Last March, SAVAHCS marked a significant advancement in cardiac care for Veterans with the expansion of its cardiology services. A new service line focused on transcatheter therapies, which involves minimally invasive procedures performed through small incisions in the groin. This expansion comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance medical services for Veterans in the region.

Tucson VA is the only structural heart program in their Veterans Integrated Services Network. 

“Because we are a snowbird town, we have lots of people who are here to get their medical care,” said Ji Eun Park, MD, interventional cardiologist who performs these transcatheter therapies. “The big referral streams that we see in helping facilitate this care through the VA is Phoenix [and Prescott].” 

The new Structural Heart Subspecialty Clinic at SAVAHCS represents a significant step forward in providing advanced cardiac care to Veterans. Transcatheter therapies, which are now available at the facility, offer less invasive alternatives to traditional open-heart surgeries for various cardiac conditions. These procedures can lead to shorter recovery times and improved outcomes for patients, particularly those who may not be candidates for more invasive surgical options.

“You don't have to open the chest…, go on a heart pump…, [or] need to stay in the hospital for more than a week,” said Park. Our patients go home the next day right after an aortic valve replacement.” 

Shawn McKissick, NP, who serves as the Structural Heart Coordinator emphasized the clinic's role in this educational effort. “The Cardiology Subspecialty Clinic at SAVAHCS opened last March,” said McKissick. “It’s expected to significantly reduce wait times for specialized cardiac care by having service in-house and provide a more comprehensive approach to treating structural heart diseases.” 

Services will include advanced diagnostic procedures, minimally invasive treatments, and ongoing management of complex cardiac conditions.

Local Veterans have expressed enthusiasm about the new services. One Vietnam War Veteran and Tucson resident, shared, "It's reassuring to know that we now have access to this level of cardiac care right here in Tucson. It shows that the VA is really listening to our needs." 

Having a dedicated Structural Heart Program helps to revolutionize the treatment of complex cardiac conditions that affect the heart's valves and structures. “When the care is centralized here it is so much easier for the patients,” said Park.

By introducing these specialized services, SAVAHCS is positioning itself as a leader in Veteran cardiac care in the Southwest. “This is not just about doing one procedure at one time it's really about continuing this and growing the program to serve the people who are here to serve.” The clinic's establishment reflects a commitment to improving health outcomes and quality of life for veterans with complex heart conditions.

The Subspecialty Clinic is expected to provide Veterans with access to cutting-edge cardiac procedures and treatments previously unavailable at SAVAHCS. This development allows for more localized, specialized care, reducing the need for veterans to travel long distances for advanced cardiac services.