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https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1922282474&view=plain

Richard Myung, MD

Specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Book an appointment

Richard Myung, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2007.

Specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2007
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly headshot of Richard Myung, MD Richard Myung, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About Richard Myung, MD

Dr. Richard Myung earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of California in Los Angeles, CA and his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. He completed residencies at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA and Emory University Medical Center in Atlanta, GA.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons and American Medical Association.

Areas of Interest

  • Aortic Aneurysm Repair
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Coronary Revascularization
  • Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery
  • Structural Heart

Accomplishments

  • Medical Director, Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Co-Medical Director, Structural Heart & Valve Program
Personalized HeartCare at Wellstar

Specialties

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery

Education & Training

  • New York Medical College

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
  • MedStar Georgetown University Medical Center

Fellowship

  • Emory University School of Medicine

Certifications

  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Languages spoken

  • English

Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures

  • Adult Congenital Heart Surgery
  • Anomalous Coronary Artery
  • Aortic Regurgitation or Insufficiency
  • Aortic Root Dilatation
  • Aortic Root Surgery
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Aortic Valve Surgery
  • Ascending and Aortic Arch Aneurysm Dissection
  • Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
  • Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
  • Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis
  • Cardiac Tumors (Myxoma and Fibroelastoma)
  • Congenital Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Descending Thoracic Aneurysm Dissection
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
  • Mitral Regurgitation
  • Mitral Stenosis
  • Mitral Valve Surgery
  • Myectomy Myotomy
  • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
  • Pulmonic Valve Surgery
  • Resection of Cardiac Tumors
  • Thoracic Aortic Surgery
  • Thoracoabdominal Aortic Surgery
  • Tricuspid Regurgitation
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Videos

MitraClip at Wellstar
MitraClip increases the options for patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation who are at risk for surgical intervention. Wellstar Cardiovascular Surgery is the only program in Georgia to receive dual certification for excellence in coronary artery bypass and heart valve repair/replacement surgery.
TAVR at Wellstar
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital has been conducting TAVR procedures since 2012. Our clinical TAVR results are among the national leaders in terms of positive outcomes with fewer complications.
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Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.7

Based on 153 patient ratings

I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

4

outstanding people....thank you....!!!!

July 20, 2025

5

This provider saved my life 2 times he always takes care of me. I would not go to anybody else

July 11, 2025

5

We appreciated the smiles and the confident approach to my problem. I feel certain that this Doctor and his team will take great care of me through the procedure and the after care.

June 21, 2025

5

Will follow up with them!

June 19, 2025

5

Dr Myung and his staff are all amazing. So thankful for the care they provide.

June 7, 2025

5

Very good experience Trust

May 23, 2025

5

Caring group

May 17, 2025

5

I was very happy with the care that I've gotten so far.

April 27, 2025

5

This Dr is awesome I'm thankful for his knowledge and expertise.

April 27, 2025

4

Never did get video call to work

April 27, 2025

5

Amazing

April 24, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff made me quite comfortable and well informed as to what will happen to me. Not looking forward to the operation but felt I was in very capable hands.

March 30, 2025

5

All staff very professional and courteous.

March 29, 2025

5

Just that it was a great experience, ranging from the moment I walked in, the wait time and information provided. I was in and out, enlightened with information to make educated & informed decisions.

March 13, 2025

5

I trust Doctor Myung completely, and would recommend him to everyone.

March 1, 2025

5

I feel confident that my surgery will be successful!! I trust Dr. Myung, Stacey, and the rest of the staff.

February 28, 2025

5

Dr Myung is very pleasant and knowledgeable.

February 9, 2025

5

Dr Myung and staff were exceptional. My heart problems are severe and complicated. I couldn't be happier with this consultation.

February 8, 2025

5

Everyone was very caring and compassionate.

February 7, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff were very professional and informative with any questions we had.

January 26, 2025

5

Mary was very informative, professional & welcoming. She made feel that I would be provided with best care! She also include her contact information if I had any questions after my visit. Dr. Myung explain my procedure in layman terms, so can understand simply.

