For people who are affected by heart disease and defects, our highly skilled cardiologists and cardiac specialists can help identify and manage your risk factors and provide early intervention to prevent more serious conditions from developing. Our wide range of diagnostic services allows quick and accurate analysis customized for each patient.

If you or a loved one faces more severe cardiovascular conditions, North Oaks Cardiovascular Institute offers advanced nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Our revolutionary interventional cardiologists provide minimally invasive treatments using catheter-based and stenting techniques that reduce risks and recovery time associated with traditional open surgery.

In addition, North Oaks recently welcomed two renowned surgeons to our team. Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Charles DiCorte, M.D., and Cardio-Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon Jose Mena, M.D., FACS, are helping to expand our specialized CVT surgical services and provide leading treatment options for heart, lung, chest, esophageal, arterial and venous surgeries. Their addition to our team facilitates a collaborative approach to your care, utilizing partnerships with other North Oaks specialties, including cardiologists, pulmonologists and oncologists.

North Oaks Cardiovascular Institute features one of the Northshore’s most skilled groups of specialists in cardiovascular care, and our patients are at the heart of what we do. Our multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. In addition, our specialists continually advance their unique skillsets, utilizing cutting-edge techniques and technologies, such as robotic surgical procedures, to enhance patient care and options.

“We are investing in the future of cardiovascular care at North Oaks — from team members and training to technology and systems — to provide advanced heart health care right here in our community,” said Service Line Vice President Diana Barber, MPH.

From preventive care to complex cardiovascular procedures, trust your heart health to North Oaks Cardiovascular Institute. Get to know our heart health team and learn more about their specialties by visiting www.northoaks.org/hearthealth or calling (985) 230-7350 to schedule an appointment.

North Oaks Cardiovascular Institute Offers Cutting-edge Treatment Options

Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Implant

The LAAC is a minimally invasive procedure for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (non-valvular A-fib).

A small implant called the WATCHMAN is inserted into the heart through a catheter in a leg vein to close off the left atrial appendage, where, in patients with non-valvular A-Fib, blood commonly pools and clots due to the heart’s inability to pump normally.

The implantation of this device permanently reduces blood clot and stroke risk without the worries that come with blood thinners.

Robotic Thoracic Surgery

Robotic thoracic (lung) surgery is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove diseased lung tissue and possibly surrounding lymph nodes.

Small instruments attached to a robotic arm are placed through small incisions between the ribs. The magnified view and wristed tools allow the surgeon to make precise, controlled movements to remove lung tissue without making larger incisions to open the chest or spread the ribs. The robotic technique can be used for other chest procedures involving the lungs, esophagus, thymus and certain cardiac procedures besides lung cancer surgery.

TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)

TAVR is a minimally invasive option for people with severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening).

A new valve is installed through a catheter in a vein into the damaged aortic valve.

Once implanted, the valve is inflated — much like a stent — and deploys to look and perform like a natural heart valve.

Patient referrals are needed for these procedures. Talk to your doctor to see if they are right for you.