The Heart Center at Lafayette General is setting the standard in the fight against heart disease. We were the first to perform open-heart surgery and heart catheterization in Acadiana, and have been the leader ever since. We’ve a full array of highly recognized cardiovascular services, from pediatric to adult services, inclusive of specially designated intensive care units. More importantly, LGMC offers a continuum of care: from admitting through our Certified Chest Pain Center, during surgery with a highly trained team, to recovery even after discharge in our cardiac rehab program.

Most recently, Lafayette General has developed a robotic cardiothoracic surgery program utilizing the da Vinci® surgical robot. Dr. Bruce Jones, renowned thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, performs complex procedures—that once required ‘open heart’ surgery—through three small laparoscopic incisions. These robotic cardiac procedures include:

• coronary artery bypass
• mitral valve repair
• mitral valve replacement
• tricuspid valve repair
• Maze procedures to correct atrial fibrillation
• pacemaker lead placements
• atrial tumor resections

What sets our robotic and minimally invasive surgery program apart is the extensive clinical experience of Dr. Jones. He has performed over 200 cases using the da Vinci system—including the first robotic tricuspid valve repair in the U.S.—and serves as a proctor for other physicians, across the country, learning the robotic surgical techniques. His results have been extremely positive for patients, with a decreased length of stay in the hospital, less blood loss, less pain, and quicker return to normal activities.

For more information on the da Vinci surgical system, visit www.davincisurgery.com, or call the office of Dr. Jones at 289-8519.