As Southeast Tennessee’s only academic heart center, The Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute is known throughout the region for providing the latest cardiac care advancements. Last year, Erlanger Health Systems decided to build on the heart center’s success to help it compete on a national scale.
With its recent $10 million investment, the new Heart and Lung Institute is transforming into a highly specialized hospital-within-a-hospital offering more in-house procedures and a collaborative team approach for comprehensive cardiac care.
Now, residents from Chattanooga and surrounding areas have access to a growing roster of world-class cardiac specialists and leading-edge procedures. And the center plans to continue making headlines nationwide for its groundbreaking studies and practices.
About Erlanger’s team of specialists
Under the skilled management of Dr. Charles Campbell, Erlanger’s Chief of Cardiology, The Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute has an established reputation for hiring the best cardiovascular specialists in the business. As part of this latest investment, the center recently added two new surgeons known for their expertise in minimally invasive heart procedures.
Dr. Larry Shears is one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the world. Using the da Vinci® Surgical System, he performs bypasses, valve replacements and other major surgeries without opening the chest. This is a great advancement in heart care, because more patients can get life-saving treatment with less expense and fewer complications.
Dr. Matthew Wiisanen is an expert at TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), a procedure that enables him to replace heart valves through one small incision. He has been at the forefront of this procedure since its introduction, and has performed more that 150 TAVR procedures to date — more than most U.S. hospitals.
The Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute is the only heart center in the region to offer board-certified specialists in:
- Advanced cardiovascular imaging
- Electrophysiology
- Interventional and structural cardiology
- Pediatric cardiology
- Advanced heart failure treatment
It has been designated the region’s only “Certified Center for Heart Attack Care” by the Joint Commission, which means it meets rigorous speed and quality standards.
The power of quality and collaboration
One of the hallmarks of the Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute is its highly collaborative approach. Doctors consult with one another regularly to ensure they are meeting patients’ needs. They also refer patients to other specialists, so patients can explore alternative treatments and make fully informed decisions about their care.
According to Erlanger’s President and CEO, Kevin M. Spiegel, “We’ve created an environment for our cardiologists and surgeons to work together. Unlike many heart centers, our physicians don’t compete for cases. Their only motivation is the best treatment for each patient.”
To learn more about the new Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute or to schedule an appointment, contact the center at 423-778-5661 or visit online.
