Heart disease remains a leading threat to the health of Americans. That’s why it’s so important to have leaders in heart care so close to home, 24/7, whenever you need it. Our experienced heart team is committed to delivering expert care for your heart. We offer a broad spectrum of cardiac services, from sophisticated testing for early diagnosis and treatment to heart surgery. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the disease. At The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, you can expect a personalized, coordinated approach and the caring attention you deserve — all aimed toward achieving great results.
Chest Pain Protocols
Is it heartburn — or a heart attack? A fast answer to that question could save your life. If you feel chest pain, our emergency department provides prompt care. Special protocols and testing help our team quickly diagnose whether a patient is experiencing a heart attack.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization helps doctors evaluate how well the heart is functioning and whether there are blockages in the arteries. During the procedure, physicians insert a very thin flexible tube into a major vein and navigate it to the arteries around the heart. Using advanced imaging technology, doctors can see whether there is plaque build-up in the heart’s vessels. If blockages exist, surgeons use treatments such as angioplasty or stent placements to restore better blood flow. Since cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure, most patients feel better within hours and some can go home the same day.
Diagnostic Imaging
Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that can produce clear, detailed views of the human heart and help doctors detect heart disease with pinpoint accuracy. Our advanced diagnostic testing capabilities include:
- 64-slice CT scanner
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Nuclear medicine cameras
- Echocardiography
- Transesophageal echo
- Stress testing
- EKG
- Holter and event monitoring
Heart Surgery
When necessary, we can draw from a wide range of surgical options to treat and correct heart disease. Some of the most common procedures are:
Coronary Bypass Surgery
This procedure re-routes blood around clogged or narrow arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen levels to the heart.
Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB)
This procedure is an option for those with less complicated blockages, usually at the front of the heart. Because the procedure uses tiny incisions, patients often benefit from less scarring, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.
Heart Valve Surgery
This procedure repairs or replaces heart valves that are defective from birth or that have been damaged.
Cardiovascular Intensive Care
After heart surgery, patients receive the specialized care they need in our intensive care unit. This unit is equipped with high-tech monitoring systems to help assure the heart is functioning properly as patients recover from surgery and heart disease.
