The Enloe Heart team offers a thoughtful, multi-disciplinary approach to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease to improve quality of life. From off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and endoscopic vein harvesting to an award-winning anticoagulation clinic, Enloe has earned a reputation as a trusted center for cardiac treatment.Enloe keeps updated with the latest technologies to treat patients.
Rigorous quality designations
In 2009, Enloe was re-designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care. Enloe first received the designation in 2007, when it was also one of 20 California hospitals recognized by Blue Shield of California’s Cardiac Quality Initiative for meeting standards of excellence established by the Blue Shield Cardiac Clinical Advisory Committee. Enloe was also designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care in 2008.
Taking advanced technology to heart with comprehensive services
Additional Information
Cardiothoracic Surgery 
The cardiac surgery program at Enloe is dedicated to improving quality of life for heart patients.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Coronary artery bypass surgery is a procedure where the blood supply to the heart is diverted around areas of blockage from atherosclerosis. The surgery provides the much needed blood supply, preventing further or potential damage to the heart muscle, and relieving symptoms of angina. It also allows the pumping ability of the heart to improve.
In order to divert the blood supply around a blocked coronary artery, a small section of non-essential artery or vein is used. These vessels can come from the radial artery in the arm, the internal mammary artery in the chest, or the saphenous vein in the leg.
Enloe offers both traditional bypass surgery and off-pump bypass surgery. Traditional bypass surgery is done with a heart-lung machine. Also called a heart bypass machine, this allows the surgeon to stop the beating heart so that the operation can performed. It was with the invention of this machine that coronary artery bypass surgery became a routine procedure. New innovations in coronary bypass surgery now allow doctors to treat patients with less invasive techniques. This is known as beating heart, or off-pump, bypass surgery. The off-pump method eliminates the need to stop the heart and use a heart-lung machine, reducing complications and allowing many patients to go home within a few days.
Endoscopic vein and artery removal
 Contributing greatly to enhanced recovery is endoscopic vein removal, where healthy veins are extracted through very small incisions for reuse as new heart vessels in bypass surgery. Ninety-nine percent of vein harvesting is done endoscopically at Enloe, and Enloe routinely uses endoscopically removed radial arteries for coronary artery bypass surgery patients.
Using a small instrument called an endoscope, surgeons avoid the large incisions and send patients home with one or two incisions approximately 2 centimeters (less than one inch) in length. This approach reduces pain and infection rates and lessens the number of stitches a patient may receive from an average of 90 stitches to two or less. It also leaves a far smaller scar. This novel approach to vein harvesting also allows for the patients to walk just a few hours after surgery, thus promoting a rapid recovery.
Surgery to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aneurysms
As a designated Level II Trauma Center, Enloe Medical Center also treats patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aneurysms. A new treatment for these types of aneurysms, available at Enloe, is minimally invasive endovascular stent surgery.
An aneurysm is a dilatation or bulge in a blood vessel, and much like an over-inflated balloon, it is dangerous because it may burst. Aneurysms commonly occur in the aorta, the main artery leading away from the heart. In these cases, they usually happen in the abdominal aorta below the renal (kidney) arteries, which is called an abdominal aneurysm, or in the chest cavity, an occurrence known as a thoracic aneurysm. Some of the causes of aneurysms are atherosclerosis or inherited diseases such as Manfans' Syndrome.
Valve repair and replacement surgery
Valve repair and replacement is another vital part of Enloe's cardiac surgery program. When a heart valve becomes diseased and malfunctions, it can become narrowed or leaky. A narrowed, or stenosed, valve restricts the flow of blood, forcing the heart to work harder; and a leaky, or regurgitant, valve allows the blood to flow backwards.
Prosthetic tissue heart valves and new stentless prosthetic and mechanical aortic valves are used to replace damaged or diseased valves. Repair procedures range from simple annuloplasty to complex reconstructive processes.
Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR)
Enloe also offers transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) for patients suffering from angina. This procedure creates new blood vessels and allows for the proper blood flow through the heart.
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy
Other innovative surgical procedures in our program include surgery for people who suffer from severe sweating at inappropriate times. This procedure is called a thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The surgery consists of the interruption of nerve impulses to sweat glands of the palms, face, axillae (armpits) by cutting or electrocautery (burning with an electrical current). The ganglia (nerve junctions), which lead to the sweat glands of the palms, axillae, scalp and face, are accessible through the chest (thoracic cavity) because they travel along the side of the spine of the back. Using a small incision and endoscopic equipment, this area is easily approached to perform the operation.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that that causes excessive sweating at inappropriate times. It usually occurs suddenly or happens continuously, with no apparent cause like exercise. Among the factors that aggravate hyperhidrosis are emotional stress and certain foods. High ambient temperatures, as in the hot and warm months of the year, can also set it off. The condition usually improves during the cool and cold months, and sweating usually stops during sleep. Heredity is thought to play a role in the condition; 25 percent of people with it have family members with symptoms.
