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A native of New Orleans, Dr. Reitman is a board certified cardiologist who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis in 1991 and then earned a medical degree from Louisiana State University, New Orleans, in 1995. After completing an internship and residency in internal medicine at Tufts Affiliated Hospitals in Boston, MA, Dr. Reitman completed a Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Brown University, Providence, R.I. After an Interventional Fellowship at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, completed 2002, Dr Reitman started clinic practice in Marietta , GA.
Instrumental towards bringing interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery to Cobb County, Dr Reitman has been a perennial high volume operator, and has played an integral role in the development of Complex PCI, Cardiogenic Shock and Structural Heart Teams for Wellstar Health Systems. Teaching activities have involved live rotational atherectomy courses and complex interventional courses for interventional physicians from around the country.Starting as a three-physician interventional group at one hospital, Dr Reitman helped grow an interventional program that now touches a broad geography across the Atlanta metropolitan area, represented by over 18 interventional physicians in 9 separate cardiac cath labs. He has served as the system level cardiac catheterization lab director since 2009.
Dr Reitman has been involved in a number of coronary and structural heart trials in collaboration with other Wellstar physicians, including trials involving the Synergy and Onyx platforms, the Edwards Sapien and Evolut valves. Reitman has been involved with the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology since his arrival in Atlanta in 2002 .
MitraClip at Wellstar
Specialties
Interventional Cardiology
Cardiovascular Disease
Education & Training
Louisiana State University
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine - Interv/Card
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Hospital
Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Languages spoken
English
Videos
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.
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.8
4.8
Based on 148 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.82
Listened to me carefully
4.78
Earned my trust
4.77
Shared the right amount of information
4.75
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
5
No problems
November 29, 2023
5
Great ! Doctor very attentive & personable.
November 11, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman and his staff are great!!
November 10, 2023
5
I was real pleased with the office from the time I come in to the front desk. It was very pleasant, the girls up front were very nice, and the nurses in the room where Dr. Reitman wise. And we were very impressed with him and I think we're going to get along real well. Thank you very much for your time.
November 3, 2023
5
Dr Reitman was about 45 minutes late but that is ok he has to handle emergencies which I was once one of them so I do not mind that I have to wait to see him
October 21, 2023
5
Concerned about by wellness
October 21, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman Is extremely knowledgeable, conservative, kind, patient, and made me feel comfortable and reassured.
October 20, 2023
5
Compassion and professionalism. Thank you
October 20, 2023
5
Thankful for such a competent and caring doctor as Dr Reitman!
October 20, 2023
5
I love my Wellstar Family they have been saving my life since 2015. I wouldn't go anywhere else. The team is Amazing
October 4, 2023
3
I thought I was going to leave with the prescription for Paxil that he mentioned I needed to take
October 4, 2023
5
My Doctor was very up front with the information provided me on the subject matter of my need. I
September 22, 2023
5
The medical team was friendly and reassuring that they had my best interest in mind.
September 22, 2023
5
Very professional and knowledgeable team!
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, Dr. Reitman was very attentive. He's a very good doctor. I would recommend him to my family and I trust him very very much. Thank you.
August 26, 2023
5
The doctor's visit was very good, it was very professional,he answered all my questions and explain to me the procedure. I am very, very pleased with the doctor. There's one area that don't concerned the doctor's office but it concerns the hospital itself. I had to park on P8 parking level because it was nothing available from the bottom up to 7,so I have to go to P8, got off at the 8th and the elevator did not work on P8, so I had to walk down to 7 to catch the elevator. My question is if I... if I was unable to walk and parked on P8, how would I get back down to P5. That was my only concern about the hospital,it seem like someone... I reported it to the doctor's office, I reported it to a doctor that was in the hallway
August 18, 2023
5
I was over elated to see you all so professionally. Thanks for putting me at ease as soon as you enter in the room.
July 21, 2023
5
The team was very professional and caring. I felt very relaxed and they answered all my concerns and questions . I feel very comfortable in thier hand.
July 21, 2023
5
He put me at ease immediately. Listened to my fears and told me how things had changed for the better. Having the group come in together gave me more peace if I need anything done cause they were no strangers anymore.
July 19, 2023
5
Appt was late but Dr explained and apologized. I appreciated both.
