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THE HEART INSTITUTE OF THE
CASCADES FOUNDING MEMBERS
The Heart Institute is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) created through
a collaborative effort of our regional hospital, St. Charles
Medical Center – Bend, Cardiothoracic Surgeons, PC, and
Heart Center Cardiology. The Heart Institute is strongly
affiliated with St. Charles Medical Center – Bend and its
parent organization, Cascade Healthcare Community (CHC). CHC is
the primary health delivery system with 95% penetration of the
healthcare market for about 200,000 people in Deschutes, Crook,
Jefferson, Harney and Lake Counties.
St. Charles Medical Center - Bend has been named "among the
best in the nation" in heart, cancer, orthopedic and
neurosurgical care and has repeatedly been cited among the 100
Top US Hospitals for overall quality of care and operational
efficiency. Overall patient satisfaction routinely ranks in the
top five percent nationally. The hospital offers a wide range
of the latest technologies and medical innovations in a unique
healing environment that supports body, mind and spirit. At St.
Charles Medical Center - Bend, you will have access to some of
the nation's best hospital care close to home. For more
information, please visit www.cascadehealthcare.org
In January 2004, Drs. Hugh Adair, Bruce McLellan, Michael Widmer and Eddy Young partnered in the development of the Cardiovascular Consultants of the Cascades LLP, known as Heart Center Cardiology. At that time, Dr. James Ritchie also joined the practice, as did Dr. Armond LaPine. Heart Center Cardiology shares a vision with Cascade Healthcare Community (St. Charles Medical Center) and the Heart Institute of the Cascades to develop a "Cardiac Center of Excellence" for residents of Central and Eastern Oregon.
Heart Center Cardiology is Oregon's only comprehensive
cardiology group east of the Cascades, specializing in the
evaluation and management of heart disease. They demonstrate
community commitment by providing cardiology services at
numerous hospitals and clinics throughout Central and Eastern
Oregon. In their office practice, they manage congestive heart
failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias (heart rhythm
problems), value problems, lipid disorders and hypertension.
EECP (external enhanced counter pulsation) is a noninvasive
treatment offering relief for many patients with angina.
Pacemaker and defibrillator monitoring and analysis are
provided in the office or through telephonic communication for
patients' easy access from the outlying areas. The Diagnostic
and Imaging Center is integral to patient treatment. Treadmill
testing, echocardiography and nuclear imaging are important
modalities for diagnosing and developing a plan of care.
Interventional procedures, performed at St. Charles Medical
Center, include cardiac catheterization to resolve blockages in
the coronary arteries with angioplasty, artherectomy or stents.
Implantation of defibrillators and pacemakers are performed in
the hospital. Transesophageal echocardiography, tilt table
testing and cardioversion are also hospital-based procedures.
The relationship patients have with their cardiologist and
nursing team offers education and treatment in a healing
environment. In partnership with the Heart Institute of the
Cascades, prevention of cardiovascular disease is another
important focus of Heart Center Cardiology. For more
information, please log on to www.heartdoctorsnw.com.
The Heart Center building, guided by the vision of a
comprehensive, regional cardiac center, came to fruition
through collaboration between Heart Center
Cardiology and Cascade Healthcare Community. If a cardiac
patient doesn't come by helicopter or ambulance, they are
welcomed through the front door of The Heart Center building -
just adjacent to St. Charles Medical Center - Bend. The Heart
Center enhances the patient experience through integrated
services from a highly trained and compassionate clinical team.
The Heart Institute of the Cascades and our growing Center for
Community Action to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease is also
located in the Heart Center building.
