Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) recently reached a milestone of 1,000 open heart surgeries since starting its cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgery program six years ago. This landmark number of cardiovascular surgeries is a testament to the commitment of FMC to provide comprehensive cardiovascular care to the residents and visitors of Northern and Central Arizona. 
   
FMC became the first hospital outside the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas to offer open heart surgery when its program launched in August 2004. Cardiothoracic and vascular surgery procedures performed at FMC include coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair and replacement, Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation, complex lung resections, removal of intravascular tumors and the repair of penetrating chest trauma.

At FMC, some patients may be candidates for heart surgery through minimally invasive techniques that do not require large incisions or the chest to be opened as in traditional open heart surgery.
“The skill of our surgeon, anesthesiologists, nurses, techs and support staff, combined with the cutting-edge technology of our program, has allowed patients to stay in Northern Arizona for this critical service,” said Bill Bradel, FMC President/CEO.

Steven Peterson, M.D., F.A.C.S., is FMC's cardiothoracic surgeon and part of the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona physician practice. He specializes in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass and minimally invasive cardiovascular surgical procedures. “FMC offers the most innovative and patient-centered cardiovascular programs in the region,” Dr. Peterson said. “Our comprehensive program provides heart patients the latest in technology and advancements combined with a specially trained team who are dedicated to providing the very best heart care.”

Tully Yellowman, Kayenta, was FMC’s 1,000th cardiovascular surgery patient. Just a few days after undergoing quintuple coronary artery bypass grafts, Yellowman prepared to be discharged from the hospital. “I was surprised to hear I was the 1,000th patient,” Yellowman said. “I feel honored, but mostly I am looking forward to feeling better again.” Yellowman came to FMC for his heart surgery because of the expertise of the cardiovascular surgery team and past stays at FMC. “I met Dr. Peterson and was convinced he really knows what he is doing, and since I had my knee replaced at FMC six years ago, I already knew FMC was a great hospital.”

FMC’s Cardiovascular Services offers comprehensive heart care from diagnosis and treatment through recovery and rehabilitation. Services range from general cardiology and the treatment of chronic heart and vascular conditions to advanced surgical techniques, including traditional and minimally invasive open heart surgery.

To learn more about the comprehensive Cardiovascular Services at Flagstaff Medical Center, visit FlagstaffMedicalCenter.com/OurServices or call 928 773-2150.