Surgeon to discuss heart murmurs, valve disease, treatments at PCH

Thursday, October 15, 2015

A prominent Franciscan St. Francis Health heart surgeon will lead a free public "Ask the Doc" seminar on the topic "Do you have a heart murmur?" Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Putnam County Hospital.

Dr. Marc Gerdisch

Marc W. Gerdisch, MD, chief of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, will explain the significance of heart murmurs and latest treatments for heart valve disease.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments being served at 6 p.m. in the hospital's third-floor classroom at 1542 Bloomington St., Greencastle.

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that don't close properly. Sometimes people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms but if the problem becomes more serious, blood flow to the heart may be affected.

In 2008, Dr. Gerdisch performed the world's first procedure to repair heart valves using technology enabling the heart to naturally regrow damaged tissue. He has been an innovator in heart surgery at Franciscan St. Francis Health and frequently presents internationally on novel heart valve repair techniques. He also conducts ongoing landmark research in next-generation heart valves and heart tissue regeneration.

The seminar is free, but registration is required because of limited seating. To register, persons may call 655-2620.

Those attending may be eligible for a free heart valve echocardiogram screening at a later date.

PCH recently formed a partnership with Franciscan St. Francis Health, an arrangement that provides a full-time cardiology clinic and cardiac support for patients in the area.

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