. Before physicians can determine the right treatment plan or perform a procedure, they must identify compromised arteries, blocked vessels or abnormal heart rhythms. OLGMC uses advanced, noninvasive cardiac imaging technology to deliver precise, timely diagnoses that guide effective treatment.

Heart catheterization lab

Cardiac catheterization is a key diagnostic and treatment tool for a wide range of heart conditions, including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart valve problems, irregular heart rhythms, congenital heart defects and pulmonary hypertension. 

These minimally invasive procedures take place in the OLGMC specialized heart catheterization, or cath, lab, where physicians use advanced technology to assess and treat blocked or compromised arteries and blood vessels. One of the most common procedures is an angiogram, in which a thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the leg and guided to the heart to evaluate the coronary arteries and measure blood flow.

Many cardiac cath lab procedures are outpatient, meaning you will be home the same day. Some procedures require you to be awake but given a mild sedative. Others will require anesthesia. During the procedure, your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels will be monitored.

Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery

OLGMC is home to experienced cardiac nurses, skilled cardiologists and board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons who work together to deliver expert surgical care. Patients benefit from a coordinated team of surgeons, nurses, surgical technologists, perfusionists and anesthesiologists who are trained to treat a wide range of patient needs, from pediatrics to geriatrics.

After surgery, patients recover in OLGMC’s critical care units, ICU or nursing units. Because the hours and days after surgery are crucial, the care team continues to monitor patients even after they return home. OLGMC is committed to delivering the highest level of heart care at every step.

Inpatient care

An overnight hospital stay can be stressful, but OLGMC’s patient-centered approach helps make the experience more comfortable for patients and families. Private rooms reduce patient transfers, and 24-hour visitation allows loved ones to participate in recovery. OLGMC also provides comprehensive patient and family education to ensure a clear understanding of heart disease, recovery expectations and at-home care needs.

Quality care sets OLGMC apart, especially with a full range of specialists available on call. In addition to cardiologists, the hospital has pulmonologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, nephrologists and other specialists ready to assist if complications arise.

Coumadin clinic and infusion center

The Coumadin clinic and infusion center are located inside Ochsner Lafayette General - Burdin Riehl at 1211 Coolidge Street, across from OLGMC. The Infusion Center is located on the first floor inside the Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana, and the Coumadin clinic is located on the second floor. For questions, call 337-289-7557.

The Coumadin clinic provides specialized monitoring, dosing and education for patients taking Warfarin and other anticoagulation therapies. 

At the infusion center, experienced nurses administer treatments such as chemotherapy, inotropic therapy, immune globulin therapy and intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Each infusion pod features a large flat-screen TV with personal wireless headphones for comfort during treatment.

OLGMC Stroke Center

Located at OLGMC, the stroke center specializes in comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with stroke symptoms. Our dedicated professionals are highly skilled and dedicated to providing the best possible outcome for stroke patients with quick and effective care, support and stroke education. The stroke center offers treatment and rehabilitation services throughout the week and provides flexible hours to meet your needs.

Recognized for excellence in stroke care

After undergoing an onsite evaluation and demonstrating compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, OLGMC earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for certification as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. We are highlighted on the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Quality Near You designation, signifying that the Stroke Center provides next generation stroke care.

Stroke rehabilitation program

Backed by a team of critical care specialists, the Stroke Center meets national benchmarks for best practices. Our program offers full range of care from the emergency room to rehabilitation at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit. The stroke rehab unit achieved The Joint Commission’s Disease Specific Certification as a Stroke Rehab Unit.

Ongoing support for stroke survivors

After a stroke, it may seem that no one understands what you’re going through. The Acadiana Stroke Support Group is here to help by providing a support system for survivors and families. Anyone, regardless of where you seek medical treatment, can attend the meetings. The group meets in the Second Floor Classroom, Suite 2500, at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital’s Medical Office Building at 3-4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. For more information, call 337-289-7740.

Family birthing services at OLGMC

OLGMC provides trusted, high-quality maternity care supported by an experienced team of nurses, physicians and childbirth educators. Families across Acadiana have relied on our labor and delivery staff for generations, and patient surveys consistently rank us in the 99th percentile for likelihood to recommend our birthing services.

We offer comprehensive childbirth care, including vaginal births, cesarean sections, multiple births and premature deliveries. OLGMC is also the only hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana, to provide intensive care for both mother and baby under one roof, with access to an adult ICU and a Level III NICU for specialized newborn care.

Learn more about our family birthing services.

Bariatric surgery and care at Ochsner Lafayette General

At Ochsner Lafayette General, we recognize that obesity is a chronic disease, and we treat it with the comprehensive care it deserves. We offer one of the leading surgical weight loss programs in Lafayette, Louisiana, combining experienced bariatric surgeons with a skilled team of nurses, dietitians and patient care specialists. Our team provides compassionate, respectful support at every stage of your weight loss journey, including long-term follow-up care. Let us help you transform your health for the better, starting today.

