Main Street Buzz: Cutting-Edge Cardiology Practice Opens In Idaho Falls

A brand new cardiology practice is opened in Idaho Falls on Monday, bringing with it a revolutionary new procedure — the first of its kind in our area that’s already changing the lives of local people.

“I really do have a new lease on life,” said Kimberly Kvamme, who had heart surgery barely one year ago.

?I wasn’t even able to even walk, like, from the grocery store parking lot without stopping three or four times just to breathe,” Kvamme said.

Thanks to a groundbreaking procedure performed by Dr. Andrew Carter, who just opened his own practice, Teton Cardiology.

Now, Kvamme is back in action, putting her heart into what she truly enjoys.

“Actually I’m really involved with horses and we have a ranch,” Kvamme said.

The procedure is called transcardial catheterization. Cardiologists insert a small tube through an artery in the wrist. Through that, they can diagnose and treat heart problems.

“Our goal is to minimize bleeding risk, because we know patient outcomes are improved. Patients do better,” Carter said. “Clinical studies have proven that patient comfort and safety is improved by completing cardial catheterization through radial access.”

Of course, that’s a huge plus for patients like Kvamme and Ron Eddington, who has been battling heart disease for more than a decade.

“It was almost like going in for like a blood test or a shot,? Eddington said. ?It was almost nothing.”

Dr. Carter and his colleagues are the only people in our area who can successfully perform transcardial catheterization. He estimates that doctors perform approximately 1,500 catheteriations annually in the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. While Dr. Carter certainly considers this procedure one of the business’ best assets, that doesn’t mean new innovations are off the table.

“It’s important to have a discussion with your cardiologist as to what the options are, and pursue the best approach for completing this type of procedure,” Carter said.

Teton Cardiology is located inside the professional building at the corner of Channing and Sunnyside.