Cardiology

Word from the Chief

“What you learn in the basic research lab is basically the basis for tomorrow's treatments. At Montefiore-Einstein Heart Center, we're not satisfied with small incremental advances on current care – we're looking for totally new and improved procedural techniques. Our patients benefit from being cared for in an environment where cardiologists and surgeons are perpetually thinking outside the box.”

Richard N. Kitsis, MD
Chief, Division of Cardiology

At Montefiore-Einstein Heart Center, we know our patients are hungry to return to the lives their illnesses forced them to put on hold. Every day, our compassionate staff fights to restore heart health to patients in our care. A Montefiore-Einstein heart patient is a person first-not just a diagnosis in need of treatment.

Because we know our patients trust us with the hearts they love best, we include them in regular, open discussions about their conditions, treatment options, and procedure details. We listen to our patients' concerns and encourage them to ask for clarification – at Montefiore-Einstein there is no question too small.  Appointments are made in a timely manner and doctors are always accessible to help patients navigate every leg of their journeys.

Leaders in Cardiac Care

The cardiology team offers care for patients at every level of heart health:

• Consultive cardiology
  The Consultive cardiology team creates an individualized treatment plan based on the specific needs of the individual patient from person-centered consultations. It is ranging from behavior modification to lessen the risk of ever needing surgery up to treatments to improve quality of life for a patient with advanced cardiac disease.
• Cardiac imaging
  This department is responsible for giving cardiologists clear views of the heart to make accurate diagnosis possible. Montefiore-Einstein maintains the largest echocardiogram in New York City. The team is committed to pursuing the latest advances in cardiac imagery, from transesaphogeal echocardiogram (TEE) to cutting edge three-dimensional technology that allows cardiologists to get the clearest picture of cardiac arteries available today.
• Interventional cardiology
  Montefiore-Einstein's Interventional Cardiology Group offers a complete array of diagnostic and treatment tools-from cardiac catheterization to a full range of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) such as angioplasty and stent.
  
  Arrhythmia services
  Providing a full battery of non-invasive diagnostic testing, the department of Arrhythmia Services concentrates on patient care and comfort in securing proper diagnoses. Through the use of electrophysiology studies, this department can pinpoint the cause of arrhythmia and use the information to make choices about the best course of treatment.
  
  Advanced cardiac care
  From the latest cardiac medications to mechanical heart assist devices, such as heart pump, all the way through to transplant, Montefiore's advanced cardiac care department offers patients a full range of heart failure treatment.

Pioneers in Cardiology

Since Montefiore-Einstein made headlines in 1958 as the first medical center to implant a pacemaker, they have remained at the forefront of cardiothoracic medicine. Since 1975, Montefiore-Einstein has received millions of research dollars from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to research the genetics of heart disease, the molecular biology of heart muscle, and the causes of heart failure.

© 2008 Montefiore Medical Center