Making History – Brazosport Regional Health System Performs First Open Heart Procedure in Brazoria County
Brazosport Regional Health System performs first open heart surgery in Brazoria County, giving a 53 year-old male heart patient the opportunity to live a better, healthier life. With over 80 million people affected by cardiovascular disease, bringing this life-saving procedure to Brazoria County will improve the quality of life of the citizens locally.
“It gives me great pride to announce we have just made history by performing the first open heart procedure in Brazoria County,” stated Daniel Buche, FACHE, CEO/President at Brazosport Regional. “Now that open heart procedures are available, patients can stay close to home, receive high-quality healthcare, and be surrounded by their loved ones.”
Brazosport Regional’s comprehensive Cardiac Care Center is a result of more than four years of strategic planning and implementation. Brazosport Regional partnered with Brazosport Cardiology and The Southeast Texas Cardiovascular Group to establish the program. The cardiac care team includes nurses, physician assistants, perfusionists and other support staff who completed extensive training in preparation of the new program.
In late October, Carlos Cadena arrived at the Brazosport Regional ER experiencing chest pains. After being admitted to the hospital, Scott Harris, MD at Brazosport Cardiology consulted with Mr. Cadena explaining that he would have to undergo a left heart catheterization. During the procedure, Dr. Harris found multiple blocked arteries and forecasted that a quadruple coronary artery bypass graph (CABG) surgery would be the course of treatment.
Cornelius Dyke, MD, cardiovascular surgeon at The Southeast Texas Cardiovascular Group, completed the historic first artery bypass surgery in the new cardiovascular operating room at Brazosport Regional. “As a result of the hard work and preparation of the nursing team, medical staff and administration, the procedure was a complete success,” reported Dr. Dyke. “I am thankful to be surrounded by such a great healthcare team.” Dr. Devinder Bhatia, also of the Southeast Texas Cardiovascular Group, completed the endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) procedure during the open heart surgery. The EVH procedure is modern, less-invasive technique leaving only small incisions in the leg.
“I was nervous at first, but everything turned out great,” said Mr. Cadena. “Both Drs. Harris and Dyke and the nurses were fantastic. I even gave the nurses some candy in appreciation for their compassion. When I first went to the doctor, I reiterated that I wanted to stay in Brazoria County and receive my heart surgery here. So I stayed in Lake Jackson and they did a wonderful job…I couldn’t be prouder.”
Holding his heart pillow tightly, Mr. Cadena was proud of all the signatures that he received while staying at Brazosport Regional. “The service was amazing, but the most important part was that my family was able to visit me because I was right here in Lake Jackson,” explained Mr. Cadena.
All heart patients receive a heart shaped pillow hand made by the Brazosport Regional Volunteers. The heart pillow is designed to help stabilized the patients when they cough and take deep breaths. In addition, it serves as an educational tool and keepsake for the patient.
“The whole team at Brazosport Regional contributed toward the success of the program,” stated Buche. “It is our vision to be the premier community based healthcare organization in the nation, and we continue to demonstrate this vision by making history and providing only the finest in healthcare services.”
About Brazosport Cardiology
Brazosport Cardiology is the main group that supports Brazosport Regional Cardiac Care Services and includes Drs. Scott Harris, Nabil Baradhi, and Medical Director, Alpesh Shah, MD. Their mission is to provide the highest level of expertise in dealing with the diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
About The Southeast Texas Cardiovascular Group
The Southeast Texas Cardiovascular Group provides advanced cardiovascular services for Cardiac Care Services at Brazosport Regional. The group provides advanced cardiovascular and cardiothoracic interventional surgical services including open heart coronary artery bypass, Valve Repair and Replacement, Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery and Minimally Invasive lung surgery.
About the Cardiac Care Center
The Cardiac Care Center at Brazosport Regional is all-inclusive providing top notch service including heart and lung surgical procedures, cardiology procedures, cardiac catheterizations, and endovascular procedures. Plus, the Cardiac Care Center offers a comprehensive approach to treating heart disease including education, wellness, diagnostic, and rehabilitative services. When seconds count, Brazosport Regional offers enhanced services, state of the art facilities and a team of highly skilled medical professionals.
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