Cardiac Catheterization 
In the technologically advanced suites of Enloe Medical Center’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab, board-certified cardiologists credentialed to care for patients at Enloe collaborate with an integrated cath lab team to make diagnoses and offer a full range of treatments.
What are cardiac catheterization procedures?
Cardiac catheterization procedures involve inserting a flexible, hollow tube, called a catheter, in the patient's groin or arm artery or vein, threading the catheter into major arteries and veins and into the heart chambers. Catheters are used to diagnose and treat heart disorders. Enloe uses digital imaging equipment to give cardiologists more information, enabling them to better diagnose and treat heart disease. This technology is also designed to improve patient safety and reduces radiation exposure.
Common cardiac catheterization procedures at Enloe include:
Coronary angiograms
Coronary angiograms are used to determine whether there is atherosclerosis (the buildup of fat and cholesterol plaque in the arteries) or some other type of blockage in the coronary system. The information obtained from the procedure helps doctors determine what treatment is needed. Using a tiny catheter threaded into the heart, the pressure in the heart chambers can be measured, which is important in diagnosing some types of heart valve disease. Dye may be used to help the doctor see how well the heart muscle is contracting and if the heart valves are leaking.
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
PTCA is a procedure in which blocked coronary arteries are treated. The catheter used is tipped with a very small, sausage-shaped balloon, which is threaded into the blocked part of the coronary artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, crushing the blocking material against the wall and opening the vessel. The balloon and catheter is then removed. There are different types of balloons to help open the vessels and measure blood flow.
Electrophysiology Services
Enloe’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab offers electrophysiology services (EPS) to treat abnormalities in the electrical system of the heart. These services include diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, through mapping and ablation; and rhythm management through the implantation of pacemakers and intra-cardiac defibrillators.
For additional patient and professional educational information and other resources about electrophysiology services, visit the Arrhythmia Center of Northern California website, provided by the medical practice of Chico cardiologist Walter Kusumoto, M.D.
Coronary Stents
Coronary stents are small coils that are "wrapped" around the Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) balloon before it is inserted into the coronary artery. Doctors started using them in the early 1990s, in place of angioplasties. Stents may perform better than PTCA alone, while improving the safety and efficacy of PTCA.
Stents may also be coated with a drug. After the stent is placed in the vessel, the drug is released into the surrounding tissue, blocking the formation of cell growth that can cause scar tissue. These "drug-eluding stents" prevent scar tissue and dramatically drop the need for repeat angioplasties and heart bypass surgeries.
Electrophysiology Services
Enloe’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab offers electrophysiology services (EPS) to treat abnormalities in the electrical system of the heart. These services include diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, through mapping and ablation; and rhythm management through the implantation of pacemakers and intra-cardiac defibrillators.
Cardiac Diagnostics
The skilled staff of Enloe’s Cardiac Diagnostics department facilitates a variety of tests to help determine the cause of patient symptoms. Common diagnostic tests include electrocardiograms (ECGs), which assess the heart’s rate and rhythm; echocardiography, which uses sound waves to create an image of the beating heart; and exercise stress tests. Other significant tests include the nuclear perfusion test and ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, which study blood flow through the heart chambers.
Diagnostic services for patients of all ages are offered at Enloe’s Esplanade campus. For children, Enloe provides a pediatric cardiology clinic at the Enloe Outpatient Cardiology Office, at 1405 Magnolia Avenue in Chico. Enloe also offers telemedicine technology with Sacramento physician groups when patients have more immediate needs.
Dedicated Care for Heart Patients
The Enloe Heart Team's approach to meeting the needs of patients and their families involves a coordinated health care team of highly skilled caregivers and support staff.
Our nursing staff is highly trained in providing care and education to people with heart disease. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, dieticians, social workers and case managers work together with the patient and family to provide the care and information they need before, during and after the heart procedure.
Getting back home: Many patients who have had a cardiac catheterization procedure are outpatients and will go home later that same day. Patients having an interventional procedure will spend 24 to 48 hours on our cardiac unit. Patients who have undergone cardiac surgery will spend a recovery period in our cardiac critical care unit and then go to our cardiac unit for several days. The majority of our surgery patients are discharged from the hospital four days after their cardiac surgery.
Ongoing care: See Cardiac Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation, below.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Since 1979, Enloe’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has offered a variety of exercise and education programs to help people with heart disease recover and lead healthier lives. Enloe’s medically supervised program incorporates education, counseling on healthy eating habits, stress management, smoking cessation as well as blood pressure control, cholesterol monitoring and diabetes management.
