TMH Recognized for Use of New Heart Disease Diagnostic Tool

TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group, is the first practice in North Florida to use this advanced technology

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023) – Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) was recently recognized for its use of HeartFlow Analysis, a non-invasive 3D-modeling tool that allows TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group, to diagnose patients with heart disease with more accuracy and precision. TMH began using the HeartFlow Analysis last year – the first healthcare provider in North Florida to adopt this new technology – and has since used it to evaluate over 200 patients.

TMH was recognized for its expertise in using the technology to produce clear, high-quality CT images that inform accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

“The HeartFlow Analysis provides essential information through a convenient, non-invasive test that helps us develop the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient, without the need for unnecessary and stressful procedures,” said Gregory Hartlage, MD, cardiologist at TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group. “This new technology is beneficial for both our patients and the organization.”

The HeartFlow Analysis technology uses CT imaging to create a personalized digital 3D model of a patient’s heart that helps to identify blockages limiting blood flow to the heart. This allows physicians to more accurately diagnose heart disease and determine the best treatment for each patient.

"It is with great pleasure that we recognize Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare for its excellence in cardiovascular imaging with the HeartFlow CT Quality Award,” said Larry Adams, District Manager for HeartFlow. “This honor is bestowed upon medical centers that demonstrate excellence in the quality and utilization of CT imaging programs, which represent the top 20 percent of hospitals in the nation."

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States, and coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. CAD develops when the arteries leading to the heart narrow or become blocked, which may lead to a reduction in blood flow to the heart. This can cause chest pain, heart attacks and death. Identifying exactly where and how an artery is blocked or clogged can help improve a patient’s treatment plan -- including whether an intervention is needed.

“The HeartFlow Analysis is an additional tool for us in advanced CT Cardiac Imaging,” said Melisa Rodriguez Salas, Lead CT Technician at TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group. “I love being on the cutting edge of our patients’ heart health.”

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is home to one of the most advanced heart and vascular programs in the Southeast. Our cardiovascular physicians perform more complex procedures and clinical research than any other program in our region. From Cardio-Oncology to Heart Surgery and everything in between, there’s no need to go anywhere else for advanced cardiovascular care.

Learn more at TMH.ORG/Heart.