LCMC Health's East Jefferson Hospital Expands Cardiovascular Services with New Accreditations

The cardiovascular intensive care unit at LCMC Health's East Jefferson General Hospital has received two new accreditations at the end of 2024, expanding the unit's range of services significantly.

In November, the East Jefferson campus gained accreditation for the implantation of the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) in heart failure patients, and in December, the institution was authorized to perform heart transplants. These recent credentials, granted by third-party entities DNV and UNOS, underscore the institution's premier quality of care for the Gulf Coast's population.

According to Dr. Sasa Vukelic, Director of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology at LCMC Health and Tulane, the LVAD supports a failing heart in pumping blood, enabling patients experiencing heart failure to continue their daily lives while waiting for a heart transplant.

Dr. Vukelic emphasized that LVAD recipients, known as bridge-to-transplant candidates, can lead active lives; some may even work full-time or go to the gym. For patients receiving a permanent LVAD, they are referred to as destination candidates.

“I get patients sometimes who are working full-time and even going to the gym with a LVAD,” said Dr. Vukelic. “These devices allow us a speedy solution for somebody who is sick.”

LCMC Health values offering both LVAD and heart transplant procedures in one location, ensuring patients receive streamlined cardiovascular care. This integrated approach has been meaningful for Ann Robinson, LCMC Health's first LVAD recipient, who is nearing discharge.

“I’m feeling a lot better!” Robinson stated. “The nurses, the doctors, they’ve all been very gentle-mannered and sweet to me. I feel like family.”

Robinson, a native of New Orleans East, has sought cardiovascular care for the past 19 years. She developed blood clots in her heart during pregnancy and had to return to the hospital several times in late 2024 due to fluid buildup around her heart. While pursuing a heart transplant, she looks forward to improved health.

Dr. Vukelic's support was crucial for Robinson's confidence in her surgery. “At first, I was scared, but then with the confidence he had in me, I knew everything was going to be alright,” Robinson expressed.

Access to complex cardiovascular solutions has been limited for Louisiana residents. Dr. Vukelic identified the area's need for a full-service cardiovascular center, noting the state’s high rates of heart-related diseases but disproportionately low transplant numbers.

“It was very common for any complex cardiac surgery to be sent to Houston or other large cities,” said Dr. Jamil Borgi, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at LCMC Health. “Now, we’ve practically extinguished the need for that.”

Under Dr. Vukelic and Dr. Borgi's leadership, the facility has become a hub for advanced cardiovascular care across the Gulf Coast region.

Additionally, the unit has improved its care for cardiogenic shock patients, an acute complication demanding immediate diverse therapies. Dr. Borgi stated, “We have a formal team at a formal location, and our nurses are trained for these types of patients.”

Developing a multi-disciplinary cardiovascular team has been a priority for LCMC Health, facilitating management of chronic and acute illnesses. Dr. Vukelic added, “We are extending our hand everywhere... this is really a project that is important for the whole state and entire Gulf Coast region.”