Cardiovascular Services

KCH is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care 

Knox Community Hospital’s Stroke Program has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Silver quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

 

Know How to Care for Your Heart

List to Dr. Barry George on WCLT T100

Happy Family

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen in people without heart disease.

About 80% of cases are due to existing coronary artery disease. Those affected were unaware of their heart disease until they had a sudden cardiac arrest.

 
In a heart emergency, seconds count.

When you or your family member are experiencing a heart attack, have a plan in place to utilize EMS services by calling 911 so that their team can provide life-saving care until you arrive at the Emergency Department. When treatment options for a heart attack may include an interventional procedure like stenting to open a blocked artery and add life-saving seconds to preserving cardiac muscle, you can count on us.

The Cardiovascular Services Team at Knox Community Hospital provides heart care treatment options uncommon in a rural hospital setting with a wide range of diagnostic testing and minimally invasive interventional treatment options. The Impella heart pump and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) care are two of those vital options to the heart muscle in an emergency.

KCH uses the Impella heart pump to take over the heart's pumping function during the stenting procedure.  

An intra-aortic balloon pump IABP is a mechanical device that helps the heart pump blood. 

Knox Community Hospital proudly collaborates with Electrophysiologists from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to bring advanced heart care treatment to Knox County, without the travel time. To schedule an appointment with Emile Daoud,MD (heart rhythm disorders) or Steven Kalbfleisch,MD (cardiac arrhythmias) please call 740.397.5400.

Cardiology Mount Vernon Ohio
Knox County's Accredited Chest Pain and PCI Center

chest pain accreditationKnox Community Hospital is a  PCI Accredited Chest Pain Center from the American College of Cardiology. 

Our evidence-based, protocol-driven approach to cardiac patient care allows our clinicians to reduce the time to treatment, critical during the early stages of a heart attack. Recovery is just as vital as early response and that is why our cardiology team uses guideline-directed aftercare to reduce the risk of rehospitalization.

Need a Stent? We've Got You Covered From Head to Toe!

Wright Family Medical Pavilion
1330 Coshocton Avenue
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

  • Barry S. George, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FACP
  • Gangaram Rasa, MD, FACC
  • Alix J. Tercius, MD, FACC, RPVI
  • Robert L. Drake, DO
  • Misty Bailey, APRN-CNP
  • Kristin Baker, APRN-CNP
  • Amanda Filler, APRN-CNP
  • Bethany Heffelfinger, APRN-CNP
Telephone
Fax
740.399.3706
Hands-Only CPR
Two steps to saving a life.
  • Call 911
  • Push Hard and Fast
Our Services
Atrial Fibrillation Management
AFib can happen to anyone.

What is AFib? (Atrial Fibrillation)?
AFib is a heart rhythm problem that may or may not be noticeable as a racing, pounding, or fluttering sensation.

What are the symptoms of AFib?
Common symptoms may include:

  • Racing heart, fluttering or palpitations
  • Fatigue, shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness
  • Or no noticeable symptoms at all

Get regular check-ups
It's important to listen to your heart. If you think you may have AFib, talk with your doctor, and find out what you can do to lower your risks for stroke.

People with AFib are at greater risk for stroke.

  • AFib is linked with a 5x higher stroke risk
  • Compared with white people – black people are approximately one-third less likely to be aware they have AFib.

Most people with AFib benefit from stroke protection

  • If you have AFib, chances are you need protection
  • Medications lower risks
  • Discuss your risk calculations with your health care provider. 

(heart.org)

For more information please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program designed to optimize cardiovascular health for those who have experienced heart-related conditions or incidents.

For more information, please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Cardiovascular Patient Navigators

The Cardiovascular Services Department utilizes The Patient Navigator Program: Focus MI, which leverages evidence-based best practices to improve heart attack patients' care and outcomes and further reduce hospital readmissions beyond 30 days.

