Firelands Health adopts two new heart procedures

(Sandusky, Ohio) Providers at Firelands Health have adopted two new heart procedures that improve patient care and outcomes.

Cardiac computed tomography angiography

Dr. Koromia reviews a CCTA scan of a patient's heart that gives him a 360 degree image of the muscle.

Firelands Physician Group cardiologist George Augustine Koromia, M.D. recently started performing cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) tests. CCTAs are noninvasive scans using powerful X-rays to produce 3D images of the blood vessels in a patient’s heart. This test identifies narrowing vessels or blockages in the arteries caused by plaque.

"With the addition of CCTA at Firelands, we have another non-invasive procedure that provides a great amount of detail on the heart and blood vessels," said Dr. Koromia, fellowship-trained in cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging. "These advancements in cardiac care and diagnostics allow us to detect problems earlier and give us additional insights for improved treatment."

Intravascular lithotripsy

Firelands Regional Medical Center can now offer Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), a state-of-the-art procedure to treat patients with severe calcium deposits in their arteries. Calcium deposits reduce blood flow to the heart. The IVL, performed by W. Scott Sheldon, D.O., interventional cardiologist, UH North Ohio Heart, expands the artery for placement of a stent. "IVL is an efficient procedure for greater expansion to precede stent placement. This is a great benefit to our patients," Dr. Sheldon said.

"We continue to adopt new and innovative treatments which allow us the opportunity to offer our patients cutting-edge technology here at Firelands Health," said Scott Campbell, M.D., vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer. "We are indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented medical staff."

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