A Year in Healing: 2025 Reflections
Making Heart History
The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is committed to providing expert, state-of-the-art cardiovascular care for patients across the region. Earlier this year, PMC heart specialists made medical history by successfully performing Kentucky’s first minimally invasive AngioVac procedure to treat a life-threatening heart valve infection in the left ventricle.
The procedure was led by Dr. M. Paul. Randhawa, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC. The team of highly specialized experts included interventional cardiologists Dr. Maen Assali and Dr. Joseph Choo, and cardiac anesthesiologist Dr. Joshua Hensley.
Additional key figures in this process included PMC’s perfusionist, the Cardiac Cath Lab team and nursing care teams from the Heart and Vascular Institute. A clinical specialist from AngioDynamics, the company that developed the AngioVac system, also provided important guidance during the planning process.
“This patient’s condition was critical, and traditional surgical options were not viable,” said Dr. Randhawa. “Utilizing the AngioVac system allowed us to remove the infection without subjecting the patient to the risks associated with open-heart surgery.”
The AngioVac system, developed by AngioDynamics, is a vacuum-assisted device designed to remove unwanted material within the heart’s valves. Because the AngioVac is typically used for right-sided heart infections, it is rare for it to be used for left-sided infections, particularly involving the mitral valve. Dr. Randhawa’s team was the first in Kentucky to use the system for such a case, proving to be another remarkable accomplishment for the Heart and Vascular Institute.
“This case exemplifies PMC’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Randhawa. “By leveraging advanced technology and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can offer life-saving treatments to patients who might otherwise have limited options.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Heart and Vascular Institute at (606) 430-2201 or visit www.pmcky.org/heart.
A New Era in Imaging: MRI Suite Expansion
Earlier this year, PMC was honored to expand its diagnostic imaging services with the construction of a state-of-the-art MRI suite inside the Outpatient Diagnostic Center. Supported by a generous $2.1 million grant, this suite features the advanced United Imaging 1.5T Magnetic Resonance (MR) System, one of the most sophisticated MRI technologies available today.
This system delivers high-resolution, fast imaging across a wide range of clinical applications. Designed with patients in mind, it features a wide bore that helps reduce anxiety for those who feel claustrophobic in traditional machines.
Additional innovations include:
- Automatic table positioning for improved patient comfort
- Intelligent scan planning for speed and precision
- Consistent anatomical orientation for accurate results
The new MRI suite is thoughtfully designed to support both privacy and comfort, featuring soft ambient lighting, a spacious control room, an equipment room and two private dressing rooms.
For more information about diagnostic technology at PMC, visit www.pmcky.org/diagnostic-center or call 606-430-4673.
Expanding Surgical Services
PMC is proud to have announced a major expansion of its surgical services this year, including the addition of new equipment to support the latest minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques and four new operating suites, bringing the total to 24. Each suite is designed for maximum efficiency and equipped with the latest technology. This expansion enhances the hospital’s capacity to meet the region’s growing need for surgical care while improving precision and patient outcomes.
At the forefront of this advancement is the new Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical system, Intuitive’s most advanced and integrated platform. Da Vinci 5 transforms minimally invasive surgery, expanding the range of minimally invasive Xi procedures PMC currently provides.
The system can be used across a wide range of procedures, including urology, gynecology, bariatrics and general surgery. Key innovations give surgeons a better sense of touch and help reduce unnecessary pressure on tissue, supporting greater precision and safety. The system’s optimized imaging delivers higher resolution, sharper detail and more accurate color, allowing surgeons to visualize structures with exceptional clarity.
“This expansion represents a significant milestone for Pikeville Medical Center and the patients we serve,” said Aaron Crum, MD, PMC Chief Medical Officer. “With four new operating suites and the da Vinci 5 system, our surgical teams can offer even more precise, minimally invasive procedures that improve outcomes and support faster recovery. These advancements keep us at the forefront of surgical innovation for Eastern Kentucky.”
With the addition of four new operating suites and the Da Vinci 5 system, PMC’s surgical teams can accommodate more cases, allowing additional patients to receive advanced, minimally invasive care that often results in shorter recovery times.
These investments reflect Pikeville Medical Center’s commitment to leading-edge surgical care, clinical excellence and an exceptional patient experience, while supporting future growth and the ongoing health needs of Eastern Kentucky. For more information on minimally invasive surgical options at PMC, visit www.pmcky.org/surgery.