Heart care in Idaho Falls took a giant leap forward this year, with the addition of several new services available in the region only at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Three new physicians have moved to town, each focusing on a special cardiac subspecialty that is changing cardiology care in our community.
Double board- certified cardiologist Dr. Alejando Perez-Verdia is the region’s only Electrophysiologist. He conducts electrophysiology studies on patients with abnormal heart rhythms, also called arrhythmia. Typically, electrical signals travel through the heart in a regular pattern, but sometimes, other factors can cause the heart to beat irregularly. Common causes of an irregular heart beat include heart attack, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and congenital heart defects.
During an EP study, Dr. Perez-Verdia inserts a small sheath into the artery or vein and guides several small catheters through the sheath towards the heart. An advanced GPS guidance system maps a 3-D image of the heart; small electric pulses are then sent through the catheter so that the heart beats at different rhythms. The signals produced by the heart are recorded, which allows Dr. Perez-Verdia to identify where the arrhythmias are occurring. Sometimes, cardiac ablation is necessary to restore normal heart rhythm.
Dr. Perez-Verdia practices at East Falls Clinics.
In addition to Electrophysiology services, minimally-invasive heart valve repair and replacement is available in Idaho Falls for the first time. Dr. Scott Needham at East Falls Clinics is currently the only physician in the region with the specialty training to perform valve repair and replacement with the minimally-invasive approach.
During traditional heart surgery, an incision is cut down the patient’s chest, the length of the breastbone. This approach provides excellent access to the heart, but results in a six to eight-inch incision. The recovery period is typically 6 to 8 weeks, and includes significant restrictions to working, lifting, and driving.
In contrast, minimally-invasive surgery is performed through one or two small incisions aside the rib cage, measuring about three to four inches. Patients can be back to work as soon as a week without lifting or driving restrictions. Minimally-invasive valve repair and replacement has a lower risk of infection, bleeding and blood transfusion; a shorter hospital stay after surgery; and shorter recovery time.
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center also welcomed Dr. Edward Setser, a board-certified thoracic surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience. Dr. Setser practices all phases of adult cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair and replacement, pulmonary resection and carotid endarterectomy, among many others. He earned a Fellowship from the Brooke Army Medical Center after completing residency at the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center.
With the addition of these specialties, EIRMC's Heart Center is nearing the complete spectrum of cardiac, cardiovascular, and thoracic services for adult patients. From testing and treatment to prevention and rehabilitation, experienced and highly skilled staff takes care of the unique needs of heart and vascular patients- and their families.