Since opening the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center in 2009, we have continued to focus on bringing the latest and most effective therapies to the patients of eastern North Carolina. Keeping care local by offering access to experts who pioneer heart and vascular surgical care solidifies our commitment to providing world class heart care close to home.
The heart and vascular program at ECHI has celebrated many achievements throughout the last couple of years. Of particular note, our innovative robotic cardiac surgery program has been expanded to include advances in minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery, also known as beating heart surgery which eliminates the use of the heart-lung bypass machine and improves patient recovery times. We also continue to see great success with several of our other treatment programs. Recent data places our TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) in the top five percent of all programs in the country for clinical results. Additionally, clinical results for coronary artery bypass received the highest mark of three stars which places ECHI in the top 8% of all programs in the nation performing bypass surgeries. Our Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) program has also been very successful. This year, we treated more patients than ever with results that are above expected for patient survival.
Continuing our legacy of innovation, we launched a novel cardiac regeneration initiative that has placed our program among the most elite in the country. We are one of only seven sites in the nation participating in an FDA study of regenerative extracellular Matrix Tricuspid Valve. This therapy uses a biological material to promote tissue regeneration by attracting the body’s own stem cells that can remodel into native cardiac tissue. Said simply, this procedure could allow patients to re-grow their own valves after an infection or regenerate new heart muscle after a heart attack.
Much attention and dedication has been paid to ensuring our patients have access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies. In addition to internationally recognized physicians and surgeons, we are proud of our entire team who work tirelessly to ensure our patients are well cared for.
ECU Health Heart & Vascular Care
With internationally recognized specialists in cardiovascular care, ECU Health offers the very best in heart and vascular services at every one of our hospitals. Our expertise comes together, however, at East Carolina Heart Institute — an incredible state-of-the-art facility made possible largely through Foundation funds. Find out how we’re changing lives for the better here — and how important it is that we continue to stay at the forefront of cardiac medicine.
Saving lives with the most powerful tools we have: education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment—all at a truly state-of-the-art institute.
A patient-centered approach
From the very beginning, even in the building design itself, we had patients and families in mind — such as the use of natural light wherever possible and larger, ergonomic rooms and equipment to promote safety and comfort. Plus, patients and families can enjoy amenities such as, a heart-healthy café, Wi-Fi and an onsite resource center.
Innovative programs and services
Every day, we’re saving lives with the most advanced tools, techniques and expertise. Some of our groundbreaking programs and services include
- Diagnostic imaging – the newest diagnostic and interventional technology for diagnosing and treating a range of heart conditions
- Hybrid operating room – equipped with a robotic C-arm for sophisticated real-time imaging
- Pediatric Cardiology – pediatric procedures to address all types of congenital defects
- Valve repair – first in the Carolinas to use TAVR, a minimally invasive procedure
- Minimally invasive robotic surgery – first in the United States to conduct a total mitral valve surgery using robotic technology
We also focus on rehabilitation and prevention through programs that help patients long after they leave our facility.
From research to rehabilitation, we provide the full range of cardiovascular care and participate in groundbreaking clinical trials. The result? Greater heart health for the people in our unique region and beyond. But we can do so much more.
Commitment to education
Equipped with high-definition audio-visual and teleconferencing capabilities, our education and technology center serves as our primary teaching and research location.
Let’s put some heart into it…
More than 70 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease — and nearly 60 percent of them will die suddenly of heart failure or stroke without experiencing any symptoms. Let’s change that statistic—starting right here with our families, friends and neighbors in eastern North Carolina.