More than 5,000 heart surgeries have been performed at MMC since
1989. We have 24-hour coverage provided by cardiac surgeons of the East
Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group.
Methodist has two dedicated heart surgery suites, as well as a
dedicated cardiovascular intensive care unit, staffed by cardiac
trained RNs. First in the area to use carepaths, which guides the care
of heart surgery patients, MMC also utilizes RN case management to
educate and follow the patients throughout their hospitalization.
All types of adult open-heart surgeries are performed at Methodist,
including first- time coronary artery bypass grafting, redo bypass
grafting, and the Ross procedure. MMC surgeons also perform the newest
state-of-the-art procedures such as off-pump bypass, (which eliminates
prolonged ventilator time) and endoscopic vein harvesting, which
results in a short leg incision (~2-3".) Aortic and mitral valve
surgeries also are performed, using a full array of mechanical and
biological prostheses, including the stentless bioprosthetic aortic
valve.