Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in the county, and Scripps Health has unveiled its new state-of-the-art hospital dedicated to treating the heart.
The Prebys Cardiovascular Institute, which opened Thursday, has more than 160 rooms specifically designed to treat patients with heart problems, and six high-tech operating rooms used for less invasive procedures - something Scripps employees said can't be found in any other hospital.
San Diego loses nearly 4,000 people to heart disease annually, so the new facility will be a major benefit to locals, particularly the elderly.
Darla Calvert was diagnosed with heart failure in 2003 and underwent heart surgery that left her with a five pound device that pumps her blood for her.
Calvert said she credits Scripps Health doctors for saving her life.
"So far Scripps has approximately 23 patients with the L-VAD and as a result, all of us are alive and we wouldn't be without it," Calvert said.
The Prebys Cardiovascular Institute will treat its first 100 patients in under two weeks.
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