January 25, 2025

5

I enjoyed the remote visit because the weather was bad and I felt very safe. Dr. Myung has done a great job with my surgery and would recommend him to family and friends.

January 25, 2025

5

Richard myung saved my life, north side Cherokee diagnos was spot on and Dr myung was able to repair my blockage,,, I feel great thanks to all

January 24, 2025

5

Everyone was all some

January 10, 2025

5

The entire crew was fantastic

December 22, 2024

5

Dr. Myung is great!

December 14, 2024

5

It would be better if you had more parking! Had to park on the top floor and almost didn't have a space there! Other than that I'm satisfied with everything.

December 14, 2024

5

Dr. Myung took very good care of me during my heart issue.

December 9, 2024

5

Superb team!

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone I met with was professional, helpful, friendly, and courteous. They helped relieve a lot of my anxiety.

December 7, 2024

5

This provider saved my life 2 times he always takes care of me. I would not go to anybody else

July 11, 2025

5

We appreciated the smiles and the confident approach to my problem. I feel certain that this Doctor and his team will take great care of me through the procedure and the after care.

June 21, 2025

5

Will follow up with them!

June 19, 2025

5

Dr Myung and his staff are all amazing. So thankful for the care they provide.

June 7, 2025

5

Very good experience Trust

May 23, 2025

5

Caring group

May 17, 2025

5

I was very happy with the care that I've gotten so far.

April 27, 2025

5

This Dr is awesome I'm thankful for his knowledge and expertise.

April 27, 2025

5

Amazing

April 24, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff made me quite comfortable and well informed as to what will happen to me. Not looking forward to the operation but felt I was in very capable hands.

March 30, 2025

5

All staff very professional and courteous.

March 29, 2025

5

Just that it was a great experience, ranging from the moment I walked in, the wait time and information provided. I was in and out, enlightened with information to make educated & informed decisions.

March 13, 2025

5

I trust Doctor Myung completely, and would recommend him to everyone.

March 1, 2025

5

I feel confident that my surgery will be successful!! I trust Dr. Myung, Stacey, and the rest of the staff.

February 28, 2025

5

Dr Myung is very pleasant and knowledgeable.

February 9, 2025

5

Dr Myung and staff were exceptional. My heart problems are severe and complicated. I couldn't be happier with this consultation.

February 8, 2025

5

Everyone was very caring and compassionate.

February 7, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff were very professional and informative with any questions we had.

January 26, 2025

5

Mary was very informative, professional & welcoming. She made feel that I would be provided with best care! She also include her contact information if I had any questions after my visit. Dr. Myung explain my procedure in layman terms, so can understand simply.

January 25, 2025

5

I enjoyed the remote visit because the weather was bad and I felt very safe. Dr. Myung has done a great job with my surgery and would recommend him to family and friends.

January 25, 2025

5

Richard myung saved my life, north side Cherokee diagnos was spot on and Dr myung was able to repair my blockage,,, I feel great thanks to all

January 24, 2025

5

Everyone was all some

January 10, 2025

5

The entire crew was fantastic

December 22, 2024

5

Dr. Myung is great!

December 14, 2024

5

It would be better if you had more parking! Had to park on the top floor and almost didn't have a space there! Other than that I'm satisfied with everything.

December 14, 2024

5

Dr. Myung took very good care of me during my heart issue.

December 9, 2024

5

Superb team!

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone I met with was professional, helpful, friendly, and courteous. They helped relieve a lot of my anxiety.

December 7, 2024

4

outstanding people....thank you....!!!!

July 20, 2025

4

Never did get video call to work

April 27, 2025

4

outstanding people....thank you....!!!!

July 20, 2025

4

Never did get video call to work

April 27, 2025

5

This provider saved my life 2 times he always takes care of me. I would not go to anybody else

July 11, 2025

5

We appreciated the smiles and the confident approach to my problem. I feel certain that this Doctor and his team will take great care of me through the procedure and the after care.

June 21, 2025

5

Will follow up with them!

June 19, 2025

5

Dr Myung and his staff are all amazing. So thankful for the care they provide.

