Atrial Fibrillation / Ablation / Rhythm Disorders

Atrial fibrillation, AF or A-fib, is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm. It is an irregular, often fast heart rhythm that originates in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This rhythm disorder affects nearly two million people in the United States. Although atrial fibrillation alone is not life-threatening, it can be bothersome and, in some individuals, it is associated with an increased risk of stroke.

The USC Center for the Comprehensive Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation at Keck Medicine of USC comprises a multidisciplinary team of world-renowned heart rhythm specialists dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. Our approach centers on the recognition that each patient’s condition is unique. Our model of care emphasizes the development of individualized patient treatment plans that incorporate state-of-the-art medical therapies for atrial fibrillation while striving to reduce or eliminate patient symptoms and decrease an individual’s risk of stroke. We also offer full diagnostic services and treatment options via our USC Cardiology Program and USC Electrophysiology Program.

Learn more

Learn more about USC Cardiology.

Learn more about the USC Electrophysiology Program.

Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM)

The USC Center for Vascular Care has a multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons and support staff who specialize in treating arterio-venous malformations (AVM). We offer minimally invasive endovascular procedures, as well as open operations and combinations of both. The clinicians in the program perform diagnostic and interventional endovascular procedures in a comprehensively equipped state-of-the-art operating room/angiographic suite. Advanced noninvasive imaging options can be employed for detailed diagnosis and visualization. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in vascular surgery, plastic surgery and radiology who collaboratively develop a treatment plan for every patient.

Learn more

Cardiology / Heart Health

Each year, heart disease is at the top of the list of the country’s most serious health problems. Heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension, high cholesterol are all examples of cardiovascular disease.

At the USC Cardiovasular Institute (CVTI), our team of dedicated professionals including cardiologists, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons are committed, not only to delivering world class, cutting edge, individualized care for our patients with heart disease, but also to providing education and preventative services for individuals at risk of developing heart disease.

Learn more

Congenital Heart Disease in Adults

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect in the United States – occurring in 1 in every 110 births. Medical breakthroughs have made it possible for patients born with heart disease to reach adulthood and live longer lives. Currently, there are more than one million adults living in the United States with adult congenital heart disease, and the number continues to rise by approximately five percent every year. The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center at Keck Medicine of USC utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care. The team includes surgeons and cardiologists specialized in both pediatric and adult congenital heart disease, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, hematologists, endocrinologists, obstetricians and gynecologists, psychiatrists and neurologists. A unique afiliation with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) allows us to provide young adults who still need ongoing medical care with a seamless transition to an adult care setting. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care with compassion and a family-centered approach to congenital heart disease in the adult patient.

Learn more

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is caused by the accumulation of cholesterol-laden plaques within the walls of the arteries. Left untreated, these plaques can grow and eventually begin to obstruct blood flow causing chest pain. Occasionally these plaques can suddenly rupture and cause a heart attack. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and innovative non-invasive therapies, our USC Cardiology specialists are able to address this common and preventable disease. We apply the very latest in drug therapy and risk-factor modification techniques to treat our patients with coronary artery disease and to prevent the development of coronary disease in those who may be at risk.

When symptoms of coronary disease are severe or when noninvasive testing has indicated significantdisease, it may be necessary to image the coronaries directly with angiographic techniques in order to identify treatment options. These options may include a percutaneous or catheter-based intervention such as coronary stenting.

If surgery becomes necessary, our cardiac surgeons enjoy the finest reputation for excellence in the Los Angeles area and routinely tackle challenging cases refused at community hospitals. Our USC Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery team gives patients direct access to the latest treatment approaches, using innovation as a guide when conventional therapy is not an option.

Learn more

Learn more about USC Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

Heart Failure and Transplantation

Heart failure is associated with coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, hypertension and other disease states. Clinical care may include outpatient treatment, in-home infusion therapy, coronary artery or valve surgery, device therapy or heart transplantation. The USC Center for Advanced Heart Failure offers patients medical management which is focused and intensive, electrophysiology optimization, remote monitoring, home infusion and ultrafiltration, mechanical circulatory support (e.g., VADs) and access to innovative clinical trials. The USC Heart Transplantation Program provides a full range of reparative cardiac procedures and technologies.

Learn more

Learn more about the USC Heart Transplantation Program.

Heart Valve Disease

Experts in the USC Valve Repair and Replacement Program are experienced in treating advanced heart valve disease. Problems associated with heart valve disease include regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse or stenosis. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery may also be used to repair or replace a damaged heart valve.

Learn more

Hypertension

Hypertension affects more than one billion people worldwide. It has been called the silent killer, because many patients with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms. Over time, untreated or inadequately treated hypertension increases a patient’s risk of other serious health issues such as kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure.

The mission of our multidisciplinary team of nephrologists, cardiologists and vascular surgeons at the Center for Vascular Care within the CVI at USC is to provide comprehensive individualized care to our patients with difficult to control hypertension, including the evaluation and identification of potentially reversible or curable forms of hypertension. The central premise of our approach is that hypertension is a heterogeneous disorder, which requires individualizing both the evaluation and treatment plan for each patient with hypertension, according to his or her specific clinical profile.

Learn more

Learn more about USC Cardiology.

Lung Disease

The USC Lung Transplant Program provides treatment for emphysema, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis. The innovative team pioneered the living-related lobar transplantation procedure, an alternative therapy for ill patients unlikely to survive the waiting list for a lung donor.

Learn more

Peripheral Arterial Disease and Critical Limb Ischemia

The USC Center for Vascular Care provides accurate diagnosis and effective therapies for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), limb pain that occurs at rest. Severely compromised blood flow threatens the vitality of the limb. CLI, a severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is a major cause of death and disability. The program also offers advanced noninvasive vascular testing for PAD, comprehensive management of cholesterol and other risk factors, and a sophisticated wound care program to treat difficult-to-heal wounds.

Learn more

Venous Disease

The USC Center for Vascular Care specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of venous disease, including deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, varicose veins, post thrombotic syndrome, venous ulcers and spider veins. We offer a wide variety of endovenous techniques for the treatment of chronic DVT, venous ulcers, leg edema and SVC syndrome. We also offer state-of-the-art treatments for varicose veins, spider veins and venous ulcers. Therapies we offer for varicose veins include radiofrequency endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, ligation and stripping and stab avulsion.

Learn more

Women’s Heart Disease and Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women, but a large percentage aren’t aware that heart disease is their greatest health risk. The Women’s Cardiovascular Center of the USC Cardiac and Vascular Institute recognizes that women experience heart disease differently than men. We are committed to improving the cardiovascular health of women through comprehensive cardiovascular care with an emphasis on education and prevention. Our multidisciplinary team of experienced female cardiologists offers a wide range of cardiovascular services tailored to women, including cardiovascular risk assessment and evaluation of symptoms, lifestyle management, diagnostic services and individualized treatment plans.

Learn more