More "Heart" Comes to Physicians Regional

Statistics can often be scary. For example, it often seems that when a percent sign is used in print, there's always bad news to follow.

Case in point, according to the Centers for Disease Control and American Hospital Association, 75% of the US population over the age of 65 suffers from some type of cardiovascular disease. 

The National Institutes on Aging states that people aged 65 and older are much more likely than younger people to suffer a heart attack, have a stroke, or develop coronary heart disease and heart failure. Heart disease is also a major cause of disability, limiting activity and eroding the quality of life of millions of older people. 

Sounds ominous for those whose age has risen north of the 65 mark. 

Plus, over 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a heart attack every year. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. — one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds. 

Though most numbers coming at us today signify a change for the worse, I ask that you consider viewing statistics through the lens of a committed and benevolent healthcare professional. When the statistics don't appear to be in their favor, they become even more determined to defy the odds. As the heart is often associated with compassion and care, metaphorically speaking, the best of the best are often successful because they have heart.

However, the healthcare professional's reason for being is to change the statistics in favor of the patient. These extraordinary men and women exist to help us live longer, more meaningful lives. To witness this compassionate care in its most pronounced state is the opposite of oppressive; it's inspiring. 

This is precisely what I see every day at the Heart Center at Physicians Regional. 

With its advanced surgical equipment and technologies, our Heart Center allows for a wide range of interventional cardiology procedures, including minimally invasive structural heart procedures. These services include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, as well as aortic, carotid, and thoracic procedures.

Our gifted cardiac care teams provide heart care services for patients throughout the area. Our patients have received a wide range of treatments, from lifesaving procedures to education on a heart-healthy lifestyle; treatment is available for conditions ranging from heart failure to heart attack to vascular disease and beyond.

Since opening, our Heart Center has earned a distinguished three/out of three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes. The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places Physicians Regional among the elite for heart surgery in the United States and Canada.

All that said, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology Specialist Ronald Caputo, M.D., the most recent addition to our surgical team, is now among our Heart Center's greatest assets. 

Yes, more heart has arrived.

Dr. Caputo completed his residency at the University of Massachusetts after receiving his medical education at Georgetown University. This was followed by a fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a world-class teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Today, Dr. Caputo has over 20 years of experience in the field of Interventional Cardiology. 

Prior to moving to SW Florida from New York State, he was Director of the busiest Cardiology program outside of NYC. This team cared for more Acute MI (heart attack) patients than any hospital in the entire state. During his career, Dr. Caputo has been involved in the development and testing of new cardiac devices/technologies and is an author on over 90 peer-reviewed publications.

His success is a reflection of more humble beginnings. "My main role model was my father, an old-time town doctor," recalled Dr. Caputo. "Growing up, I remember traveling with him to make house calls. The impact he had on our community was tremendous. He made such a difference in people's lives it really motivated me to follow in his footsteps."  

As a physician, like his father before him, he places a premium on being relatable and a good listener. "Most patients will tell you what is wrong with them if you just let them. Although it is hard in today's fast-paced environment, I try to give patients the time they need to tell me their story."

Dr. Caputo's pride in our Heart Center is exceptionally gratifying—not just for his coworkers but for the patients who depend on the entire Heart Center team. "In roughly three years, we established a top-notch Cardiac Surgery program and one of the busiest structural heart programs in SW Florida. We started a primary PCI program at the Collier Hospital campus to help care for patients presenting there with heart attacks. Our Electrophysiology service and Clinical Cardiology services have been augmented. Critically, our outcomes, as judged by national registry data, have been truly excellent. Of equal importance, direct feedback tells us that the overall patient experience has been very positive. With strong administrative support, the Program continues to grow, add services, and strive to achieve further excellence."