June 7, 2025

5

Very good experience Trust

May 23, 2025

5

Caring group

May 17, 2025

5

I was very happy with the care that I've gotten so far.

April 27, 2025

5

This Dr is awesome I'm thankful for his knowledge and expertise.

April 27, 2025

5

Amazing

April 24, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff made me quite comfortable and well informed as to what will happen to me. Not looking forward to the operation but felt I was in very capable hands.

March 30, 2025

5

All staff very professional and courteous.

March 29, 2025

5

Just that it was a great experience, ranging from the moment I walked in, the wait time and information provided. I was in and out, enlightened with information to make educated & informed decisions.

March 13, 2025

5

I trust Doctor Myung completely, and would recommend him to everyone.

March 1, 2025

5

I feel confident that my surgery will be successful!! I trust Dr. Myung, Stacey, and the rest of the staff.

February 28, 2025

5

Dr Myung is very pleasant and knowledgeable.

February 9, 2025

5

Dr Myung and staff were exceptional. My heart problems are severe and complicated. I couldn't be happier with this consultation.

February 8, 2025

5

Everyone was very caring and compassionate.

February 7, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff were very professional and informative with any questions we had.

January 26, 2025

5

Mary was very informative, professional & welcoming. She made feel that I would be provided with best care! She also include her contact information if I had any questions after my visit. Dr. Myung explain my procedure in layman terms, so can understand simply.

January 25, 2025

5

I enjoyed the remote visit because the weather was bad and I felt very safe. Dr. Myung has done a great job with my surgery and would recommend him to family and friends.

January 25, 2025

5

Richard myung saved my life, north side Cherokee diagnos was spot on and Dr myung was able to repair my blockage,,, I feel great thanks to all

January 24, 2025

5

Everyone was all some

January 10, 2025

5

The entire crew was fantastic

December 22, 2024

5

Dr. Myung is great!

December 14, 2024

5

It would be better if you had more parking! Had to park on the top floor and almost didn't have a space there! Other than that I'm satisfied with everything.

December 14, 2024

5

Dr. Myung took very good care of me during my heart issue.

December 9, 2024

5

Superb team!

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone I met with was professional, helpful, friendly, and courteous. They helped relieve a lot of my anxiety.

December 7, 2024

4

outstanding people....thank you....!!!!

July 20, 2025

5

This provider saved my life 2 times he always takes care of me. I would not go to anybody else

July 11, 2025

5

We appreciated the smiles and the confident approach to my problem. I feel certain that this Doctor and his team will take great care of me through the procedure and the after care.

June 21, 2025

5

Will follow up with them!

June 19, 2025

5

Dr Myung and his staff are all amazing. So thankful for the care they provide.

June 7, 2025

5

Very good experience Trust

May 23, 2025

5

Caring group

May 17, 2025

5

I was very happy with the care that I've gotten so far.

April 27, 2025

5

This Dr is awesome I'm thankful for his knowledge and expertise.

April 27, 2025

4

Never did get video call to work

April 27, 2025

5

Amazing

April 24, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff made me quite comfortable and well informed as to what will happen to me. Not looking forward to the operation but felt I was in very capable hands.

March 30, 2025

5

All staff very professional and courteous.

March 29, 2025

5

Just that it was a great experience, ranging from the moment I walked in, the wait time and information provided. I was in and out, enlightened with information to make educated & informed decisions.

March 13, 2025

5

I trust Doctor Myung completely, and would recommend him to everyone.

March 1, 2025

5

I feel confident that my surgery will be successful!! I trust Dr. Myung, Stacey, and the rest of the staff.

February 28, 2025

5

Dr Myung is very pleasant and knowledgeable.

February 9, 2025

5

Dr Myung and staff were exceptional. My heart problems are severe and complicated. I couldn't be happier with this consultation.

February 8, 2025

5

Everyone was very caring and compassionate.

February 7, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff were very professional and informative with any questions we had.

January 26, 2025

5

Mary was very informative, professional & welcoming. She made feel that I would be provided with best care! She also include her contact information if I had any questions after my visit. Dr. Myung explain my procedure in layman terms, so can understand simply.

