MDNews - Mid Hudson

Cover Feature Under t he auspices of t he Cardiovascular Institute's approach, an inclusive system of checks and balances ensures patients receive the appropriate treatment and medications. Clerks, nurses, physical therapists and respiratory therapists all know medical protocols, so patients should always receive the most appropriate treatment. Ready for Anything In tandem with the protocols initiated through the Cardiovascular Institute, individualized cardiac care tailored to each patient is of utmost importance, Dr. Sarabu notes. "Access to the right tools is a necessity for any cardiothoracic surgery program to be successful," Dr. Sarabu says. "In addition, surgeons must obtain all the appropriate information to best execute their skills as each patient's needs dictate. You can't simply treat every patient based only on the protocols. You have to treat the particular needs of the patient and his or her condition. Every patient is unique and has unique attributes." Patients with congestive heart failure demonstrate the necessity for individually tailored care. Whether due to previous heart attacks, valve leaks or stenosis, damage to the heart muscle can impair its ability to successfully pump blood through the body. When blood pools in the heart or lungs and the rest of the body receives less blood, many organ systems may suffer. Cardiologists and surgeons must examine the way congestive heart failure impairs any organ in the body and incorporate that information into making an accurate diagnosis and determining the best surgical approach to treat the disorder, Dr. Sarabu says. For example, if congestive heart failure has impaired a patient's kidney function, providers may use medications and/or dialysis to treat it preoperatively and during the postoperative period. Dr. Sarabu notes that situations such as this exemplify the necessity for surgeons to be holistically involved in patient care. "As surgeons, we not only perform the operation, but we must get involved with every system and component of the body," 10 | Mid Hudson MD News ■ mDNeWS.Com the cardiothoracic surgery team at vassar Brothers Medical Center is comprised of cardiothoracic surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, cardiothoracic and critical care nurses, physical therapists, and nutritionists. Th e ar e a' s o n ly e xperT fo r h e arT fai lu r e AlThouGh INNoVATIVe TeChNoloGIeS and procedures available to physicians within vassar Brothers Medical Center have helped establish it as a leading tertiary-care center in the area, the unique capabilities of James Lyons, MD, board-certified congestive heart failure expert, distinguish it from other area hospitals. to best utilize Dr. Lyons' specialization, vassar Brothers Medical Center is developing a comprehensive heart failure program through which patients can receive aggressive treatment — including left ventricular assist implantation — optimal medical therapy and referrals for complete heart transplant. Such aggressive treatment aims to keep patients out of the hospital and, if they should require transplant or other serious inpatient interventions, prevent future rehospitalization. Dr. Sarabu says. "This is the only way to treat the patient's condition and ensure we act appropriately when an organ is affected by impaired heart function. If surgeons perform operations without incorporating every other part of the body in patient care, then these operations would certainly result in bad outcomes." Demonstrated Commitment As Health Quest's Cardiovascular Institute develops, the system's awardwinning standard of care and resultant positive outcomes will surely continue its upward trajectory. Behind all the advanced technology and years of medical training, a very simple concept guides each physician's philosophy of care. "We have the right ingredients to provide the best care possible," Dr. Sarabu says. "We have every tool necessary to provide any cardiac surgery at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Our expert cardiologists, dedicated anesthesiologists, physician assistants, perfusionists and excellent nursing staff play an equally important role in producing great outcomes and ensuring we are prepared for almost any component directly or indirectly involved in patient care. We take care of our patients as we would our own family members." For more information about Health Quest's cardiac care and cardiothoracic capabilities, please visit www.health-quest.org. ■

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