Cardiac Care Options Expanded At Ocean University Medical Center

BRICK, NJ — Patients at Ocean University Medical Center now have increased access to an elective procedure that can help prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues, the hospital announced.

Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center is now licensed by The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to provide elective coronary angioplasty and stenting at the hospital, according to a news release.

Through this minimally-invasive procedure, cardiologists at Ocean University Medical Center can open clogged arteries in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease and help increase blood flow, the hospital said.

The hospital recently completed its first elective cases "with patients now home and recovering well."

During an angioplasty, doctors place a catheter into a blood vessel and guide it to the blocked coronary artery, where a tiny balloon is inflated to make more room for blood flow. Then, a tiny expandable metal mesh coil called a stent is placed in the newly opened artery to help keep it from narrowing or closing again, the hospital said.

A special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy helps the cardiologist find blockages in the heart arteries as a contrast dye moves through them.

"This builds upon the exceptional cardiac procedures offered at Ocean University Medical Center, and offers residents greater access and choice in where they get heart care," the hospital said. "The hospital also provides emergency, primary angioplasty and stenting for patients experiencing a heart attack and cardiac catheterization procedures to diagnose heart disease. This additional licensure enables cardiologists to schedule and perform diagnostic testing and if needed, necessary treatments during the same visit."

Ocean University Medical Center has an arrangement in place with Jersey Shore University Medical Center to perform open-heart surgery in case of emergency, the hospital said.

“Residents of Brick and the surrounding Ocean County communities have reason to celebrate, as they can now schedule life-changing elective angioplasty procedures close to home,” said Frank Citara, MBA, president and chief hospital executive, Ocean University Medical Center. “And, with additional hospitals in our network now also licensed for this enhanced level of care, we can expedite scheduling that previously may have experienced some delays.”

For more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/services/cardiovascular/.