Enloe also supports the prevention of heart disease with classes on coronary artery disease, stress management and CPR as well as classes, education and counseling through Enloe’s Diabetes and Nutrition Education Services.
Anticoagulation Clinic
A key service for patients with blood clotting disorders, atrial fibrillation and other conditions requiring blood thinning medications is Enloe’s Anticoagulation Clinic. Our clinic was the only hospital-affiliated program in California singled out for the 2004 Roche Dream Award for Excellence in Anticoagulation Management.
Heart to Heart Support Group
Provides a support group, educational forums, and trained volunteers (who themselves have heart disease) who visit patients. The support group and forums are open to heart disease patients and their families. The Enloe Heart Program facilitates this support group. For more information, please call 530.332.7655. For more heart support and educational offerings, see Healthy Hearts on Enloe's Classes page under our Community Health section of the website.
Contact Us
Heart Program
Enloe Medical Center
1531 Esplanade
Chico, CA 95926
530.332.7655
Pediatric Cardiology Clinic
Enloe Outpatient Cardiology
1423 Magnolia Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
530.332.7426
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Enloe Outpatient Center
888 Lakeside Village Commons
Building C
Chico, CA 95928
530.332.6898
Anticoagulation Clinic
Enloe Outpatient Center
888 Lakeside Village Commons
Building A
Chico, CA 95926
530.332.6816
Additional Information
Coronary Artery Disease
The coronary arteries are small blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. Atherosclerosis is the gradual accumulation of fat and cholesterol in the coronary and other arteries, that eventually restricts the flow of blood to vital organs.
When the heart does not receive adequate blood due to blockage of one or more coronary arteries, this is called coronary artery disease (CAD). Angina occurs when the blood supply is critically low and the heart muscle begins to die. It is now known that not all people with coronary artery disease experience angina, especially women and people with diabetes. Therefore the first symptom may be one of a potentially deadly heart attack (myocardial infarction), where the heart muscle is damaged from lack of oxygen and nutrients.
Women and Heart Disease
Heart disease is not only for men. It remains the leading cause of death for women, killing more women than cancer, diabetes and accidents combined. It is the cause of death in one out of three women, and it kills more women than men. Because women that have heart disease are more likely to die from the disease than men, early detection, prevention and treatment are essential.
Physician Profiles
The following physicians currently have privileges at Enloe Medical Center.
Cardiologists
Walter Kusumoto, M.D. 530.893.8806
MD Degree: St. Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: University of California, Davis
Fellowship: Oregon Health Sciences University
Board Certifications: Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology; Cardiovascular Disease
Website: Arrhythmia Center of Northern California
Peter T. Magnusson, M.D. 530.893.4393
MD Degree: University of Illinois College of Medicine (Chicago)
Residency: Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, Calif.
Fellowships: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
Board Certifications: Interventional Cardiology; Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
Christopher S. Massa, M.D. 530.343.5828
MD Degree: Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
Board Certification: Cardiovascular Disease
Eugene V. Moffett, M.D. 530.343.0200
MD Degree: University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
Residency: United States Public Health Hospital
Fellowship: United States Public Health Hospital
Board Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
Marcia A. Moore, M.D. 530.343.5006
MD Degree: University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
Residency: Veteran's Administration Medical Center - Martinez, Calif.
Board Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
Gary More, M.D. 530.342.0123
MD Degree: University of Bologna (Italy)
Residency: St. Marys Hospital (New York)
Fellowship: Miriam Hospital (Rhode Island)
Board Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
Steven A. Schwartz, M.D. 530.342.0123
MD Degree: Yale University School of Medicine (Connecticut)
Residencies: University of California, San Francisco; Pacific Medical Center
Board Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
Peter J. Wolk, M.D. 530.342.0123
MD Degree: SUNY Health Science Center-Buffalo (New York)
Residency: University of California, San Francisco
Board Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
James Yhip, M.D. 530.342.0123
MD Degree: Loma Linda University School of Medicine (California)
Residencies: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)
Fellowships: Arizona State University (Phoenix); University of Texas Health Sciences Center (San Antonio)
Board Certifications: Interventional Cardiology; Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
Julian C. Zener, M.D. 530.342.0123
MD Degree: Columbia University - New York
Residency: University of California, San Francisco
Fellowship: Stanford University
Board Certifications: Cardiovascular Disease; Internal Medicine
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Miguel Puig, M.D. 530.894.3278
MD Degree: University of Barcelona School of Medicine
Residencies: Texas Heart Institute (Houston); Alameda County Medical Center-Highland Campus (California); Baylor College of Medicine (Texas)
Fellowships: Texas Heart Institute (Houston); Methodist Hospitals- Dallas
Board Certifications: Thoracic Surgery
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