Heart Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery is a field of surgery pertaining to organs in the thorax (chest), including the heart. Depending on the procedure being performed, cardiothoracic surgery may be open, endoscopic or robotic.

Cardiothoracic surgery is only performed after all other options have been fully explored, including interventional cardiology procedures that can sometimes avoid the need for surgery. If surgery is indeed required, patients and their families will meet with the members of our cardiothoracic surgical team and develop a multidisciplinary care approach that will follow evidence-based practices.

Procedures and treatments offered:

• • • Atrial and ventricular septal defect repairs
    • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), commonly known as bypass surgery
    • Fistulas
    • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedures to treat abnormal heart rhythms
    • Left atrial appendage closure
    • Myocardial biopsy
    • Myomectomy for heart tumors
    • Pacemaker implants
    • Thoracic aorta repairs
    • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
    • Traumatic heart injuries
    • Valve repair and replacement, using mechanical valves and bioprosthetic valves
    • Ventricular aneurysm repairs

WATCHMAN                           

The WATCHMAN device offers a trusted alternative to blood thinning medication for individuals with Non-Valvular AFib (NVAF) who are at an increased risk of stroke. Typically performed in less than an hour, the WATCHMAN device closes an area of the heart known as the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA). The LAA is a tube-like sac that creates an environment for clots to form within the heart, heightening the risk of stroke. WATCHMAN reduces both stroke risk and bleeding risk while allowing patients to ultimately stop taking their blood thinning medication.

There are many reasons an individual may not be able to tolerate blood thinning medication. These include, but are not limited to, those with: a history of bleeds, high risk of recurrent falls, an occupation or lifestyle that makes them a poor candidate for blood thinning medication, severe renal failure, or documented poor adherence which can be due to side effects or the financial burden of life-long blood thinners. To find out if you are a candidate for the WATCHMAN procedure today, please contact Michele Adams, Watchman Coordinator, at (814) 534-1548 or madams@conemaugh.org.

“Having the Watchman procedure was one of the best decisions I ever made,” shared Ralph Wilson, a Watchman patient at Conemaugh. The cost of being on blood thinners was getting high and now I do not have to worry about blood clots causing a stroke. Now that I am off my blood thinners, I can lead an active lifestyle and enjoy hunting and camping, without worrying about the possibility of bleeding if an injury occurs.”

"I have been treating Ralph for atrial fibrillation since 2016," Dr. Mastrine added, "It was very gratifying to see his relief after stopping his blood thinners and avoiding the long-term risks of significant bleeding.”