January 25, 2025

5

I enjoyed the remote visit because the weather was bad and I felt very safe. Dr. Myung has done a great job with my surgery and would recommend him to family and friends.

January 25, 2025

5

Richard myung saved my life, north side Cherokee diagnos was spot on and Dr myung was able to repair my blockage,,, I feel great thanks to all

January 24, 2025

5

Everyone was all some

January 10, 2025

5

The entire crew was fantastic

December 22, 2024

5

Dr. Myung is great!

December 14, 2024

5

It would be better if you had more parking! Had to park on the top floor and almost didn't have a space there! Other than that I'm satisfied with everything.

December 14, 2024

5

Dr. Myung took very good care of me during my heart issue.

December 9, 2024

5

Superb team!

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone I met with was professional, helpful, friendly, and courteous. They helped relieve a lot of my anxiety.

December 7, 2024

5

Superb team!

December 7, 2024

5

Everyone I met with was professional, helpful, friendly, and courteous. They helped relieve a lot of my anxiety.

December 7, 2024

5

Dr. Myung took very good care of me during my heart issue.

December 9, 2024

5

Dr. Myung is great!

December 14, 2024

5

It would be better if you had more parking! Had to park on the top floor and almost didn't have a space there! Other than that I'm satisfied with everything.

December 14, 2024

5

The entire crew was fantastic

December 22, 2024

5

Everyone was all some

January 10, 2025

5

Richard myung saved my life, north side Cherokee diagnos was spot on and Dr myung was able to repair my blockage,,, I feel great thanks to all

January 24, 2025

5

I enjoyed the remote visit because the weather was bad and I felt very safe. Dr. Myung has done a great job with my surgery and would recommend him to family and friends.

January 25, 2025

5

Mary was very informative, professional & welcoming. She made feel that I would be provided with best care! She also include her contact information if I had any questions after my visit. Dr. Myung explain my procedure in layman terms, so can understand simply.

January 25, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff were very professional and informative with any questions we had.

January 26, 2025

5

Everyone was very caring and compassionate.

February 7, 2025

5

Dr Myung and staff were exceptional. My heart problems are severe and complicated. I couldn't be happier with this consultation.

February 8, 2025

5

Dr Myung is very pleasant and knowledgeable.

February 9, 2025

5

I feel confident that my surgery will be successful!! I trust Dr. Myung, Stacey, and the rest of the staff.

February 28, 2025

5

I trust Doctor Myung completely, and would recommend him to everyone.

March 1, 2025

5

Just that it was a great experience, ranging from the moment I walked in, the wait time and information provided. I was in and out, enlightened with information to make educated & informed decisions.

March 13, 2025

5

All staff very professional and courteous.

March 29, 2025

5

Dr. Myung and his staff made me quite comfortable and well informed as to what will happen to me. Not looking forward to the operation but felt I was in very capable hands.

March 30, 2025

5

Amazing

April 24, 2025

4

Never did get video call to work

April 27, 2025

5

This Dr is awesome I'm thankful for his knowledge and expertise.

April 27, 2025

5

I was very happy with the care that I've gotten so far.

April 27, 2025

5

Caring group

May 17, 2025

5

Very good experience Trust

May 23, 2025

5

Dr Myung and his staff are all amazing. So thankful for the care they provide.

June 7, 2025

5

Will follow up with them!

June 19, 2025

5

We appreciated the smiles and the confident approach to my problem. I feel certain that this Doctor and his team will take great care of me through the procedure and the after care.

June 21, 2025

5

This provider saved my life 2 times he always takes care of me. I would not go to anybody else

July 11, 2025

4

outstanding people....thank you....!!!!

July 20, 2025

Publications and Articles

Doctor listening to patient's heart with stethoscope

Top Marks for Heart Care at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has received several major commendations highlighting the high level of heart care continuously provided to patients—putting Wellstar’s cardiothoracic surgery program among the top in the nation. The Marietta-based heart care program received:

  • The coveted three-star rating in the following key areas from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries. This is the highest category of quality, placing Wellstar Kennestone among the best programs for heart surgery in the U.S. and Canada. 
  • The prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction awarded by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. Wellstar Kennestone was the first in Georgia to receive this certification.

