Comprehensive Cardiovascular Expertise in Athens

We offer the only advanced cardiovascular services available in the Athens community. There is no need to travel when you need open heart surgery, or to manage your heart failure or cholesterol. We have experts and technology to serve you locally, and even better – they are the people who are your neighbors and have been caring for you for years.

Find A Cardiologist

Services We Offer:

• Open Heart Surgery
• Advanced Heart Failure Clinic
• Valve Repair – transcatheter and surgical
  • MitraClip for mitral valve regurgitation
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
• Electrophysiology – including complex ablations
• Cardiac Catheterization – including CTO and mechanical circulatory support
• General and Preventative Cardiology – including Cardiac Oncology and other sub-specialization
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Vascular surgery and peripheral catheterization
• Thoracic Surgery

WATCHMAN Device Reduces Risk of Stroke

Our patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) now have access to a revolutionary device that significantly reduces their risk of stroke. With a minimally invasive procedure, our multidisciplinary team uses the WATCHMAN device as an alternative to long-term anticoagulation medication management or for patients who cannot take blood thinning medications. The FDA-approved WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device is the first device developed as a highly effective treatment option to prevent clot formation and is available right here at Piedmont Athens. Medical centers who can provide this service are limited and Piedmont Athens is one of only 6 providers in Georgia and just over 250 nationwide.

Innovation in Heart Failure Treatment

Performing the first FDA-approved CardioMEMS implant procedure in the state of Georgia, interventional cardiologist Dr. Jared Griffis, F.A.C.C. and the Catheterization Laboratory team have brought innovative heart failure treatments to the region. Using a minimally invasive procedure, this life-changing technology provides ambulatory pulmonary artery pressure monitoring using a small pressure sensor permanently implanted in the pulmonary artery. The CardioMEMS HF System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions when used to manage heart failure.

Life-Saving ECMO Expertise

Our team in Athens has the equipment and expertise on site to start a patient on ECMO, and then transfer them to Piedmont Atlanta for ongoing treatment. The capability to start treatment without delay can make all the difference in life-threatening situations including:

• Cardiac arrest
• Cardiogenic shock
• Pulmonary embolism
• Significant valve disease
• Worsening heart failure

Rehabilitation Excellence in Athens

With one of the highest rates for successful participation, our cardiac rehab team helps our patients learn how to get healthy and stay healthy. For follow up care and cardiac-focused rehabilitation, our specialists know the importance of monitoring cardiac health and improving strength and endurance. Our heart and vascular team works with our cardiac rehab specialists daily for optimal success.

Research Focus and Clinical Trials in Athens

Clinical research helps us create and improve the technologies, medications, procedures, treatments, interventions and processes we use in clinical practice every day. Research, combined with the patient’s experience and our clinical expertise, guides our clinical care to improve immediate outcomes and the lives and health of our patients. For more information about our current research or clinical trials, please contact Allie Smith at 706-475-1828.

For Referrals to Athens Cardiovascular Care

At Piedmont Heart Institute of Athens, we welcome the opportunity to work with primary care physicians to improve the heart health of your patients. Across Athens and throughout the region including Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Oconee, Putnam, Jackson and Morgan counties, we’re here to help. We’ll see your patients as soon as possible and make sure we update all referring physicians with office notes and strong communications. We’re happy to answer any questions or help with the referral process so please call us at 706-475-1700 or email our team for more information.