In 2004, Saint Joseph’s established the most comprehensive Heart Failure Program in Atlanta. The primary goal of the Institute’s Cardiac Heart Failure Center (HFC) is to keep heart failure patients out of the hospital. Toward that end, the HVI’s Heart Failure Program - Atlanta’s most comprehensive - offers:
Extensive cardiac monitoring
Lab work
Bioimpedence analysis
Fluid status check
IV therapy
External counter pulsation
In many cases, physicians choose to refer patients directly to the Heart Failure Program rather than the emergency department, for rapid treatment and evaluation. Referring physicians direct all patient care plans, and receive timely clinical data and analysis from staff. Please see the list of medical advisors below.
Heart Failure Program Team
John B. O'Connell, M.D, Executive Director, Heart Failure Program
Dr. O'Connell has been involved in heart transplantation since 1983. He started the Loyola University Medical Center Heart Transplant Program where he held the position of Medical Director from 1984-1986. In addition he held the Medical Directorship title at UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program from 1986-1991. For the next 14 years Dr. O'Connell had served as Chairman, Department of Medicine at both the University of Mississippi Medical Center and at Wayne State University. In 2005 he took the opportunity to start Northwestern University's heart transplant program in Chicago, which has quickly become known as a Center of Excellence in transplantation.
Dr. O'Connell has also held the position of President of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) from 1991-1992 and continues to be very involved. Along with having more than 25 years of experience in heart transplantation, Dr. O'Connell also has considerable experience in both approved and experimental ventricular assist devices (VADs). Saint Joseph's Hospital is happy to have recruited him and his experience in Heart Failure and Transplantation in 2009.
Donald Jansen, M.D., Medical Director Dr. Jansen has been a transplant cardiologist at Saint Joseph's since 1987. Dr. Jansen has extensive experience in treating patients with congestive heart failure and he is an expert in transplant cardiology, immunosuppression and long term care of the transplant patient.
Jeffrey Miller, M.D., Surgical Director Dr. Miller has performed more than 60 heart transplants since joining Saint Joseph's in 2000. Dr. Miller also leads the ventricular assist device program using the Tandem Heart, Abiomed, Thoratec and Heartmate artificial hearts. Dr. Miller trained under renowned heart surgeon, Michael DeBakey, MD.
For patients with chronic heart failure, education and understanding can be powerful adjunct therapy. Heart Failure University, part of Saint Joseph’s Heart Failure Center, offers a six-week program ideal for patients:
Newly-diagnosed with heart failure
Being discharged
Who have had multiple admissions for heart failure
During the initial visit, each patient is screened for sleep apnea, anemia and thyroid disorders. Followed in a classroom setting, patients learn:
Behavior modification, as it relates to daily weight monitoring
Fluid and sodium restriction guidelines
Nutrition
Exercise and activity recommendations
Medications do’s and don’ts
Weekly clinical updates keep referring physicians informed about the patient’s vital signs, bioimpedence study, kidney and thyroid checks, lab studies and physical exams.
For more information about the Heart Failure Program, please call 678-843-5801. To find a physician, please call 678-843-7312.
