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| Vol. 23, No. 19 |
| October 15, 2001 |
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FROM THE PRESIDENT Cardiac care in the Texas Medical Center recently achieved yet another milestone when, for only the third time in the world, a complete artificial heart was transplanted into a patient. This new and promising procedure happened here, at the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. For more than 30 years, technology in cardiac medicine has been developing, leading to this important scientific breakthrough, and Texas Heart Institute researchers, as well as researchers from other institutions around the nation, led the way to contribute to the AbioCor artificial heart's design. In addition to this recent innovation, the Texas Heart Institute has the largest and most fully equipped cardiac catheterization lab in the world. More than 10,500 diagnostic and interventional procedures are performed at the institute every year. For 11 years in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the Texas Heart Institute among the top heart centers in the nation, and No. 1 in the Southwest. The Texas Heart Institute is a world leader in cardiac care and research, and along with other elite heart centers, sets today's standard for optimal practice, education and research. Other institutions in the Texas Medical Center continue to make cardiac care history as well. The Methodist DeBakey Heart Center, whose namesake is cardiac pioneer Dr. Michael DeBakey, provides a novel approach to cardiac care from professionals at two institutions - The Methodist Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. The benefits of this team approach are numerous, yet they have a common goal: to improve the quality of life and satisfaction among heart patients. Annually, the Methodist DeBakey Heart Center performs more than 6,000 cardiac catheterizations, 2,500 angioplasties, 1,300 open-heart surgeries, and has performed more than 425 heart transplants in the last 10 years. At Texas Children's Hospital, the cardiology staff performs nearly 10,000 echocardiograms per year, using ultrasound technology to provide pictures of the heart. Texas Children's lab is one of only 13 pediatric labs in the United States that is certified and accredited for children, and the only one in the Southwest. At Memorial Hermann Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, a division of the Memorial Hermann Heart Center, cardiac programs are designed to introduce risk factor techniques that prevent the progression or development of heart disease; increase the functional capabilities of patients through exercise, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility; and instill patient confidence by helping them to resume normal daily activities. On another note, in regard to the events of Sept. 11 and the war against terrorism, the Texas Medical Center wants to reassure international patients that the institutions here are committed to providing high-quality, uncompromised care in a safe and secure environment, and we offer our international visitors a special welcome. From its inception, the Texas Medical Center has been a destination for those seeking the best health care services, medical education, and research opportunities. The institutions provide these services to all, in a safe and secure environment, and stand ready to serve the world's health care needs.
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