Physicians in the Division of Cardiology care for patients in a variety of settings. Inpatient services are offered at Medical University Hospital (MUH/ART) and the VA Medical Center. Outpatient care is provided at the Ashley River Tower, the VA Medical Center, and the Heart & Vascular Center in addition to numerous outreach sites. The division faculty have a strong statewide reputation. They see patients at off-campus sites beyond the Charleston area, from Myrtle Beach to Columbia, S.C. Cardiologists on rotations at the VA Medical Center also serve patients referred from cardiologists at other VA medical facilities in the state and Georgia. Despite increasing competition, referrals to MUSC have increased because of clinical outreach efforts. Clinical services provided include general cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac catheterization, nuclear imaging, congestive heart failure and cardiac transplant. The new Stereotaxis Laboratory in the Heart & Vascular Center is the fourth such facility in the United States and allows magnetic navigation of catheters for arrhythmia and interventional applications. The Division is developing several new clinical programs, including an Acute Coronary Syndrome Center that will allow for rapid access and treatment of patients experiencing myocardial infarction or unstable angina. The Division recently recruited Eric R. Powers, M.D., to head this center. An expanded Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is being developed under the leadership of Marian H. Taylor, M.D. Division faculty members have unique expertise in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, including the use of ablation, pacemakers and defibrillators. A comprehensive program for research and treatment of atrial fibrillation is being developing by Dr. Marcus Wharton. Interventional cardiologists in the Division also are expanding their reputation as South Carolina leaders in several innovative procedures, such as valvuloplasty, alcohol septal ablation, and PFO and ASD closures.
More on Patient Care at the MUSC Heart & Vascular Center
|
| J. Marcus Wharton, M.D.
Electrophysiology Service
Since 2003, Dr. Wharton has directed the Electrophysiology Service within the Division of Cardiology. Under his leadership, the program has become nationally and internationally recognized for its clinical and research efforts. Through the Electrophysiology Service, studies are performed to evaluate electrical function of the heart and to determine the cause and treatment for abnormal heart rhythms. A wide spectrum of cutting edge technologies are used in dedicated area of the MUSC Heart & Vascular Center. These technologies include specialized catheters and mapping technologies for ablation of rapid arrhythmias as wellas implantable devices, such as permanent pacemakers, cadioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization devices. Dr. Wharton and his team currently conduct many industry sponsored clinical research projects as well as treat patients from all over the United States. The Electrophysiology team is in high demand. Through a Johnson & Johnson sponsored program in Septemeber 2005, Dr. Wharton, along with other top specialists, visited major hospitals in China, including Fu Wai Hosptial in Bejing, the largerst in the country. They will mentor hospitals on how to improve medical care.
|
| |
|
|
