Jersey Shore University Medical Center Joins National Heart Care Initiative

Medical center is the third in New Jersey to follow treatment protocols outlined by Henry Ford Health System’s National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative and be accepted into the collaborative.

Severe heart attacks can cause an often fatal, but rare condition called cardiogenic shock in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center is using a new method to treat this condition, utilizing an advanced heart pump device, improving survival of patients. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is only the third hospital in New Jersey following treatment protocols outlined by Henry Ford Health System’s National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative and accepted into the collaborative.

“We are excited to share this treatment protocol, cardiogenic team approach and innovative technology with our community. This expands our ability to care for patients successfully in critical, emergency situations,” said Director of the Cardiogenic Shock Initiative at Jersey Shore University Medical Center Aditya Mehra, M.D., FACC, FSCAI. “The initial pilot study of this treatment showed a 50 to 76 percent improvement in patient survival as opposed to using conventional methods. This is the first method to show improvement in survival in more than 20 years. Good news for the approximately 100,000 Americans a year who will suffer cardiogenic shock after a heart attack.”

The treatment process includes standard techniques to open blocked coronary arteries, angioplasty and stent placement, combined with the use of state-of-the-art technology and reduction in medication given to patients. Rapid placement of an Impella heart pump, labeled the world’s smallest by manufacturer ABIOMED, better prepares the patient’s heart to accept treatment and ensure blood is pumped to the rest of the body while allowing recovery. Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Cardiogenic Shock Team then shares quality data on each patient with the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative team to continue to develop best practices.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center performs more diagnostic and life-saving interventional cardiac procedures than any other hospital in the region and second most in New Jersey. As a leader in cardiovascular services, the medical center provides the only open and minimally invasive heart surgery program in Monmouth and Ocean counties.