UCSD opens first cardiovascular center in the San Diego region

UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center (SCVC) will officially open its doors to the public on Monday, August 8 after the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) certified the SCVC for patient care. The region's first cardiovascular center is now accessible to the tens of thousands of Californians who are at risk for or suffer from heart disease and stroke.

The first cardiac inpatients transferred from UC San Diego's medical centers on Sunday, July 31. The cardiovascular hybrid operating rooms, catheterization labs and procedural treatment unit (PTU) are in full operation as well as the ambulatory clinics.

"The SCVC is at the forefront of modern efforts to combat heart and vascular diseases, the most common causes of disability and mortality within our population. As leaders and teachers in this field, we offer advanced diagnostics, novel treatments and access to a number of clinical trials not available anywhere else in the San Diego region," said Kirk L. Peterson, MD, director, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center and Professor of Cardiology and Medicine at the UCSD School of Medicine.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the number one and number three causes of death, and a leading cause of disability, among Californians. Compared to the nation, California has slightly above average rates for coronary heart disease and stroke mortality.

"The opening of the SCVC is a milestone development for UC San Diego Health System," explained Tom Jackiewicz, CEO of UC San Diego Health System. "In the next five years, we will open Jacobs Medical Center, the Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI), and the Center for the Future of Surgery. Our journey continues today, as we welcome patients, neighbors and supporters to the one place in San Diego where cardiovascular care is fully integrated."

With the SCVC open, patients now have access to a spectacular facility with 54 new inpatient beds, four new cardiovascular ORs, four new cardiac catheterization laboratories, a new non-invasive cardiovascular laboratory, and outpatient clinics. Nearly 100 new employees have been hired including nurses, telephone operators, technicians, security and a nutritionist.

"We also want to take this opportunity to thank the Sulpizio Family again for its generous contribution and continuing support of our efforts to deliver the very best in cardiovascular care and treatment," said Peterson. "We believe that their gift, and all our donors' support, will translate into improved, lifesaving care for cardiovascular patients who come to UC San Diego from near and far."