June 29, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman is one of the best Doctors I've known. Been a patient of his for 20 years --totally trust him when I have heart problems - and love the girl that works with him
June 29, 2023
5
Dr.is always caring and listens.
June 21, 2023
5
Have been seeing Dr Reitman for 18 years now and as far as I am concerned, he is the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr Arthur Reitman was amazing as well as the staff who organized things when I arrived.
June 21, 2023
4
Hi, the doctors were very patient with me, and with respect to scheduling me after my scheduled appointment time, because I because of heavy traffic, I arrived 30 minutes late after leaving at around 8 o'clock. I got there at 10 o'clock for a 9:30 appointment. There for very forgiving and patient and with that respect. On the downside is when I tried calling them in route to let them know that I was going to be late. I was unable to get through to anybody, and I left multiple messages to that effect, but I was happy with the consultation so far, and we'll go forward from there. Thanks.
June 23, 2023
5
attentive doctors and staff. very professional. thank you
June 9, 2023
5
I greatly like Dr. Reitman , excellent doctor.
June 9, 2023
5
Everyone was super nice to me from the minute I walked in!!
June 8, 2023
5
We were very pleased with our visit and the professionalism that our doctor and his staff showed us.
May 28, 2023
5
Staff seemed to care
May 28, 2023
5
No problems
November 29, 2023
5
Great ! Doctor very attentive & personable.
November 11, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman and his staff are great!!
November 10, 2023
5
I was real pleased with the office from the time I come in to the front desk. It was very pleasant, the girls up front were very nice, and the nurses in the room where Dr. Reitman wise. And we were very impressed with him and I think we're going to get along real well. Thank you very much for your time.
November 3, 2023
5
Dr Reitman was about 45 minutes late but that is ok he has to handle emergencies which I was once one of them so I do not mind that I have to wait to see him
October 21, 2023
5
Concerned about by wellness
October 21, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman Is extremely knowledgeable, conservative, kind, patient, and made me feel comfortable and reassured.
October 20, 2023
5
Compassion and professionalism. Thank you
October 20, 2023
5
Thankful for such a competent and caring doctor as Dr Reitman!
October 20, 2023
5
I love my Wellstar Family they have been saving my life since 2015. I wouldn't go anywhere else. The team is Amazing
October 4, 2023
5
My Doctor was very up front with the information provided me on the subject matter of my need. I
September 22, 2023
5
The medical team was friendly and reassuring that they had my best interest in mind.
September 22, 2023
5
Very professional and knowledgeable team!
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, Dr. Reitman was very attentive. He's a very good doctor. I would recommend him to my family and I trust him very very much. Thank you.
August 26, 2023
5
The doctor's visit was very good, it was very professional,he answered all my questions and explain to me the procedure. I am very, very pleased with the doctor. There's one area that don't concerned the doctor's office but it concerns the hospital itself. I had to park on P8 parking level because it was nothing available from the bottom up to 7,so I have to go to P8, got off at the 8th and the elevator did not work on P8, so I had to walk down to 7 to catch the elevator. My question is if I... if I was unable to walk and parked on P8, how would I get back down to P5. That was my only concern about the hospital,it seem like someone... I reported it to the doctor's office, I reported it to a doctor that was in the hallway
August 18, 2023
5
I was over elated to see you all so professionally. Thanks for putting me at ease as soon as you enter in the room.
July 21, 2023
5
The team was very professional and caring. I felt very relaxed and they answered all my concerns and questions . I feel very comfortable in thier hand.
July 21, 2023
5
He put me at ease immediately. Listened to my fears and told me how things had changed for the better. Having the group come in together gave me more peace if I need anything done cause they were no strangers anymore.
July 19, 2023
5
Appt was late but Dr explained and apologized. I appreciated both.
June 29, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman is one of the best Doctors I've known. Been a patient of his for 20 years --totally trust him when I have heart problems - and love the girl that works with him
June 29, 2023
5
Dr.is always caring and listens.
June 21, 2023
5
Have been seeing Dr Reitman for 18 years now and as far as I am concerned, he is the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr Arthur Reitman was amazing as well as the staff who organized things when I arrived.
June 21, 2023
5
attentive doctors and staff. very professional. thank you
June 9, 2023
5
I greatly like Dr. Reitman , excellent doctor.
June 9, 2023
5
Everyone was super nice to me from the minute I walked in!!
June 8, 2023
5
We were very pleased with our visit and the professionalism that our doctor and his staff showed us.
