Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute interventional cardiologist Luther Carter, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, and cardiothoracic surgeon Russell Ronson, M.D., FACS, FACC, have successfully performed a heart procedure using a new therapy called AngioVac. Baptist is the first hospital in Northwest Florida to use this innovative technology.

“This is the first procedure of this type done in our area,” said Dr. Ronson. “It reflects our commitment to bringing the most current state-of-the-art heart and vascular care to patients in the Panhandle.”

AngioVac is a device used in surgeries requiring heart bypass to treat endocarditis, retrieval of blood clots and other complex cardiac diseases.

“This technology allows us to treat patients such as those with tricuspid valve endocarditis who were previously untreatable without major cardiac surgery to clear their infections,” said Dr. Carter. “In addition, we are able to treat patients with infected pacemaker leads potentially without having to remove the leads. Lastly, we can treat patients with large blood clots in veno-occlusive disorders such as lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT.) As physicians, this technology allows us to remain on the leading edge in offering effective therapies to our patients.”

For more information about Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute, visit eBaptistHealthCare.org.