Portneuf's Heart and Vascular Center in Pocatello, Idaho Celebrates One Year of Operation
Over 350 people have stronger, healthier hearts as a result of bypass surgeries and interventional procedures like angioplasty and stents, performed over the past year at the new Portneuf Heart and Vascular Center. The highly touted open-heart surgery program lead by Cardiothoracic Surgeon Jacob DeLaRosa has completed over 100 successful surgeries with zero mortalities.
Pocatello, ID (PRWEB) November 5, 2005
Over 350 people have stronger, healthier hearts as a result of bypass surgeries and interventional procedures like angioplasty and stents, performed over the past year at the new Portneuf Heart and Vascular Center. The highly touted open-heart surgery program lead by Cardiothoracic Surgeon Jacob DeLaRosa has completed over 100 successful surgeries with zero mortalities.
“We have so much to offer patients,” says Dr. DeLaRosa. “Technology, a strong experienced team of clinicians and a commitment to top notch care have made all the difference.”
Cardiologist Dr. Ben Call, who helped develop the program agrees. He says, “We had high expectations and we have exceeded them! It is satisfying to be involved in the patient’s continuum of care from the time they walk in the door, through the bypass surgery or stent placement, and on to recovery.” In addition to diagnostic testing, interventions and surgeries, the Heart & Vascular Center also offers education for patients on their cardiac condition and a cardiac rehab program to aid in physical recovery after a procedure or heart related illness.
Patient Satisfaction
While success rates at the Heart and Vascular Center are high, patient satisfaction is also stellar. Emphasis is placed on communicating with the patient and their family before, during and after the procedure. Barbara Aslett of McCammon had a heart attack ten years ago. Recently she had been feeling tired and listless and thought age was just catching up with her. A chance meeting of her husband, businessman Don Aslett, America’s No. 1 Cleaning Expert, and Dr. DeLaRosa at the Pocatello Regional Airport changed all that. Soon Barbara was in to see Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Fernando Grigera. He administered tests that indicated a part of her heart believed damaged by the heart attack could be revived. “Following the tests, Dr. Grigera said he wanted me in for surgery the next week, with Dr. DeLaRosa,” Aslett recalls. “Don was so impressed with the doctors; he talked me into the surgery. I really didn’t have much time to think about it.” Mrs. Aslett, now just seven weeks after bypass surgery, is in a cardiac rehabilitation program at Portneuf and feeling better already. “Dr. DeLaRosa gives you hope and insists on a positive patient attitude going into surgery,” Aslett emphasizes. “He checks on you regularly and calls you at home; that’s not something a lot of doctors do these days. They are a winning team and do everything possible to get you better.”
Hearts of Gold Celebration
Portneuf Medical Center is celebrating the good news of the 350 patients who have passed through the Heart and Vascular Center over the past year for bypass surgery, angioplasty and stenting by hosting a “Hearts of Gold” banquet on November 7th at the L. E. and Thelma E Stephens Performing Arts Center. Patients and their families have been invited back for a special night of celebration with the physicians and staff that cared for them in their time of need.
For more information about the Heart and Vascular Center or heart-related issues, call 239-2500.
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