Advanced surgical care for heart conditions
When heart surgery is recommended as part of you or your loved one’s care, experienced cardiovascular surgeons at Ascension Medical Group Providence Cardiovascular Clinic, in Waco, TX, deliver highly specialized surgical treatments to help improve heart function and the symptoms of your condition. As part of Ascension Providence, we deliver advanced treatment options for common and complex conditions that affect your heart and vascular health. At your first consultation and every appointment, your surgeon starts by listening to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work with you to create a surgical care plan that’s customized for your needs.
Cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons and care teams at Ascension Medical Group Providence Cardiovascular Clinic specialize in repairing damage to the heart and arteries, with the goal of improving your heart function. Surgery may be a treatment option for other heart conditions, including:
Coronary artery blockage
- Heart valve disease
- Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia)
- Vascular disorders, such as aortic aneurysm
Whenever possible, your surgeon may recommend minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery. With minimally invasive surgery, your doctor uses smaller incisions. Less invasive surgery can help shorten your recovery, may reduce scarring and may lower your risk of complications. We have surgeons who specialize in:
- Angioplasty stent placement
- Atrial fibrillation WATCHMAN™ procedure
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Heart valve repair
- Maze cardiac surgery
- Pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Structural heart and valve care, TAVR and MitraClip™ surgery
- Ventricular assist device (VAD), (i.e. LVAD and RVAD)
Advanced diagnostic testing for heart conditions
Your doctor provides advanced diagnostic testing to deliver heart care that’s right for you. Testing may include:
- Blood tests
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cardiac imaging with computed tomography–fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR)
- Chest X-rays
- Echocardiogram (echo)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Transesphogeal echocardiogram (TEE)
Supporting your recovery after heart surgery
Your surgeon and care team take the time to explain your procedure, what to expect and how to care for yourself once you leave the hospital. After surgery, we connect you with follow-up care and rehabilitation, supporting your recovery. Sometimes your doctor may recommend recovery time in the hospital, and you are connected to inpatient rehabilitation services. Our nursing units also have advanced telemetry (a remote measuring device) to help monitor your cardiac activity. Your compassionate, experienced recovery care team helps support you getting back home to your family and daily life. Other supportive services at this location include:
- Heart failure information programs
- Medication management of anticoagulation
- Personalized nutritional counseling
- Transitional care, bridging next steps once home