East Carolina University Cardiothoracic Surgery Newsletter |
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Welcome to the 3rd Edition of the ECU Cardiothoracic Surgery Newsletter
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3 of 3 Star Rating in the Mitral Valve Program |
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Congratulations Dr. Nifong! The mitral valve program has achieved 3 stars, positioning us among the top 10% of programs nationwide. With this success, we now hold 3 stars in 4 out of 6 categories.
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Mitral Valve Repair/Replace |
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3 of 3 Star Rating now in 4 of 6 Categories |
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Coronary artery bypass grafting |
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Aortic Valve Replacement + Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting | |
Mitral Valve Repair/Replace |
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Multiple Procedures Overall |
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90% of cardiac surgery programs contribute data to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database, and earning 3 stars signifies outcomes that exceed expectations. Our dedicated data manager, Linda Kindell, tirelessly pursues excellence.
Our valve program remains at the forefront of innovation, embracing new technologies and procedures. Our skilled surgeons and cardiologists share their expertise globally, teaching, presenting, and developing these advanced techniques.
We appreciate all your efforts daily to ensure that the heart center continues to be one of the finest in the world.
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AI Generated Videos for Patients |
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Our Nurse Specialists have developed an AI-generated educational video and pre-operative packets designed to help patients better prepare for surgery. This innovative resource walks viewers through the pre-operative and post-operative process.
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In-Patient Post-Operative Classes |
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To further support a safe and successful recovery, our Nurse Specialists now offer inpatient training sessions for family members and caregivers. These brief, informative classes take place before discharge and provide practical guidance on how to assist with post-operative care at home.
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Genetic Testing Now Available in Our Aortic Program |
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We are excited to share that genetic testing has been incorporated into our Aortic Program at ECU Health. This innovative service enables us to detect inherited conditions impacting the aorta, such as Marfan syndrome and other genetic aortic disorders, allowing us to offer enhanced protection for you and your family. The introduction of genetic testing signifies a leap toward more tailored care, timely interventions, and well-informed choices for patients and their families.
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Congratulations to Dr. Degner for successfully placing the AMDS Hybrid Prosthesis graft, the first of its kind in the state, to repair an Acute Type A aortic dissection. As Director of the Aortic Program at ECU Health, Dr. Degner exemplifies our ongoing commitment to delivering the most advanced and innovative care to our patients.
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Dr. Williams' Retirement Party |
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After more than 40 years of exceptional service, Dr. J. Mark Williams is retiring from the Cardiac Surgery team at the East Carolina Heart Institute. Since joining in 1986, Dr. Williams has performed well over 6,000 open-heart surgeries and has been a trusted leader, mentor, and compassionate caregiver to patients across eastern North Carolina.
Dr. Williams helped shape the region’s cardiac care through clinical excellence and education. His legacy will continue through the many surgeons he mentored and the lives he touched. We thank Dr. Williams for his decades of dedication and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.
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Aortic Awareness Day 9/19/ 2025 |
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Join us as we continue our mission to raise awareness, educate the community, and support those affected by aortic disease. Building on the momentum of last year’s successful inaugural event, this year’s Aortic Awareness Day promises to be even more impactful.
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Cardiothoracic Surgery Babies |
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We are delighted to announce the news that our cardiac surgery nurse practitioner, Albert Rosner, and his wife have welcomed a lovely baby boy into their family! Oliver Rossner-Alvarez made his entrance on March 17, weighing 7lbs, 15oz. Let's extend our warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations to Albert and his expanding family as they embark on this thrilling new journey. Welcome to the world, Oliver!
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| We would also like to highlight Vernice Murphy, our Surgical Fellowship Programs Training Administrator, recently became a grandmother! She proudly welcomes her new grandson, baby Noah, weighing 6 lbs, 8 oz. Congratulations, MeMe!"
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Graduations and Congratulations |
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Congratulations to Chief Resident Ryan Huttinger on his graduation as he wraps up his training and heads back to Fayetteville. His contributions to our program over the past two years have been invaluable, and we are grateful for his exceptional efforts. We are confident that he will excel in surgery, leadership, and teaching in his new role.
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Congratulations to Dr. Jacob Buckner for his work titled A Robotic Surgical Approach for Concomitant Primary Lung Cancer and Coronary Artery Disease, which received Honorable Mention Case Report with Literature Review Poster during our 2025 ECU Health Medical Center Medical Staff GME Research Day.
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Please join us in welcoming our new fellow, Lauren Johnson, who joins us from the University of Arkansas. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the great work ahead!
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Photo taken by Shattered Violet Photography.
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Down on Flow recently had an exciting performance at BellaGreen Latin Sports Bar and Grill. The atmosphere was lively, and we are thrilled to share that they will return to BellaGreen on 8/8/2025 at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, they'll be showcasing their talent at Mulberry House in Washington on 9/6/2025.
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At ECU Cardiothoracic Surgery, our mission is to improve the Cardiovascular health and well-being of eastern North Carolina and to become the national rural health and wellness model by creating a premier, trusted health care delivery and education system.
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Edited by: Michael Mintz and Kathren Wilkerson
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115 Heart Drive Greenville, NC 27834
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115 Heart Dr, None | Greenville, NC 27858 US
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