History of the Heart Center

Years ago, diagnosing heart disease was not a problem, but treating it proved to be challenging. However, beginning in the 1960’s, Spartanburg Regional physicians began implementing protocols and treatments that gave patients the treatment and care needed for heart disease.

Cardiology Milestones at Spartanburg Regional

1968 – Diagnostic nuclear studies introduced at Spartanburg General Hospital

1968 – First pacemaker implanted at Spartanburg General Hospital

1969 – First cardiac catheterization lab developed

1970 – First Echocardiography program in state established at Spartanburg General Hospital

1970 – A coronary care unit (CCU) is established

1970 – First use of blood-thinning drug therapy

1982 – First open-heart surgery is performed at Spartanburg Regional

1982 – First angioplasty procedure

1983 – Heart Center participates in first international research study

1985 – Cardiac Rehabilitation program developed

1988 – Spartanburg Regional Heart Center opens

1989 – Emergency Heart Network formed

1994 – First stent implanted at Spartanburg Regional

1995 – Beating-heart surgery is performed at Spartanburg Regional Heart Center

1995 – Spartanburg Regional Foundation Heart Board established

1997 – Congestive Heart Failure program established

1998 – Electrophysiology program established

2001 – Fourth catheterization lab added

2001 – Regional Heart Center named among Solucient Top 100 Hospitals

2003 – First accredited Chest Pain Center in South Carolina

2006 – Ranked #1 in South Carolina for overall heart services and #1 in North and South Carolina for heart surgery by HealthGrades™

2008 – First heart surgery with the da Vinci® robotic surgical system

2010 – Opening of the Joe R. Utley Heart Resource Center