John Darrell, MD, shows the various ventricles, on a model heart, that serve as the lifeline to the body. Darrell was the guest speaker at the Portsmouth Kiwanis meeting Feb. 27.

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When it comes to matters of the heart, Dr. John Darrell, cardiothoracic surgeon at Southern Ohio Medical Center, says it takes a team to provide excellent care. Darrell, who has been in the Portsmouth area for a little over a year, shared information on how a few of the many procedures offered by the SOMC Heart Team has saved thousands of lives.

“We have an excellent team at SOMC. I have only been a physician in the area for a little over a year and I am certainly impressed by the efforts made by everyone at the hospital to focus on patient care,” Darrell said.

Darrell spoke to a group of more than 30 Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth members on Feb. 27 to as part of heart awareness month, sharing new technology and procedures being offered by SOMC.

“It is important to know the signs and symptoms of heart issues. And even more important to react when these symptoms arise,” he said.

Darrell said the team approach at SOMC ensures that attention is given from the time a patient reports with symptoms until they’re released to go home.

“Many of the procedures we do now has the patient in recovery and sometimes home within 24-hours,” he shared.

Darrell shared various valves and stents used in heart procedures, allowing members the opportunity to feel and see actual items used to repair flaws in the human body. Members then were given the opportunity to ask questions regarding procedures offered at SOMC.

For more information about heart and vascular services at Southern Ohio Medical Center, call 356-5000 or visit them on the web at www.somc.org.