Heart Care Research at the Cavanagh Cardiology Center

Over the past 10 years, heart care research at Banner Good Samaritan has provided successful results that make a difference in patient's lives. Such research has allowed patients to avoid open-heart surgery through the use of coronary stents, increased mobility due to the use of closure devices and a choice between invasive and non-invasive procedures for carotid stenting.

In recent years, advancements in heart surgery include investigational drugs that allow patients to recover from cardiac bypass quicker. Other projects allow physicians access to investigational heart valves and agents that potentially minimize bleeding complications during open-heart surgery. Additionally, patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome are now given therapy to stop blood clotting within specific time frames. These time frames were proven successful and developed through data collection and clinical studies conducted at Banner Good Samaritan.

Currently, there are a number of cardiac trials open to patient enrollment with two new studies planned to open in early 2006. One of these studies will allow patients to undergo mitral valve repair through a catheterization procedure instead of open-heart surgery. Preliminary results in early trials show that patients spend less time in the hospital, have decreased pain and recover faster than invasive surgery.

To learn more about heart care research at Banner Good Samaritan, please call (602) 239-5678.