Highlights Unmatched Heart Capabilities Across South Georgia and North Florida
Every day, countless South Georgians trust SGMC Health with their most vital organ—their hearts. This February, in recognition of Heart Health Month, SGMC Health is celebrating the extraordinary growth, innovation, and life‑changing impact of its nationally recognized Heart & Vascular program, a regional leader in advanced cardiovascular care.
As the area’s only Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center, SGMC Health delivers a fast, coordinated response for heart emergencies—providing rapid diagnosis, life‑saving intervention, and the most comprehensive cardiac services available in South Georgia.
A Regional Leader with First‑in‑the‑Region Capabilities
SGMC Health remains the only provider in the region offering:
- Open‑heart surgery
- A dedicated Structural Heart Center
- A full cardiac electrophysiology program
- A state‑of‑the‑art Hybrid Operating Room, enabling seamless transitions between catheter‑based and surgical procedures for complex cases
These capabilities allow patients to receive world‑class care close to home—without traveling to major metropolitan centers.
Innovation That Improves Lives
SGMC Health’s heart team has completed more than 180 TAVR procedures, including the region’s first alternative‑access transcarotid TAVR. The program continues to introduce new advancements, such as:
- PFO closure, expanding minimally invasive treatment options
- Enhanced electrophysiology services
- PET Cardiac Stress Testing, offering faster and more accurate diagnostic imaging
- The Impella 5.5® heart pump, providing lifesaving support for critically ill patients
These breakthroughs translate to clearer diagnoses, shorter recovery times, and more personalized treatment for patients across the region.
A Unified Team Dedicated to Exceptional Care
“SGMC Health excels in heart and vascular care because our entire team shares a unified vision—to improve access and enhance the quality of life for the patients we serve,” said Luke Seibolt, MD, Interventional Cardiologist and Chief of Cardiology at SGMC Health. “Our team‑based approach ensures that every patient receives the highest level of care, right here at home.”
This unwavering commitment has earned repeated recognition from both the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
To meet growing demand, SGMC Health has expanded its team of highly specialized cardiologists, surgeons, and advanced practice providers—ensuring coordinated, expert care for more than 60,000 heart and vascular patients annually.
Major Investments in Advanced Cardiac Environments
SGMC Health is completing a multimillion‑dollar modernization of its electrophysiology (EP) and cardiac catheterization labs, including:
- State‑of‑the‑art imaging systems
- Advanced guidance technologies
- Increased procedural capacity
These upgrades improve diagnostic precision, enhance patient safety, and ensure timely access to life‑saving interventions.
Education, Prevention & Community Connection
Community education remains central to SGMC Health’s mission. Throughout February, SGMC Health is featuring a special series of heart‑focused episodes of its award-winning podcast, What Brings You in Today?, giving listeners direct insight from physicians on prevention, treatment, and emerging innovations.
The health system is also spotlighting powerful patient testimonials—inspiring stories of renewed health, restored hope, and lives changed through exceptional cardiac care. These stories can be viewed at health.sgmc.org/heart-care.
Heart and vascular provider locations continue to earn exceptional public trust, maintaining a 4.8 out of 5 Google rating across 897 patient reviews.
A Continued Commitment to Heart Wellness
From pioneering new procedures to expanding education and outreach, SGMC Health remains dedicated to improving outcomes, elevating the patient experience, and empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward heart wellness.
Learn more or access resources at health.sgmc.org/heart-care