New Jersey’s largest, most comprehensive health network is improving access to the full spectrum of cardiac care with new facilities, technology, and treatment options

By Lisa Buffington • Photos by Amesse Photography

Hackensack Meridian Health is leading the way in cardiovascular care, with continued investments in facilities, innovations in patient care, and advanced treatment options. The network has two cardiovascular care “hubs” for complex care located in the northern and southern regions of the state: Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center, respectively. These hubs provide comprehensive cardiac services – from minimally invasive valve and heart rhythm procedures to emergency heart attack care and complex cardiac surgery – backed by a network of community hospitals that offer elective and emergency cardiac catheterization services. This spectrum of care available across New Jersey means that residents have access to the most

Advanced cardiovascular therapies delivered by some of the region’s most experienced clinicians. In 2024, Hackensack Meridian Health doubled down on its commitment to provide complete cardiac care across each county the network serves – continuing to push the envelope on patient care excellence, innovation, and convenience.

New $45 Million Cardiovascular Suite Opens at Jersey Shore Medical Center
On December 29, 2024, Jersey Shore opened its new $45 million cardiovascular suite, located on the fourth floor of the medical center’s NorthWest Pavilion. With nearly 30,000 square feet of treatment space, the suite nearly triples the hospital’s capacity to deliver cardiac care.

As a major academic medical center, the suite enhances Jersey Shore’s ability to provide the community with advanced structural heart, catheterization, electrophysiology (EP), and emergency heart attack and stroke treatment options, as well as groundbreaking patient clinical trials and newly approved cardiovascular devices.

“Jersey Shore is known for delivering outstanding patient care, making it New Jersey’s fastest-growing hospital,” said Renato Apolito, M.D., medical director of Cardiac Catheterization at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “As the only open heart and minimally invasive cardiac surgery center in Monmouth and Ocean counties – and because of our reputation for world-class heart care – our cardiovascular teams have seen steadily increasing patient volumes during the past few years. Our new suite enables us to schedule elective procedures more quickly and improve our ability to care for patients with complex care needs who are transferred from other hospitals.”

The suite features four dedicated cardiac catheterization labs, four electrophysiology (EP) labs, a patient radial lounge, and two hybrid operating rooms, as well as a 28-bay patient prep and recovery area. The design and functionality of the suite were thoughtfully created, with spaces structured to promote efficiency and provide the best experience for patients and their families.

Leading the Way with Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery Options
As one of the region’s highest-volume centers for minimally invasive cardiac surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center cardiac experts are now performing valve replacement and repair, and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Using less-invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, this provides new treatment options for patients with valvular heart and coronary artery disease.

The minimally invasive cardiac surgery team at Hackensack – which includes cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists – evaluates every surgical candidate to determine whether they would benefit from minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Mark Anderson, M.D., chair of Cardiac Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, said, “Research has shown the benefits of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac procedures. Years of documented outcomes now show concrete benefits when patients experience less trauma to the body, resulting in improved mobility and faster recovery after surgery. There’s no compromise in the operation performed. Even complicated operations can be performed less invasively.”

Hackensack’s cardiac surgeons are leveraging the hospital’s robust robotic surgery capabilities and its history of early adoption and innovation to now offer robotic CABG and valve procedures for their cardiac surgical patients.

Renal Denervation: Revolutionizing Blood Pressure Care
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can have serious – and sometimes life-threatening – consequences, increasing the risk of stroke and aneurysms and causing damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. But for some people, blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to bring their numbers back into normal ranges.

Hackensack Meridian Health is now offering a new treatment option called renal denervation (RDN) for people with high blood pressure that hasn’t responded to other treatments. RDN is a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys. In some people, these nerves can become overactive and cause high blood pressure.

The Symplicity Spyral RDN system was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an additional treatment in patients with high blood pressure when lifestyle changes and medications do not provide adequate control.

Hackensack University Medical Center cardiac experts treated their first patient with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure in July 2024 – becoming one of the first hospitals in New Jersey to provide the procedure. JFK University Medical Center performed its first case in November 2024, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center has launched their program.

During the treatment, which is performed under light sedation, a thin tube is inserted into the artery leading to the kidney. After the tube is in place, surgeons use radiofrequency energy to damage overactive nerves connected to the kidney before removing the tube. The effects of the procedure typically last several years.

“For many people, blood pressure medications, diet, and exercise are enough to reduce the risks of serious blood pressure-related complications,” said Saleem Husain, M.D., Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Chest Pain medical director at JFK University Medical Center. “But for those who don’t respond to traditional therapies, RDN is a minimally invasive option that is offering new hope – and an effective, safe, long-term blood pressure management solution.”

Hackensack Meridian Health
hackensackmeridianhealth.org/heartcare