Florida Hospital Waterman has been licensed by the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for Level 1 Adult Cardiovascular Services. According to Henry Lesmes, M.D., “This licensure allows Drs. Caballero, Fraifeld and Mills, our interventional cardiologists, to perform adult percutaneous coronary intervention without onsite cardiac surgery. We are extremely excited to participate in the continued development of a comprehensive cardiovascular program at FHW.”
Percutaneous coronary intervention (also known as PCI, or angioplasty) uses an inflatable, balloon-like device to widen diseased arteries and increase blood flow to the heart. A metal mesh stent is then deployed to hold the artery open. “In the case of a heart attack, this procedure can be lifesaving,” says Tim Cross, Director of Cardiovascular Services. “Better still, elective PCI can prevent a heart attack from happening in the first place. Our experienced interventional specialists can now use balloons and stents to save lives!”
This newest lifesaving procedure is the long-awaited next step in Florida Hospital Waterman’s ongoing and longtime commitment to the prevention, diagnosis and rapid treatment of heart disease.
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