May 28, 2023
5
Staff seemed to care
May 28, 2023
4
Hi, the doctors were very patient with me, and with respect to scheduling me after my scheduled appointment time, because I because of heavy traffic, I arrived 30 minutes late after leaving at around 8 o'clock. I got there at 10 o'clock for a 9:30 appointment. There for very forgiving and patient and with that respect. On the downside is when I tried calling them in route to let them know that I was going to be late. I was unable to get through to anybody, and I left multiple messages to that effect, but I was happy with the consultation so far, and we'll go forward from there. Thanks.
June 23, 2023
3
I thought I was going to leave with the prescription for Paxil that he mentioned I needed to take
October 4, 2023
3
I thought I was going to leave with the prescription for Paxil that he mentioned I needed to take
October 4, 2023
4
Hi, the doctors were very patient with me, and with respect to scheduling me after my scheduled appointment time, because I because of heavy traffic, I arrived 30 minutes late after leaving at around 8 o'clock. I got there at 10 o'clock for a 9:30 appointment. There for very forgiving and patient and with that respect. On the downside is when I tried calling them in route to let them know that I was going to be late. I was unable to get through to anybody, and I left multiple messages to that effect, but I was happy with the consultation so far, and we'll go forward from there. Thanks.
June 23, 2023
5
No problems
November 29, 2023
5
Great ! Doctor very attentive & personable.
November 11, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman and his staff are great!!
November 10, 2023
5
I was real pleased with the office from the time I come in to the front desk. It was very pleasant, the girls up front were very nice, and the nurses in the room where Dr. Reitman wise. And we were very impressed with him and I think we're going to get along real well. Thank you very much for your time.
November 3, 2023
5
Dr Reitman was about 45 minutes late but that is ok he has to handle emergencies which I was once one of them so I do not mind that I have to wait to see him
October 21, 2023
5
Concerned about by wellness
October 21, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman Is extremely knowledgeable, conservative, kind, patient, and made me feel comfortable and reassured.
October 20, 2023
5
Compassion and professionalism. Thank you
October 20, 2023
5
Thankful for such a competent and caring doctor as Dr Reitman!
October 20, 2023
5
I love my Wellstar Family they have been saving my life since 2015. I wouldn't go anywhere else. The team is Amazing
October 4, 2023
5
My Doctor was very up front with the information provided me on the subject matter of my need. I
September 22, 2023
5
The medical team was friendly and reassuring that they had my best interest in mind.
September 22, 2023
5
Very professional and knowledgeable team!
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, Dr. Reitman was very attentive. He's a very good doctor. I would recommend him to my family and I trust him very very much. Thank you.
August 26, 2023
5
The doctor's visit was very good, it was very professional,he answered all my questions and explain to me the procedure. I am very, very pleased with the doctor. There's one area that don't concerned the doctor's office but it concerns the hospital itself. I had to park on P8 parking level because it was nothing available from the bottom up to 7,so I have to go to P8, got off at the 8th and the elevator did not work on P8, so I had to walk down to 7 to catch the elevator. My question is if I... if I was unable to walk and parked on P8, how would I get back down to P5. That was my only concern about the hospital,it seem like someone... I reported it to the doctor's office, I reported it to a doctor that was in the hallway
August 18, 2023
5
I was over elated to see you all so professionally. Thanks for putting me at ease as soon as you enter in the room.
July 21, 2023
5
The team was very professional and caring. I felt very relaxed and they answered all my concerns and questions . I feel very comfortable in thier hand.
July 21, 2023
5
He put me at ease immediately. Listened to my fears and told me how things had changed for the better. Having the group come in together gave me more peace if I need anything done cause they were no strangers anymore.
July 19, 2023
5
Appt was late but Dr explained and apologized. I appreciated both.
June 29, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman is one of the best Doctors I've known. Been a patient of his for 20 years --totally trust him when I have heart problems - and love the girl that works with him
June 29, 2023
5
Dr.is always caring and listens.
June 21, 2023
5
Have been seeing Dr Reitman for 18 years now and as far as I am concerned, he is the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr Arthur Reitman was amazing as well as the staff who organized things when I arrived.
June 21, 2023
5
attentive doctors and staff. very professional. thank you
June 9, 2023
5
I greatly like Dr. Reitman , excellent doctor.
