Special to The Beacon
Memorial Satilla Health proudly celebrated this month 15 years of cardiac care at its Heart Center.
Since receiving approval from the Georgia Department of Community Medicine in 2009 to launch a therapeutic cardiac catheterization program, the hospital’s dedicated cardiology team has performed more than 3,400 interventional cardiac procedures and thousands of diagnostic catheterization procedures.
In 2008, interventional cardiologist, Dr. Timothy Catchings, was hired to assist Memorial Satilla, formerly Satilla Regional Medical Center, in applying for and implementing the new program. After acquisition of the appropriate equipment, proper staff training, and regulatory approval, the first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in February, 2010.
“This important milestone ensured advanced cardiovascular care would be provided to our community without the inconvenience of transferring to Jacksonville, Savannah, or Atlanta,” said Dr. Catchings. “Many of our patients present with an acute myocardial infarction or heart attack, and need immediate intervention.”
Added MSH Chief Executive Officer Dale Neely: “For 15 years, our heart catheterization program has been saving lives and improving heart health in the Waycross community. This milestone reflects our commitment to providing advanced cardiac care close to home, and we’re proud of the dedicated team that makes it possible every day.”
In addition to therapeutic cardiac catheterization, the Heart Center performs other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The include diagnostic cardiac and peripheral angiography, intracoronary ultrasound and flow reserve studies, peripheral endovascular revascularization procedures, intracoronary lithotripsy, thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis, as well as implantation of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators.
“We’re excited to recognize the 15th anniversary of the first coronary interventional case performed at Memorial Satilla, and look forward to the continued success of the program,” Catchings added.
The program recently welcomed interventional cardiologist Dr. Eduardo Venegas to the to the team.
