HJNO Sep/Oct 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  SEP / OCT 2024 55 Stephen R. Ramee, MD Medical Director LCMC Health Structural Heart and Heart Valve Center their mental and emotional well-being, which is equally critical to a successful re- covery. This combined approach of minimally invasive procedures and prehabilitation is more than just treating a condition; it’s about ensuring every patient receives the best possible care at every stage of their journey — from pre-surgery to recovery and beyond. As we continue to embrace these innovations, we’re confident that we’re improving the quality of life for our patients. n Stephen R. Ramee, MD, is a veteran cardiologist with LCMC Health and serves as medical direc- tor of the new LCMC Health Structural Heart and Heart Valve Center. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Vanderbilt University in and a Master of Science in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown University before joining the U.S. Army. He went on to graduate with distinction from George Washington University Medical School and completed residency and fellowship training at Let- termanArmyMedical Center.He completed service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as director of the catheterization laboratory. Ramee transitioned to the Ochsner Clinic, where he helped rebuild the cardiology department, serving as director of the cardiac catheterization lab and section head of interventional cardiology from. He later founded the Gayle andTomBenson HeartValve Center at Ochsner Medical Center. Ramee is board-certified in internal medicine, car- diology, interventional cardiology. He has authored hundreds of manuscripts and scientific papers and has participated in over 200 clinical trials focused on coronary and non-coronary revascularization and transcatheter therapies for heart valve disorders. training and education, we’re preparing the next generation of specialists and en- suring that medical students, residents, and cardiology fellows are well-prepared to advance the field. Innovation In recent years, the field of cardiac care has experienced a remarkable evolution, particularly in the realm of surgical pro- cedures. Although we still perform open- heart surgeries when necessary, one of the most significant shifts has been toward minimally invasive techniques. These ad- vanced methods are transforming the way we approach treatment for many heart conditions, offering patients options that were once unimaginable. Procedures that previously required open-heart surgery — a daunting prospect for many — can now often be managed through transcatheter techniques. This shift not only reduces the physical toll on patients but also rep- resents a broader trend in medicine to- ward less invasive, more patient-friendly interventions. The benefits of these minimally invasive techniques are particularly evident in pa- tient outcomes. For many, especially the elderly and those with complex medical histories, traditional open-heart surgery can carry significant risks and a lengthy re- covery period. Transcatheter methods, on the other hand, translate to fewer compli- cations, reduced pain, and a quicker return to normal activities. These procedures are not only less taxing on the body but also allow for faster healing, enabling patients to resume their lives with minimal disrup- tion. In addition to the procedural advance- ments, we’ve also placed a strong empha- sis on what we call “prehabilitation.” This concept revolves around preparing pa- tients physically and mentally before they undergo surgery. By encouraging patients to engage in regular physical activity, such as a daily walking routine, they’re building the strength and resilience needed to face surgery with greater confidence. This pro- active approach has shown to significantly improve post-surgical outcomes, as pa- tients who are physically prepared tend to recover faster and more fully. The integration of prehabilitation into our care model reflects a broader commit- ment to holistic patient care. We recognize that the journey to recovery doesn’t start in the operating room — it begins well be- fore that with every step a patient takes toward improving their health. Empower- ing patients to take an active role in their pre-surgical preparation not only enhanc- es their physical readiness, it also boosts