About Cardiac Surgical Associates of Western Mass
Founded in 1978 by Drs. Richard M. Engelman and John A. Rousou, Cardiac Surgical Associates of Western Massachusetts, is a widely recognized leader in the field of heart surgery. The group, which today includes Drs. Rousou, Joseph E. Flack, David W. Deaton and Daniel T. Engelman, has published hundreds of medical studies, pioneered new surgical procedures and is regularly selected to participate in national clinical trials. Along with the leadership of our surgeons, this work is made possible by the dedication of our assistants, perfusionists, midlevel providers and operating room team.
Baystate Medical Center performs more than 650 open-heart surgical procedures each year. The sole cardiovascular and aortic surgical practice in Western Massachusetts, the Center serves all of western and eastern Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties. Patients frequently travel to the Center from neighboring areas of Connecticut, Vermont, New York and New Hampshire for treatment. They are drawn by the practice’s expertise in coronary artery bypass procedures, particularly arterial grafts, and its outstanding results in valve repair and replacement as well as aortic, ventricular, and adult congenital surgeries.
The Baystate surgical team was the first in the country to demonstrate the benefits of "fast-track" recovery from heart surgery. By altering medications, reducing administered fluids, promoting pulmonary care and providing aggressive cardiac rehabilitation, the team helped patients recover faster from cardiac surgery. This innovative approach also resulted in less complications and discomfort.
Along with speeding healing, the Baystate surgery team is at the forefront of efforts to reduce stroke risk following cardiac surgery. In 1995, the group was awarded a National Institute of Health grant to develop improved bypass techniques, a unique honor for Baystate. Additionally, ours was the second group in the United States to introduce the use of a special filter placed temporarily into the aorta during surgery to trap loose debris that could otherwise result in a postoperative stroke.
Reducing the need for blood transfusions during surgery is a priority at Baystate. The group has developed and published techniques that diminish blood dilution during cardiopulmonary bypass and raise postoperative blood counts.
Baystate Medical Center is world-renowned for its research in the protection of the heart during cardiopulmonary bypass. The Center has introduced techniques to optimize the recovery of the heart following surgery. Our survival rates exceed that of many of the best known open-heart surgery programs in the country. Married with this technical expertise is a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
The Baystate surgical team is well versed in the newest methods of minimally invasive surgery. Robotic and video-assisted procedures enable surgeons to repair the heart through small incisions in the chest wall. Other innovative techniques eliminate the need for a cardiopulmonary bypass pump. These less invasive procedures typically reduce the pain, trauma and complications of heart surgery, shortening recovery and hospital stays.
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