HEALTHCARE
HEALTHCARE
Cardiac Care Treatments and Technology in 2025
Compiled by Jamie Grill-Goodman
February is American Heart Month . This annual national awareness campaign seeks to raise awareness about heart disease , still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States , according to the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ). Throughout February , organizations set out to educate the public about heart health , promote healthy lifestyle choices , and encourage preventative screenings . In this vein , COMMERCE spoke with cardiac specialists to discuss the latest treatments and technologies – from artificial intelligence ( AI ) to robotics – healthcare experts are tapping in 2025 to provide cutting edge care across New Jersey . Here is what we learned :
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Dr . Irfan Admani Chief of Cardiology
One of the innovations we are bringing to cardiac care at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is the integration of cardiology services in our Ambulatory Care Center ( ACC ). Oftentimes , primary care providers are the first line of defense when it comes to cardiovascular disease .
By having cardiologists work directly with primary care providers , the Medical Center will offer seamless care leading to earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular disease by identifying high blood pressure , obesity , diabetes , high cholesterol , and other risk factors .
The partnership between primary care and cardiology can encourage patients to make essential lifestyle changes related to exercise , reduction of alcohol consumption , quitting smoking , and eating a healthy diet . These actions can greatly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and for those already diagnosed , can improve their overall health and wellness .
Another exciting innovation coming in 2025 to Bergen New Bridge will be cardiac computed tomography angiography ( CTA ), also known as a coronary CT angiogram . This non-invasive imaging test can assist with identifying the buildup of plaque , blockages , or other abnormalities in the coronary arteries and anatomy . We will use AI-powered diagnostic capabilities as the algorithms can analyze medical imaging studies to diagnose a wide variety of heart disease with greater accuracy than traditional methods . Healthcare providers should take advantage of the latest advances in technology that can more effectively screen and diagnose patients for heart disease which will lead to healthier outcomes for all .
Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Mark B . Anderson , M . D . Chairman , Cardiac Surgery
Our academic medical center has a longstanding reputation as one of the region ’ s highest-volume centers for minimally invasive cardiac surgery . The team ’ s experience and expertise has expanded into robotically assisted cardiac surgery . This less-invasive technique for valve replacement or repair , including of the mitral valve , coronary artery bypass graft ( CABG ) surgery , pacemaker implantation , among other procedures , provides a new , pinpointed treatment approach for patients with valvular heart and coronary artery disease .
We evaluate each of our patients to determine whether they might be a candidate for minimally invasive cardiac surgery . With its tiny , wristed instruments and high-definition camera , the robot allows surgeons to operate through just a few small incisions and translates the surgeon ’ s hand movements into precise micro-movements inside the chest , minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue . Patient benefits of this technique include reduced pain , less scarring , lower risk of infection , and reduced blood loss .
Our cardiac surgeons are leveraging the medical center ’ s robust robotic surgery capabilities and history of early adoption and innovation , to now offer robotic assisted CABG and valve procedures for their cardiac surgical patients . For information , visit www . hackensackmeridianhealth . org and search for robotic heart surgery .
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center Matthew Saybolt , M . D ., FACC Medical Director , Structural Heart Disease Program
The Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center team ’ s experience and expertise has expanded into robotically assisted cardiac surgery .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / gorodenkoff
We launched our tricuspid heart valve repair program in December , and successfully treated our first patients . Tricuspid valve regurgitation ( TR ) is a condition in which the valve between the two right heart chambers doesn ’ t close properly , allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium of the heart . Common symptoms of TR are debilitating and include shortness of breath , swelling , and fatigue . The prevalence of TR increases with age , especially for women . Traditionally , the only treatment options for TR have been surgery ,
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