TVH celebrates 100th open heart surgery

TEMECULA – Heart surgery patients, surgeons, cardiologists, support staff and dignitaries recently shared inspiring stories of courage, trust, and gratitude at a celebration of the 100th open heart surgery performed at Temecula Valley Hospital (TVH). Physicians at TVH performed the milestone open heart surgery on Gale Hollister just 20 months after their first procedure in April 2014. Dennis Frank, TVH Board of Governor’s chairman, commented that “this accomplishment is just another indication of the outstanding cardiac services the hospital is committed to. This high level of care means that residents in the region no longer need to travel far from home to receive quality, comprehensive cardiovascular services.”

Specialty nurses from the operating room, Intensive Care Unit and the 3^rd floor Cardiac Care Unit greeted their former patients who often referred to them as part of their family. Representatives from respiratory therapy, anesthesiology, and recovery welcomed their patients and spoke of their shared experience.

Dr. Steven Howe and Dr. Eugene Golts, cardiothoracic surgeons at UC San Diego Health, spoke of their appreciation to area residents and desire to continue serving patients at Temecula Valley Hospital. Through a clinical collaboration agreement with UC San Diego Health, TVH patients benefit from the skills and experience of the area’s leading cardiothoracic surgeons. They perform a wide range of surgical treatments including coronary artery bypasses and valve repairs and replacements.

Cardiac Services at the hospital have grown significantly in the past two years. TVH earned designation as a STEMI (Heart Attack) Receiving Center by the Riverside Emergency Medical Services Agency (REMSA) in July 2014. The designation recognizes the hospital for meeting or exceeding national standards in diagnosing and treating heart attacks.

It also has national accreditation as a Chest Pain Center by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. An accredited Chest Pain Center’s evidence-based, protocol-driven, systematic approach to cardiac patient care allows clinicians to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack.

Temecula Valley Hospital is located at 31700 Temecula Parkway. More information on Temecula Valley Hospital can be found at www.temeculavalleyhospital.com.