The Heart Center is on the cutting edge of cardiac care by offering treatment options that include minimally invasive surgical techniques and cardiovascular interventions, including cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty, rotoblator angioplasty and drug-eluting stent implantation.

Cardiac catheterization:  A technique in which a small, thin tube (catheter) is placed inside an artery and/or vein and then guided into the heart chambers by fluoroscopic guidance and X-ray. This procedure, performed in Saint John’s fully equipped digital Cardiac Catheterization/Interventional Radiology/Electrophysiology suites, allows cardiologists to obtain vital information, such as pressure measurements, regarding heart and blood vessel function. Saint John’s state-of-the-art suites provides a full range of diagnostic and interventional procedures, including coronary and peripheral programs, implantable cardiac devices, as well as an electrophysiology program that is actively involved in cutting edge clinical research protocols.

Endomyocardial biopsy:  A procedure to obtain a small piece of heart muscle tissue for analysis under a microscope.

Coronary angiography:  A procedure used to determine whether and to what degree the coronary arteries have narrowed and the exact location of the problem.

In addition to the above treatment options

Caring for the Elderly and Family Members

Saint John’s team of specially trained healthcare professionals is experienced not only in saving the lives of cardiac patients, but also in attending to the special needs and concerns of the elderly. Because heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization in people aged 65 and over, Saint John’s staff is accustomed to providing the extra attention and focused care that many older patients require.

Cardiac Care at the New Saint John’s

Saint John’s Heart Center has moved its inpatient component into the new Chan Soon-Shiong Center for Life Sciences. The Heart Center’s world-class Critical Care Center is now on the second floor of the CSS building. The Center is designed to treat the seriously ill in a technologically advanced and patient-friendly environment that incorporates the latest advances in medical care. This new center helps Saint John’s provide unparallelled treatment for its cardiac patients, and its highly experienced critical care nurses are known for their extraordinary knowledge and exceptional compassion.