Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Community Healthcare - (Page 52)

SPOTLIGHT ON: ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER The HEART of the Matter BY MARY FETSCH Heart Valve Institute brings advanced level of care to patients A diminutive lady walked up to Bradford Blakeman, M.D., after a recent presentation and pointed to a barely visible scar on her chest. “Recognize your signature?” she said with a smile. “It’s been years, but I thought you’d remember.” “I do!” said Dr. Blakeman. “That was a long time ago. How are you feeling?” The lady was one of more than 100 guests at a presentation on atrial ﬁbrillation given by Bradford Blakeman, M.D., FACS, a cardiothoracic surgeon and medical director of the new Heart Valve Institute at St. Mary Medical Center. The Institute combines highly advanced technology with one of the most experienced heart valve surgery teams in the Midwest. The team members are ready and equipped to help even the most challenging, high-risk heart patients live longer more productive lives. THE CARE YOU NEED, CLOSE TO HOME Led by Blakeman and cardiothoracic surgeon Cris Carlos, M.D., the Heart Valve Institute of St. Mary Medical Center brings the knowledge and expertise found at many university settings into the quality-filled, compassionate environment of St. Mary Medical Center. “Patients with heart valve disease no longer have to leave the area to receive the best treatment available,” says Blakeman. “At the Heart Valve Institute they can expect that same level of care, but with the convenience and comfort of a hospital close to home.” Valve disease affects millions of people each year, and its causes include birth defects, aging and even infections. It can be treated in a variety of ways and there have been great advances in surgical techniques and technology in recent years. “Today, many cardiac surgeries may be performed minimally invasively,” says Blakeman. “This offers patients quicker recoveries and a better quality of life and longevity than ever before. We are committed to using a combination of techniques to offer treatment options that are best for each patient.” The Heart Valve Institute provides high-quality treatment for aortic valve replacement; mitral valve repair and replacement; tricuspid valve repair and replacement; adult congenital heart defect surgery; arrhythmia correction; coronary bypass surgery; and more. TOP TECHNOLOGY Cardiothoracic surgeon Bradford Blakeman, M.D., consults with patient Reginald Ramsey of St. John during a recent office visit. Blakeman is the director of the Heart Valve Institute at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. 52 SPRING 2 013 Using advanced heart treatment technology, including diagnostic evaluations with the latest 3-D TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram), echocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, cardiac MRI, chest X-ray and stress tests, the Heart Valve Institute team at St. Mary Medical Center

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Community Healthcare
Community Message
Community Briefs
Winner’s Circle
No Place Like Home
Sowing the Seeds of Good Health
Sowing the Seeds of Good Health
You’re the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
Diane Keaton
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Catherine Hospital
SPOTLIGHT ON: Community Hospital
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Mary Medical Center
Care You Can Count On
Act Fast!

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Community Healthcare