Innovative Medicine

Leaders in Heart & Vascular Care

At Samaritan Heart Center, we offer innovative medical and surgical care. Our patients get big city medicine with small town compassion.

Our providers are leaders in cardiology, cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgery, offering:

  • Radial (through the arm) access for cardiac catheterization
    • Allows patients to be up and going in just two hours.
  • Careful coordination of care
    • Your electronic medical records can follow you where you go and your cardiologist keeps your primary care provider up-to-date with your care.
  • Cardiology fellowships
    • We offer one of just two cardiology fellowships in Oregon (the other is at Oregon Health & Science University). as well as an interventional cardiology fellowship. Our fellowships enhance the overall level of all of our academic programs, improving patient care and leading to more cardiac research in our hospitals. The program also aims to bring more well-trained cardiologists to our region.
  • Research studies and clinical trials
    • We offer our patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials close to home. Studies have included topics such as renal artery stenosis, the role of gender in heart attack patients, whether fish oil can prevent atrial fibrillation after cardiothoracic surgery, and a study testing a new medication option for diabetic patients who’ve experienced a heart attack.
  • Nationally recognized stroke program
    • We are a leader in advanced after-stroke care and stroke prevention education. Our stroke program has been recognized by the American Stroke Association and the American Heart Association with a variety of awards, showing our dedication to excellent care for stroke patients in a timely manner.
  • Integrated STEMI (st elevation myocardial infarction) bypass program
    • Under our program, people who call 911 with symptoms of a possible heart attack are assessed at the scene by emergency responders. If an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows a possible blocked coronary artery, our cardiac team is alerted to ensure we are ready and waiting when the patient arrives at the hospital. This streamlined communication program reduces the patient’s “door-to-balloon” time (the speed in which a hospital can perform a procedure to open the patient’s blood vessel).
  • LVADs (left ventricle assist devices)
    • We’re a regional expert in this difficult procedure. Our cardiac surgeons have the ability to place these life-saving devices to allow the heart to successfully recover after surgery or help get the patient through a transplant. Without this procedure, these patients would otherwise not have made it out of surgery.