These recognitions demonstrate Wellstar’s commitment to keeping advanced heart care close to home.

“These accomplishments speak volumes about the skill, precision and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said Dr. Richard Myung, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Wellstar Kennestone. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”

Three-star STS rating

STS ratings reflect not only surgical excellence, but also the quality of care patients receive in the critical 30-day period following surgery. 

“This extraordinary recognition reflects the world-class quality of care offered by Wellstar,” said Lorrie Liang, president of Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Windy Hill. “To achieve this gold standard, a health system must demonstrate both clinical excellence and rigorous standards for follow-up care. At Wellstar, we provide all of this, along with a warm, people-centered experience. It’s what we call ‘PeopleCare.’”

These results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—one that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, critical care specialists, hospitalists, advanced practice providers and many others.

“This achievement is a testament to the entire care continuum,” said Steve Cermak, executive director of cardiovascular service line and hospital operations at Wellstar Kennestone. “From the operating room to recovery and rehabilitation, every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding outcomes.”

Among the three-star rankings is CABG. This procedure is commonly performed to treat people having a heart attack or other conditions including coronary heart disease with chest pain, multiple blocked coronary arteries or serious heart failure. The procedure is performed by cardiovascular surgeons at Wellstar Kennestone—Dr. Theresa Luu, Dr. James Burke and Dr. Richard Myung—who work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to give every patient the highest quality care at every step of the process, from diagnosis through surgery and recovery.

“This amazing recognition is about the great lengths we go to care for our patients, and why people travel from across the region to receive their care at Wellstar Kennestone,” added Director of Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and the Structural Heart and Valve Program Karrie Davis. “We care for every patient like they’re a family member or close friend. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”

Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care offers patients care close to home across Georgia communities at more than 25 cardiovascular locations, with more than 110 cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons standing ready to provide heart care for both routine and complex heart conditions. Wellstar also has one of the largest cardiovascular rehabilitation programs in Georgia, which helps patients improve their long-term outcomes.

Certification by The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission has also awarded Wellstar Kennestone with a Gold Seal of Approval in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark and certification as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center for the third consecutive time.

For the certification, Wellstar Kennestone underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including evaluating the care of the cardiac patient at every touch point in the cardiac care continuum with ongoing process improvement and health promotion for patients, as well as the community. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews. 

The hospital first received the two-year certification in 2019. This recertification makes the third cycle—or sixth year—it has remained in place. Wellstar Kennestone was the first hospital in Georgia and remains the only one in the state to hold the comprehensive certification.

From prevention to post-cardiac event recovery, our well-connected and collaborative heart care team is dedicated to empowering you to regain your strength and independence. We offer top-quality cardiovascular care including diagnostics, treatment, psychological support and ongoing monitoring all focused on your well-being. Learn more about award-winning heart care at Wellstar.

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Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center is pictured. Text reads "STS National Database. Trusted. Transformed. Real-Time." and "STS 3-star ranked. 4 categories."

Wellstar Kennestone Achieves Elite National Recognition in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Marietta, GA— Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has achieved a rare milestone in cardiac care, earning the highest possible rating—three stars—in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This distinction places Wellstar Kennestone among the elite cardiac surgery programs in the U.S. and Canada.

The STS Star rating system is one of the most rigorous, verified and respected measures of quality in healthcare, based entirely on objective patient outcomes and implemented medical care processes. The latest analysis evaluates performance during a three-year period, from January 2022 to December 2024. Wellstar Kennestone earned the coveted three-star rating in the following key areas: isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries.

“This extraordinary recognition reflects the world-class quality of care offered by Wellstar,” said Lorrie Liang, senior vice president and hospital president of Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Windy Hill. “To achieve this gold standard, a health system must demonstrate both clinical excellence and rigorous standards for follow-up care. At Wellstar, we provide all of this, along with a warm, people-centered experience. It’s what we call ‘PeopleCare.’”

Previously, Wellstar Kennestone had earned three-star ratings in two categories. This latest achievement marks a significant advancement, solidifying its position as a national leader in cardiothoracic surgery.