KCH Cardiovascular Patient Navigators are available by phone ((740.393.9744) 7-days a week for any patient who has received a cardiac stent. Your Cardiac Navigator will meet with you in the hospital to assist in the coordination of your education and discharge care. Your navigator will also follow your recovery for the first three months after discharge to provide support and guidance during your recovery period.

For more information, please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Carotid Stenting

Carotid artery stenting is a procedure to open up a narrowed carotid artery. This procedure restores blood flow to the brain to prevent stroke. A stroke can occur if the artery becomes narrowed or blood clot forms, blocking blood flow to part of the brain.

For more information, please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Critical Limb Ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a condition that can occur over time when your leg arteries are damaged. It's a severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is caused when leg arteries are narrowed, reducing blood flow. If blood flow to the toe, foot, or leg is completely blocked, the tissue starts to die (gangrene). If this happens, you need medical care right away to restore blood flow and possibly save the leg.

For more information, please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Coumadin Management

For more information please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Device Clinic

Maintenance and assistance with the following devices are available through the Device Clinic by one of our interventional cardiologists. For more information on the Device Clinic, please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Types of devices

  • AICD (automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator)
  • Loop Monitor
  • Pacemaker
Heart Devices and Implants (including the World's Smallest Leadless Pacemaker!)
World's Smallest Leadless Pacemaker!

The KCH Cardiology and Cardiovascular Services teams also provide care for traditional pacemakers, automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) implants, loop monitors and Cardiac Rescynchronization therapy.

Heart Failure Clinic

The Heart Failure Clinic, located in the Wright Family Medical Pavilion, offers treatment solutions specific to heart failure patients and those in need of a Diuretic Clinic or assistance managing medications.

Procedures and Services Offered:

  • Left and Right Heart Catheterization
  • Cardio MEMS HF System Implant
  • Pacemaker Implantation
  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
  • Biventricular ICD 
  • Biventricular Pacemaker
  • Loop Recorder Implantation
  • Loop Recorder Removal
  • Congestive Heart Failure Clinic at the Wright Family Medical Pavilion
  • Infusion Clinic at the Wright Family Medical Pavilion
  • Device Clinic
  • Education
  • Social Services
  • Nutrition Consultation
  • Palliative Care Consultation
  • CHF Rehabilitation Therapy

For more information, please email our CHFclinic@KCH.org (phone 740.326.3446 | fax 740.399.3833).

PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) Rehabilitation

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can lead to pain caused by reduced blood flow during daily activities or while exercising. PAD Rehabilitation can provide resources and support for those working to achieve an optimal level of cardiovascular fitness.

For more information, please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

Peripheral Vascular Screening

KCH offers a basic screening of these arteries. Appointments are necessary, call 740.392.8378 to schedule.

  • This screening is offered for adults only.
  • The test will take approximately 30 minutes, fasting is not required. 
  • Cost: Peripheral Vascular Screening - $65. This will not be charged to insurance. You may pay by cash, check or credit card.
Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
EKOS Infusion Catheter

EKOS therapy is a minimally invasive system for dissolving thrombus in the treatment of a pulmonary embolism.

For more information please email our Cardiac.Navigator@KCH.org.

THE CARDIOMEMS™ HEART FAILURE SYSTEM

Manage heart failure from the comfort of your home.

The CardioMEMS™ HF (Heart Failure) System along with proper diet and medication can increase your quality of life and reduce the chances of heart failure hospitalization.

Contact us today! CHFclinic@KCH.org

Physicians

Alix J. Tercius, MD, MBA, FACC, RPVI
Cardiovascular Services

Alix J. Tercius MD, FACC, RPVI joined the Department of Specialty Care-…

Barry S. George, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FACP
Cardiovascular Services

Barry S. George MD joined the Department of Specialty Care- Cardiovascular…

Advanced Practitioners

Misty Bailey, APRN-CNP
Cardiovascular Services

Misty Bailey is a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

Misty grew up in Bellville and has been…

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