June 9, 2023
5
Everyone was super nice to me from the minute I walked in!!
June 8, 2023
5
We were very pleased with our visit and the professionalism that our doctor and his staff showed us.
May 28, 2023
5
Staff seemed to care
May 28, 2023
5
No problems
November 29, 2023
5
Great ! Doctor very attentive & personable.
November 11, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman and his staff are great!!
November 10, 2023
5
I was real pleased with the office from the time I come in to the front desk. It was very pleasant, the girls up front were very nice, and the nurses in the room where Dr. Reitman wise. And we were very impressed with him and I think we're going to get along real well. Thank you very much for your time.
November 3, 2023
5
Dr Reitman was about 45 minutes late but that is ok he has to handle emergencies which I was once one of them so I do not mind that I have to wait to see him
October 21, 2023
5
Concerned about by wellness
October 21, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman Is extremely knowledgeable, conservative, kind, patient, and made me feel comfortable and reassured.
October 20, 2023
5
Compassion and professionalism. Thank you
October 20, 2023
5
Thankful for such a competent and caring doctor as Dr Reitman!
October 20, 2023
5
I love my Wellstar Family they have been saving my life since 2015. I wouldn't go anywhere else. The team is Amazing
October 4, 2023
3
I thought I was going to leave with the prescription for Paxil that he mentioned I needed to take
October 4, 2023
5
My Doctor was very up front with the information provided me on the subject matter of my need. I
September 22, 2023
5
The medical team was friendly and reassuring that they had my best interest in mind.
September 22, 2023
5
Very professional and knowledgeable team!
September 15, 2023
5
Yes, Dr. Reitman was very attentive. He's a very good doctor. I would recommend him to my family and I trust him very very much. Thank you.
August 26, 2023
5
The doctor's visit was very good, it was very professional,he answered all my questions and explain to me the procedure. I am very, very pleased with the doctor. There's one area that don't concerned the doctor's office but it concerns the hospital itself. I had to park on P8 parking level because it was nothing available from the bottom up to 7,so I have to go to P8, got off at the 8th and the elevator did not work on P8, so I had to walk down to 7 to catch the elevator. My question is if I... if I was unable to walk and parked on P8, how would I get back down to P5. That was my only concern about the hospital,it seem like someone... I reported it to the doctor's office, I reported it to a doctor that was in the hallway
August 18, 2023
5
I was over elated to see you all so professionally. Thanks for putting me at ease as soon as you enter in the room.
July 21, 2023
5
The team was very professional and caring. I felt very relaxed and they answered all my concerns and questions . I feel very comfortable in thier hand.
July 21, 2023
5
He put me at ease immediately. Listened to my fears and told me how things had changed for the better. Having the group come in together gave me more peace if I need anything done cause they were no strangers anymore.
July 19, 2023
5
Appt was late but Dr explained and apologized. I appreciated both.
June 29, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman is one of the best Doctors I've known. Been a patient of his for 20 years --totally trust him when I have heart problems - and love the girl that works with him
June 29, 2023
4
Hi, the doctors were very patient with me, and with respect to scheduling me after my scheduled appointment time, because I because of heavy traffic, I arrived 30 minutes late after leaving at around 8 o'clock. I got there at 10 o'clock for a 9:30 appointment. There for very forgiving and patient and with that respect. On the downside is when I tried calling them in route to let them know that I was going to be late. I was unable to get through to anybody, and I left multiple messages to that effect, but I was happy with the consultation so far, and we'll go forward from there. Thanks.
June 23, 2023
5
Dr.is always caring and listens.
June 21, 2023
5
Have been seeing Dr Reitman for 18 years now and as far as I am concerned, he is the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr Arthur Reitman was amazing as well as the staff who organized things when I arrived.
June 21, 2023
5
attentive doctors and staff. very professional. thank you
June 9, 2023
5
I greatly like Dr. Reitman , excellent doctor.
June 9, 2023
5
Everyone was super nice to me from the minute I walked in!!
June 8, 2023
5
We were very pleased with our visit and the professionalism that our doctor and his staff showed us.
May 28, 2023
5
Staff seemed to care
May 28, 2023
5
We were very pleased with our visit and the professionalism that our doctor and his staff showed us.
May 28, 2023
5
Staff seemed to care
May 28, 2023
5
Everyone was super nice to me from the minute I walked in!!
