Cardiovascular Surgery
Regional Clinics Cardiovascular Surgery provides a range of surgical procedures and minimally invasive treatment options to address blood vessel and lymphatic system conditions. From diagnostic testing to surgical treatment, Regional Clinics Cardiovascular Surgery works closely with your primary care provider to manage your entire surgical experience.
The cardiovascular specialists at Regional Clinics Cardiovascular Surgery perform a wide range of diagnostic services and surgical treatments for cardiac conditions, including heart, lung and vascular care.
Cardiac surgery services include, but are not limited to:
- Coronary bypass surgery (beating heart technique)
- Valve repair and replacement
- Ventricular restoration surgery
Thoracic surgery services include, but are not limited to:
- Minimally invasive lung surgery
- Diagnostic and therapeutic thoracotomy
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
Vascular surgery services include, but are not limited to:
- Upper and lower extremity bypass procedures
- Carotid endartectomy surgery
- Multi-stage dialysis procedures
Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD)
VADs are mechanical pumps designed to help patients with heart failure, a condition that can reduce the heart's capability to pump blood. VADs receive blood from the left ventricle of the heart and deliver it to the aorta, providing the strength necessary to maintain proper blood flow throughout the body. VADs can relieve symptoms, including breathlessness and fatigue, and can offer temporary support for patients awaiting transplants. VADs may also provide an alternative to long-term medication. At Regional Clinics Cardiovascular Surgery, we service the devices and interrogate their functionality.
Endoscopic Vein Harvesting
Endoscopic vein harvesting is a minimally invasive technique for constructing a vein graft in a bypass operation. When performing a bypass operation, the surgeon must remove a healthy blood vessel from the patient's leg to construct the bypass grafts. Traditional techniques involved a long incision in the leg from the ankle to the groin. The cardiovascular surgeons at Regional Clinics Cardiovascular Surgery use progressive endoscopic vein harvesting technology, which removes the vessel through small incisions, reducing painful recovery time and limiting post-operative infections and swelling.
Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
Some cases of atrial fibrillation can be controlled with medication; however, many require surgery. The procedure to control atrial fibrillation is only performed at the time of a coronary bypass or valve surgery. Regional Clinics Cardiovascular Surgery uses a new surgical technique called the MAZE procedure, which does not require an incision in the heart and may offer important benefits including:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Reduced risk of infection
- Less blood loss and transfusions
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery
Off-Pump Bypass Surgery
Off-pump (also called "beating heart") bypass surgery provides patients with a less-invasive option for treating coronary artery disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 500,000 coronary artery bypass surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Although the surgery is often successful, some patients have neurological complications after surgery, including confusion, memory loss and stroke. Several AHA studies show the following results:
- Patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery may have fewer neurological complications if a pump supporting the heart and lungs is not used.
- Overweight patients who have off-pump bypass surgery may have half the complications of a traditional operation.
- Bypass surgery on a beating heart may be the best option for women and men over age 80, leading to fewer strokes and higher 30-day survival rates.
It's important to discuss all surgical options, risks and benefits with your doctor.