 Basic research has led to an understanding of the causes of many forms of heart disease. This has, in turn, led to the development of lifestyle recommendations and medications to prevent many forms of these problems. Ultrasound, radioactive isotopes, angiograms, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are now routinely employed to evaluate and diagnose cardiac and vascular problems. Portable monitors that can be computer-evaluated transtelephonically are used daily to diagnose heart rhythm disorders. Drills, shavers, lasers, suction devices and implantable metallic scaffolds (stents) are used to unblock clogged blood vessels and avoid the need for coronary artery bypass operations. Implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as procedures to eradicate abnormal electrical connections in the heart is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms that could otherwise lead to fainting or death. Implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as procedures to eradicate abnormal electrical connections in the heart, are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms which could otherwise lead to fluttering of the heart or fainting. It is no longer possible to be an expert in the entire field of cardiovascular medicine - it is too broad and there are too many technical aspects for any one person to master. It is, therefore, crucial that a cardiovascular specialist who is knowledgeable and technically proficient at evaluate heart and blood vessel problems. Savannah Cardiology provides experienced and expert cardiac care to the low country of South Carolina. With the addition of Dr. J. Calvin Sharp in August 2000, Savannah Cardiology established its Hilton Head/Bluffton Office. Dr. Sharp was joined by Dr. Jay M. Kalan in August 2001 and together they provide the Beaufort and Jasper County comminutes with both general and interventional cardiac care. The primary office is located near Hilton Head Hospital at #8 Hospital Center Blvd in Physicians Park Plaza. The Hilton Head office is staffed full time by Dr. Sharp and Dr. Kalan. We also have an office at the Bluffton-Okatie Outpatient Center, which is located near Sun City at the intersection of Highways 278 and 170. The offices are staffed by Nancy Pense, R.N.; Dana Lozier, Front Desk/Secretary; Robin Butler, Medical Assistant; and Leigh Peake, Certified Echocardiography Technologist. Our Hilton Head and Okatie Offices provide full time office hours for clinic visits. In-office diagnostic testing includes stress testing, echocardiography (ultrasound pictures of the heart), ECG's holter and event rhythm monitoring, coumadin and cholesterol surveillance, and pacemaker management. Both Drs. Sharp and Kalan provide nuclear stress testing using our new GE camera recently installed on the Island. All stress testing is performed under direct physician supervision. We pride ourselves on offering these services to our patients and referring physicians in a timely and convenient manner. Dr. Sharp and Dr. Kalan have active staff privileges at Hilton Head Center, and use this hospital as their primary facility. Our close proximity to the hospital allows for easy availability for urgent care. Certain elective procedures can be performed on Hilton Head, such as cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation and electrical cardioversion of abnormal heart rhythms. Both physicians perform emergency interventional procedures at Hilton Head Hospital, such as coronary angioplasy and stent implantation. For elective interventional procedures, Drs. Sharp and Kalan have staff privileges at St. Joseph's Hospital and Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, where cardiac surgery back up is available. With physicians in Savannah full-time, patients admitted for elective procedures at these hospitals have full Cardiology coverage during their hospital stay. Our South Carolina offices provide the community with convenient and local follow up and management. Basic Research has led to an understanding of the causes of many forms of heart disease. This has, in turn, led to the development of lifestyle recommendations and medications to prevent many forms of these problems. Advanced Cardiac Imaging Techniques, including cardiac echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, nuclear stress testing, cardiac catheterization, computed tomography and even cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, are now routinely employed to evaluate and diagnose cardiac and vascular problems. Portable monitors that can be computer-evaluated transtelephonically are used to diagnose heart rhythm disorders without hospitalization. Advanced Cardiac Interventional Techniques include high pressure balloons, stents, rotablators, atherectomy devices, lasers, suction devices and implantable metallic stents are used to unblock clogged blood vessels and avoid the need for coronary artery bypass operations. Advanced Cardiac Device Techniques include implantation of pacemakers and automatic cardiac defibrillators, as well as procedures to eradicate abnormal electrical connections in the heart is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms that could otherwise lead to fainting or death. Advanced Cardiac Teamwork recognizes that it is no longer possible to be an expert in the field of cardiovascular medicine-it is too broad, and there are too many technical aspects for any one person to master. The ability to work with our highly skilled physician colleagues locally and at the best specialty centers creates a spectrum of possibilities for patient focused care. |