Dignity Health Cardiothoracic Surgeon First to Use New Coronary Bypass Technology at Memorial Hospital on High Risk Heart Attack Patients

Bakersfield, CA - October, 6, 2023 - Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital is honored to announce that Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Eric Peck, and the cardiovascular surgical team at Memorial Hospital, is the first in Bakersfield to successfully complete a coronary bypass procedure on a patient using the Abiomed® Impella 5.5® with SmartAssist® heart pump. This leading technology enables Dr. Peck to perform open heart surgery on patients with weak hearts who in the past had no surgical options.

“Our cardiovascular surgeons at Memorial’s Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center are always searching for technology like the Impella 5.5 that can elevate care for our heart patients. Our goal is to ensure our community has access to the most advanced cardiac innovations and procedures right here at home,” said President & CEO of Memorial Hospital, Ken Keller.  

Dr. Eric Peck with Dignity Health Medical Group - Bakersfield is the first surgeon in Bakersfield to perform this procedure locally using the Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist. “This advanced technology gives us a new and potentially better option to treat patients who are very sick due to a heart attack,” said Dr. Peck. “It is a minimally-invasive treatment option that enables a patient’s heart to rest and ultimately recover, improving the patient’s long-term quality of life compared to other therapies. This new technology furthers our commitment to providing patients in Kern County with comprehensive cardiovascular treatment options.”

To arrange an interview with Dr. Eric Peck, please contact Violeta Trujillo at 661-541-0322. For more information regarding cardiac services at Dignity Health, please visit dignityhealth.org/bakersfield/heart. 

###

About Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is a 385-bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center, orthopedic services, wound care center, 24-hour emergency care and general/outpatient surgery. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.