From bariatric surgery and nutrition education to lifelong guidance and support, our program focuses on the essential tools needed to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Visit our Bariatric Surgery (Weight-Loss Surgery) - Lafayette webpage or call 337-233-9900 to learn more about bariatric services in Lafayette.

Awards and certifications

• Blue Distinction Plus Center
• Cigna 3 Star Quality Program
• Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program – Comprehensive Center
• Optum Center of Excellence

General visiting hours

Hospital visiting hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

ICU visiting hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Night visiting hours: 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Hospital visitor guidelines

The only entrance to the hospital is through the Emergency Department doors located on the Heymann Center side of the building. All guests must check in with the security officer to receive a visitor badge that includes the patient’s room number.

One visitor per patient, age 18 or older, may stay overnight. Overnight visitors must remain in the patient’s room.

Unit-specific visiting policies

ICU visiting policies:

• Patients in the Intensive Care Unit need a quiet environment to rest and heal. Please keep visits brief.
• Children younger than 14 are not allowed in the ICU.
• All ICU visitors must present a valid photo ID.
• Visitors ages 14 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid photo ID.

NICU visiting policies:

Parents and parent-designated visitors may visit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit except during the following restricted hours:

• 6 to 8 a.m.
• 10 to 11 a.m.
• 6 to 8 p.m.

Parents must remain with designated visitors at all times. Visitors younger than 18 are not permitted. Overnight stays are not allowed. Visitors may not enter the NICU without a parent present.

Emergency room visitor policy:

• Only one visitor per patient is allowed in the Emergency Department.

Labor and delivery visitor policy:

• Two visitors are permitted at one time in the Labor, Delivery and Mother-Baby areas.
• A midwife, doula or birthing/Lamaze coach may also be present during labor.

Chapel services and hours:

Weekly chapel schedule

• Monday through Friday: 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel
• Sunday: 6 a.m. in Owen Auditorium

Special chapel services

• Ash Wednesday and Holy Days of Obligation: 3 p.m. in Owen Auditorium

OLGMC has received the following recognitions and awards:

U.S. News & World Report - Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, inclusive of Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital and Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana, ranked as the best hospital in Southwestern Louisiana for the third consecutive year.

OLGMC 2025-2026 Best Hospital ranking accolades include:

• #1 hospital in Southwestern Louisiana  
• Best Regional Hospital for Community Access
• 8 “High Performing” procedures and conditions: acute kidney failure, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, hip fracture, knee replacement,  leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery and stroke.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence - The Infectious Disease Society of America has designated OLGMC as a Center of Excellence in Antimicrobial Stewardship. One of only three of its kind in the state, this designation is given to facilities whose antimicrobial stewardship programs go above and beyond to slow the emergence of antibiotic resistance, optimize the treatment of infections, reduce negative side effects with antibiotic use and to address other challenging areas related to antimicrobial stewardship.

Blue Distinction Center Designation - Selected by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, OLGMC has been named a Blue Distinction Center Plus for knee replacement, hip replacement and spine surgeries. OLGMC is one of only four facilities in Louisiana to receive the Blue Distinction designation for spine surgery and only one of three to receive Blue Distinction Plus designation for spine surgery.

National Safe Sleep Hospital - OLGMC is certified by Cribs for Kids' as a safe sleep hospital. This program recognizes hospitals for their commitments to infant safe sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation (ASSB), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and unsafe sleep injuries. The program awards gold, silver and bronze designations and OLGMC is proud to earn the gold designation. To stay up to date and learn about the newest safe sleep practices to reduce the likelihood of SIDS, visit American Academy of Pediatrics.

Gold Seal of Approval - OLGMC is certified by The Joint Commission for Disease-Specific Care for joint replacement of the hip, knee and shoulder giving it the Gold Seal of Approval among Acadiana hospitals. The national survey firm Press Ganey, Inc., places Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center in the top 1% in the nation for orthopedic patient satisfaction, making it clear that Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center is the best place for orthopedic care.

Level II Trauma Center - OLGMC has the busiest emergency department in Acadiana and handles the highest level of trauma in the region as a Level II Trauma Center. The hospital’s 34-bed adult intensive care unit (ICU) is staffed 24/7 by physicians specializing in critical care, while the 31-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) achieves key performance indicators by the Vermont Oxford Network.

Major Teaching Hospital - Teaching hospitals are premier facilities aligned with accredited medical schools to supervise, train and instruct medical school graduates until they meet certification requirements in their field of specialty or subspecialty. OLGMC became a major teaching hospital on July 1, 2013. Teaching hospitals are well known for improving the health of the communities they serve, as the academic setting encourages a team approach to patient care. To become a major teaching hospital in Louisiana requires participation in at least four approved medical residency programs with at least two of the programs in surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, family practice, emergency medicine or psychiatry, or an equivalency of at least 20 filled positions in family practice located more than 150 miles from the accredited medical school. Learn more about the medical education programs.