Commitment to heart-healthy care grows for UCI Health
Excellence advanced by cardiology team of the Mary & Steve Wen Cardiovascular Division
October 24, 2024
“UCI Health is committed to offering patients the latest expertise, treatments and technology in its heart health program,” said Dr. Pranav M. Patel, chief of the Mary & Steve Wen Cardiovascular Division.
Orange, Calif. — Cardiovascular care in Orange County’s only academic health system has grown tremendously in recent years. UCI Health and the cardiologists of the Mary & Steve Wen Cardiovascular Division in the UC Irvine School of Medicine have established one of California’s leading heart health centers, with a commitment to providing world-class care, advanced by clinical innovation, at 11 UCI Health locations, including the Tsai Ya Au Heart & Vascular Pavilion at UCI Medical Center in Orange and the new Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care in Irvine.
Recognized for its cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic capabilities, UCI Health consistently delivers safe, high-quality heart care, setting benchmarks in the field of cardiovascular medicine. This commitment has been significantly strengthened by a recent $7.5 million gift from Joe C. Wen and his family to advance cardiovascular health through superior patient care, groundbreaking research, and the holistic training of future physicians.
“UCI Health is committed to offering patients the latest expertise, treatments and technology in its heart health program,” said Dr. Pranav M. Patel, chief of the Mary & Steve Wen Cardiovascular Division. “Bringing advances in the standard of care for those suffering from heart valve failure is an example of that dedication. This aligns with the Wen Cardiovascular division’s mission of delivering outstanding cardiovascular care, educating the next generation of leaders in cardiovascular medicine, and to leading the way in transformative medical research and innovation in this region.”
This commitment is reflected in its leading accreditations and certifications, including The Joint Commission, the American Heart Association and DNV Vascular Assist Device. UCI Health has consistently demonstrated adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Moreover, with advances like Orange County's first vascular assist-device-accredited program and it’s position as a benchmark site for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), UCI Health occupies a unique position in advancing cardiac care across the region. Its recognition as STEMI cardiovascular receiving center for Orange County’s emergency medical services further underscores its key role in acute cardiac care, ensuring timely and efficient interventions for patients experiencing ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
In addition to its accreditation, UCI Health and cardiologists in the Mary & Steve Wen Cardiovascular Division continue to expand services and capabilities, solidifying its position as a leader in California’s cardiology landscape. In July, Dr. Antonio H. Frangieh, medical director of the structural heart program, introduced transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement with implants in four patients. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the Edwards Lifesciences Evoque device in February 2024.
In addition, UCI Health has introduced several innovative programs, such as:
- The structural heart program, spearheaded by Dr. Antonio Frangieh, which provides access to cutting-edge treatments like TAVR and conducts groundbreaking research on tricuspid valve disorders.
- The amyloid program, led by Dr. Roxana Ghashghaei, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of amyloidosis, a rare but serious cardiac condition.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy service, led by Dr. Behram Mody and Dr. Jin Kim, dedicated to the comprehensive care of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Specialized services like women’s heart center, cardio-oncology, cardio-rheumatology, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, advanced cardiac imaging, and EP/pacemaker expertise led by Dr. David Donaldson.
- The integrative cardiology program combines the best of traditional, evidence-based diagnostic tools and therapies with eastern medicine and preventive therapies to provide patients with a truly holistic approach to their health. This cardiovascular prevention and lifestyle intervention program is provided by Dr. Irmina Gradus-Pizlo, Dr. Ailin Barseghian, Dr. Ali Naqvi and Dr. Shaista Malik. This team practices at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute on the UC Irvine campus.
- The cardiovascular faculty are committed to research and medical investigation. Our portfolio of heart health-related clinical trials is widely regarded as leading force for evidence‐based cardiovascular drug and technology development in Orange County.
These programs reflect the UCI Health commitment to addressing the unique needs of diverse patient populations and includes establishing programs like free cardiac health coaching, remote patient monitoring, post-heart failure hospitalization and HF Follow-up phone calls, all aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
This dedication to cardiovascular, interventional and cardiothoracic excellence is also reflected in the outcomes of patients who might not receive treatment elsewhere, due to age or other complications. The care available at a high-level of care center like ours provides treatment for complex and high-risk valvular heart disease cases, and extends the benefits of minimally invasive valve replacement to increasingly older or sicker patients, something many cardiac centers limit.
Recently, Frangieh successfully used TAVR to treat aortic valve failure in a 101-year old Orange County resident and naval veteran.
“Our goal was to increase survivability and, importantly, to improve his quality of life,” Frangieh said.
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About UCI Health
UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The system comprises its main campus UCI Medical Center, a 459-bed, acute care hospital in Orange, Calif., four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and ambulatory care centers across the region. Recognized as a Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. UCI Health serves a region of nearly 4 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
