Cardiology- Patient Care

Physicians in the Division of Cardiology care for patients in a variety of settings. Inpatient services are offered at Medical University Hospital (MUH) and the VA Medical Center. Outpatient care is provided at Rutledge Tower, the VA Medical Center, and the Heart & Vascular Center. Division faculty members 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.

Sterotaxis Laborartory at MUSC

Despite increasing competition, referrals to MUSC have increased because of clinical outreach efforts. Clinical services provided include general cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac catheterization, 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.

Dr. Marcus Wharton

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.