Archive for the ‘Heart and Vascular’ Category

SGMC Health has achieved a significant milestone by being designated as Georgia’s newest, and the region’s only, Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center (ECCC). Level I is the highest recognition given by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) underscoring SGMC Health’s commitment to providing exceptional cardiac care and enhancing the health and well-being of the […]

SGMC Health is excited to welcome Colby Ruiz, MD, vascular surgeon to the health system.   Dr. Ruiz specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease, addressing a wide range of conditions affecting arteries and veins throughout the body. His expertise spans from diagnosing vascular diseases using advanced imaging techniques to providing both minimally invasive […]

The SGMC Health Foundation is proud to announce its latest investment in advanced medical technology with the addition of a state-of-the-art cardiac ultrasound machine, the Philips EPIQ CVx, at SGMC Health Smith Northview.    Since reopening emergency and acute-care services at Smith Northview Campus in January of 2023, the hospital has experienced record volumes, creating a […]

SGMC Health is proud to announce the recertification of its cardiovascular rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for another 3 years. This certification recognizes SGMC Health for its commitment to improving the quality of life by continuing to enhance standards of care.  Cardiac rehab is a vital step for […]

SGMC Health proudly announces its attainment of a three-year accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in Vascular Testing, encompassing Peripheral Arterial Testing and Extracranial Cerebrovascular Testing.  Within the health system, vascular testing procedures enable the early detection of life-threatening heart disorders, strokes, and various other diseases.  Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of […]

SGMC Health welcomes cardiothoracic surgeon Patrick Murrah, MD, to the health system. Dr. Murrah joins SGMC Health’s Physician Network and will see patients at SGMC Health Main and the SGMC CardioVascular Institute.  Dr. Murrah has more than 22 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery and is no stranger to Valdosta, having cared for patients at SGMC’s Dasher Heart […]

South Georgia Medical Center received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. SGMC is one of 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor and one of only five hospitals in Georgia.  The award recognizes SGMC’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for […]

South Georgia Medical Center received the American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Gold Adult Get With The Guidelines award for its commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve patient survival rates. SGMC has received the gold award for adult patients consecutively for the past nine years.   According to AHA, more than 300,000 adults and children have […]

South Georgia Medical Center recently performed the hospital’s first procedure using Impella CP® with SmartAssist, the world’s smallest heart pump.  Designed to provide minimally invasive, temporary support for patients with heart failure, this transformative technology allows interventional cardiologists at SGMC to provide more comprehensive care options to patients with advanced coronary disease.  The first procedure […]

South Georgia Medical Center is now offering a procedure that could reduce the chance of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by heart valve issues. The cardiac electrophysiology team at SGMC recently implanted the WATCHMAN™ device in its first patients. The device has been shown to help patients with AFib who are unable to tolerate […]