Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) announced a major expansion of its cardiovascular care capabilities, introducing advanced, minimally invasive treatment options via its state-of-the-art Armellino Family Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
The investment brings cutting-edge technologies to Southern Ocean County, empowering physicians to perform complex medical procedures locally that previously required patient transfers to larger regional facilities.
The upgraded hybrid cath labs support several specialized, minimally invasive offerings designed to treat severe cardiovascular conditions:
- The DETOUR Procedure: A novel technique utilizing the DETOUR System for percutaneous transfemoral arterial bypass (PTAB). It creates an innovative bypass to clear long, complex blockages in the superficial femoral artery for patients suffering from advanced peripheral artery disease (PAD) who may not qualify for traditional open surgery.
- CardioMEMS™ HF System: A proactive tool for heart failure management that involves implanting a tiny, wireless sensor into the pulmonary artery. The device transmits real-time data directly to a patient’s cardiology team, enabling early adjustments that significantly reduce hospital readmissions.
- Additional Advanced Offerings: Building on elective and emergency angioplasty (PCI) approvals, SOMC has introduced renal denervation via the Symplicity procedure to treat uncontrolled hypertension, alongside the FlowTriever® catheter system used by pulmonary embolism response teams to safely remove blood clots.
Leadership at SOMC emphasized that the expansion addresses a vital community need by bringing sophisticated medical options directly to the local population.
“The investment in our hybrid catheterization labs, alongside a growing team of expert cardiologists, represents a pivotal moment for Southern Ocean Medical Center and the communities we serve,” Brian Walch, president and chief hospital executive at SOMC, said. “Bringing procedures like DETOUR PTAB and CardioMEMS to our patients right here in Southern Ocean County is a cornerstone of our commitment to growing with our community.”
This milestone follows major institutional achievements, including SOMC earning the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) prestigious HeartCARE Center™ National Distinction of Excellence for both 2025 and 2026.
“At Southern Ocean Medical Center we have dedicated ourselves to providing our community exemplary cardiovascular care,” Dr. James Orlando, director of the Armellino Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, said. “These advancements ensure patients have access to a full spectrum of cardiac care, from diagnosis and emergency intervention to advanced, minimally invasive treatments and ongoing disease management.”
