Loma Linda Murrieta Earns State Approval For Heart Procedures

Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta has received approval to perform critically needed interventional cardiac procedures in the operating rooms and in the cath labs, it was announced today.

The California Department of Public Health informed the hospital last week that the survey was successful and of their approval for the program, a hospital spokesperson said in a news release.

“We are very pleased for the community because we will be able to offer much needed interventional heart procedures; and we are proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff that resulted in this endorsement from the state,” said Mel Sauder, interim CEO at

“The Heart and Vascular Care program at LLUMC-Murrieta will be one of the key service lines offered during our second year of operations,” Sauder said.

Receiving the state approval means that interventional cardiac procedures will be available closer to patients in southwest Riverside County, according to Kathryn Stiles, LLUMC-Murrieta spokesperson.

"Previously, patients needed to travel over 30 miles to receive advanced cardiac care. The program will roll out gradually and the hospital will make a series of announcements to the public as the program becomes fully developed," Stiles said, in the news release.

The state survey that preceded issuance of the state licenses involved months of intensive training and education by hospital staff and investment in needed equipment and supplies, Stiles said.