Good Samaritan Hospital Performs its First Open Heart Surgery

Suffern, N.Y. (PRWeb) February 15, 2007 -- The cardiothoracic surgical team at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York performed its first open heart surgery procedure, marking the complete opening of The Active International Cardiovascular Institute at Good Samaritan, the first and only comprehensive cardiac surgery program in New York State west of the Hudson river between the New Jersey border and Albany.

The first open heart surgical procedure was performed on a 58-year-old man on January 30. Surgeons at the new, advanced cardiac center at Good Samaritan Hospital replaced the man's faulty heart valve and performed cardiac bypass surgery to restore his blood flow.

"This surgery is a defining moment for healthcare in the Lower Hudson Valley, marking the first time that any hospital in the region has been allowed to treat cardiac patients with the most advanced, cutting-edge surgical procedures," noted Michael Schnieders, Executive Vice President and Administrator for Good Samaritan Hospital. "Until now, patients who required cardiac surgeries were forced to endure a transfer to an out-of-area hospital, creating additional issues for both the patient and his or her family. We are pleased that we are now able to provide the best cardiac care available right here at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern."

Following receipt of the final authorization letter from the New York State Department of Health on Thursday, January 18, 2007, the first elective angioplasty was performed at Good Samaritan on Friday, January 19. Since then, the cardiac center has performed a number of the procedures.

"The first open heart surgical procedure, like the first non-emergency angioplasty, went perfectly," said Dr. Edward F. Lundy, M.D., Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the center, who performed the first open heart procedure. "A lot of people worked for many years to make this happen. It all came to fruition today."

The male patient who had open heart surgery is an Orange County resident. He was sent to Good Samaritan Hospital by his doctor, Valley Cottage, N.Y. cardiologist Dr. Lance Kovar, M.D. Diagnostic tests at the hospital showed that the patient needed both a new valve as well as cardiac bypass surgery. The patient was given the option of going to another hospital, or becoming the first person to undergo the operation at Good Samaritan.

"The patient was informed of all of his options, but chose to stay right here because of the confidence he had in our team and in Good Samaritan Hospital," Lundy said.

The Active International Cardiovascular Institute opened on January 19. It is a fully-equipped state-of-the-art cardiac surgical center, with two fully equipped and staffed operating rooms, two modern cardiac catheterization labs, and dedicated and private patient pre-surgical and recovery rooms. The Institute offers the most advanced cardiovascular procedures, including open-heart surgery, emergency angioplasty for acute heart attack, elective angioplasty to relieve potential blockages, and a wide range of additional cardiovascular procedures.

"This is the day that this entire region has long awaited; the day that changes the landscape of healthcare in the Lower Hudson Valley once and for all," commented Dr. Lundy. "This is a critical program that will enable the people of our community to have close, immediate access to the finest in cardiovascular care, right here at Good Samaritan Hospital."

Good Samaritan Hospital is a member of Bon Secours Health System, Inc., one of the nation's leading Catholic healthcare systems. It is also part of the regional Bon Secours Charity Health System, which includes St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, NY and Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, New York. Additionally, Bon Secours Charity Health System provides the services of a Certified Home Health Agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living and adult home facility and several other medical programs. For more information about the Active International Cardiovascular Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital, or any hospital program, contact Good Samaritan Hospital at 845-368-5000, or visit www.GoodSamHeart.org.

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