The recommended standard for best practices recommending a door to balloon time for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients to be ≤ 90 minutes was established in the 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Guidelines for STEMI. This has remained the accepted industry standard. But 2013 was a long time ago, and although…
When determining growth strategies for cardiovascular and thoracic programs and services within your hospital or hospital system, it’s crucial to assess the demographic and competitive healthcare landscape of your service delivery area. Understanding the community (market) needs and determining the appropriate number of providers to support growth strategies is foundational. One approach involves utilizing specific…
As a consultant, I often evaluate cardiovascular services. Whether it is a large academic medical center with more than 1,000 beds, offering a full suite of cardiac services including complex cardiovascular surgery, or a small community hospital with less than 100 beds, offering limited cardiac services. The goal is always the same – to provide…
Although Heart Month is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean you should stop being on top of your heart health! We all assume having a dog would help your health; you go for more walks, you get a sense of purpose, and you get more human interaction. But could your furry friend help with…
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) involve procedures to replace a damaged aortic valve with a prosthetic one through minimally invasive techniques. Building a TAVR program requires careful planning that includes collaboration and adherence to both medical and regulatory standards. Below are some overarching steps that need to be done to build a successful TAVR program.…
I have a close family member who took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with heart failure. He had an active and vibrant lifestyle that suddenly became a series of doctor’s appointments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Despite his best efforts, his health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually had to have an ICD implant.…
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) approved a new rule on November 9, 2023, to establish a statewide system of care for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The STEMI system will utilize the existing regions and Medical Control Authorities (MCAs) established for the trauma system of care in the state. The rule…
Surgical Evaluation of Geriatric Patients by Dr. Steven Harrington: The heart, a remarkable organ that beats tirelessly throughout our lives, requires specialized care as we age. Ensuring its health means not only practicing heart-healthy lifestyle measures but also understanding the unique challenges the geriatric heart faces, particularly when surgical interventions come into play. In…
The Relationship Between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Cardiac Surgery Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 15% to 50% of adults undergoing cardiac surgery. The definition of AKI is defined by a 0.3mg/dL or 50% increase in serum creatinine from the patients’ baseline or oliguria. After using a comprehensive review of the literature, including pharmacologic…
Open-Heart Surgery: A Cornerstone Cardiovascular Program Open-heart surgery (OHS) has long been a cornerstone of cardiovascular patient care as it encompasses some of the most clinically complex procedures that can be performed to support, renew, or improve heart function in patients. The term typically includes coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and surgical heart valve replacement…