“This new accomplishment speaks volumes about the skill, precision, and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said Dr. Richard Myung, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Wellstar Kennestone. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”

“This amazing recognition is about the great lengths we go to care for our patients, and why people travel from across the region to receive their care at Kennestone,” added Karrie Davis, Director of Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and the Structural Heart and Valve Program. “We care for every patient like they’re a family member or close friend. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”

STS ratings reflect not only surgical excellence, but also the quality of care patients receive in the critical 30-day period following surgery. These results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—one that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, critical care specialists, hospitalists, advanced practice providers and many others.

“This achievement is a testament to the entire care continuum,” said Cindy Holcomb, Wellstar executive director of cardiovascular nursing at Wellstar Kennestone. “From the operating room to recovery and rehabilitation, every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding outcomes.”

With a team of more than 110 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, the Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care is home to one of Georgia’s most comprehensive cardiovascular programs. Its flagship, Wellstar Kennestone, was the first hospital in the state to earn the prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction awarded by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association.

For more information about Heart Care at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/heartcare.

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Heart with ECG waves

Keeping Hearts Beating with Innovative LVAD Technology

Wellstar’s expert cardiac care specialists partner with patients at every step, from preventative care to high-tech treatments and supportive life-changing advice. 

For Mike Clements, the innovative care he received at Wellstar has empowered him to meet his goals and be there for life’s special moments — including walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding and meeting his first grandchild.

Life-saving LVAD implants 

In October 2020, Mike received a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implant to support his heart. An LVAD is a battery-powered pump that is surgically implanted and does the job of the heart, pumping blood throughout the body. The external rechargeable battery pack can provide up to 17 hours of power, and most patients with LVAD implants are able to return to work and other routine activities. 

For patients whose hearts cannot effectively pump blood on their own, an LVAD is life-saving technology. The device can either keep the patient healthy until they can receive a transplant or serve as an alternative to a heart transplant.

Your Wellstar cardiologist or heart failure specialist can help you determine if an LVAD is the right option for your heart care.

Mike’s decades-long Wellstar partnership

Mike has been a Wellstar patient for decades, beginning when he began experiencing heart issues and was referred to Dr. David Caras for a consultation. As a Wellstar heart patient, he was ready to receive life-saving care right when he needed it, years later.

After Mike received his LVAD implant, an interdisciplinary team of Wellstar providers helped him recover. After Dr. Richard Myung and Dr. Theresa Luu performed the surgery, he spent three weeks in inpatient rehabilitation at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, guided by an expert team who helped him adjust to life with the implant.

Mike had been on vasopressors to elevate his blood pressure, and when he lost circulation in his toes and developed gangrene, Wellstar Podiatrist Dr. Ashish Kapila performed an amputation of the toes to control the infection, which could have been particularly dangerous with the LVAD. 

And when Mike was determined to walk his daughter down the aisle for her June 2021 wedding, Wellstar helped make it happen. He began cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. He knew the aisle at the church was 40 feet long, so his physical therapy team measured the distance and practiced with him. 

In June, he was able to walk with his daughter at her wedding, with the support of his LVAD implant keeping his heart beating with every step. Then in August, he was able to enjoy another family milestone — the birth of his first grandchild.

Mike said Wellstar made his care personal and helped him feel supported on his heart health journey. The LVAD coordinators and nursing team in the critical care unit and cardiovascular ICU and on the blue floor at Kennestone became like family as he began his life with the LVAD, Mike said.

“I can’t say enough great things about Wellstar Health System. They truly deliver ‘PeopleCare,’ from the physicians to the clinical staff to the maintenance team that cleans the rooms,” Mike said. “Rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach, they take the time to know me and my healthcare needs and coordinate care seamlessly. I feel like we’re a team in this journey together.”

Patient Mike Clements walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding

Mike walking his daughter down the aisle

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Richard Myung, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2007
Rating
4.7
Specialties
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
New York Medical College
Residency
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
MedStar Georgetown University Medical Center
Fellowship
Emory University School of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/richard-myung-md
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Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

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