June 8, 2023
5
I greatly like Dr. Reitman , excellent doctor.
June 9, 2023
5
attentive doctors and staff. very professional. thank you
June 9, 2023
5
Dr Arthur Reitman was amazing as well as the staff who organized things when I arrived.
June 21, 2023
5
Have been seeing Dr Reitman for 18 years now and as far as I am concerned, he is the best.
June 21, 2023
5
Dr.is always caring and listens.
June 21, 2023
4
Hi, the doctors were very patient with me, and with respect to scheduling me after my scheduled appointment time, because I because of heavy traffic, I arrived 30 minutes late after leaving at around 8 o'clock. I got there at 10 o'clock for a 9:30 appointment. There for very forgiving and patient and with that respect. On the downside is when I tried calling them in route to let them know that I was going to be late. I was unable to get through to anybody, and I left multiple messages to that effect, but I was happy with the consultation so far, and we'll go forward from there. Thanks.
June 23, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman is one of the best Doctors I've known. Been a patient of his for 20 years --totally trust him when I have heart problems - and love the girl that works with him
June 29, 2023
5
Appt was late but Dr explained and apologized. I appreciated both.
June 29, 2023
5
He put me at ease immediately. Listened to my fears and told me how things had changed for the better. Having the group come in together gave me more peace if I need anything done cause they were no strangers anymore.
July 19, 2023
5
The team was very professional and caring. I felt very relaxed and they answered all my concerns and questions . I feel very comfortable in thier hand.
July 21, 2023
5
I was over elated to see you all so professionally. Thanks for putting me at ease as soon as you enter in the room.
July 21, 2023
5
The doctor's visit was very good, it was very professional,he answered all my questions and explain to me the procedure. I am very, very pleased with the doctor. There's one area that don't concerned the doctor's office but it concerns the hospital itself. I had to park on P8 parking level because it was nothing available from the bottom up to 7,so I have to go to P8, got off at the 8th and the elevator did not work on P8, so I had to walk down to 7 to catch the elevator. My question is if I... if I was unable to walk and parked on P8, how would I get back down to P5. That was my only concern about the hospital,it seem like someone... I reported it to the doctor's office, I reported it to a doctor that was in the hallway
August 18, 2023
5
Yes, Dr. Reitman was very attentive. He's a very good doctor. I would recommend him to my family and I trust him very very much. Thank you.
August 26, 2023
5
Very professional and knowledgeable team!
September 15, 2023
5
The medical team was friendly and reassuring that they had my best interest in mind.
September 22, 2023
5
My Doctor was very up front with the information provided me on the subject matter of my need. I
September 22, 2023
3
I thought I was going to leave with the prescription for Paxil that he mentioned I needed to take
October 4, 2023
5
I love my Wellstar Family they have been saving my life since 2015. I wouldn't go anywhere else. The team is Amazing
October 4, 2023
5
Thankful for such a competent and caring doctor as Dr Reitman!
October 20, 2023
5
Compassion and professionalism. Thank you
October 20, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman Is extremely knowledgeable, conservative, kind, patient, and made me feel comfortable and reassured.
October 20, 2023
5
Concerned about by wellness
October 21, 2023
5
Dr Reitman was about 45 minutes late but that is ok he has to handle emergencies which I was once one of them so I do not mind that I have to wait to see him
October 21, 2023
5
I was real pleased with the office from the time I come in to the front desk. It was very pleasant, the girls up front were very nice, and the nurses in the room where Dr. Reitman wise. And we were very impressed with him and I think we're going to get along real well. Thank you very much for your time.
November 3, 2023
5
Dr. Reitman and his staff are great!!
November 10, 2023
5
Great ! Doctor very attentive & personable.
November 11, 2023
5
No problems
November 29, 2023
Publications and Articles
TomCare
Self-awareness and specialized imaging help active dad get ahead of the game
When COVID forced everyone to spend more time at home, Tom Murphy decided he wouldn’t sit around idle. At 62, he upped his regular activity to work out with his son, daughter and daughter’s fiancé — college athletes who kept him in top shape.
Tom’s go-to workout was a long walk in a hilly East Cobb neighborhood. He and the kids also played a lot of pickleball.
About a year in, Tom noticed a physical change.
“I was playing fewer games of pickleball at a time and making it only halfway through my walks,” he said.
During Tom’s annual appointment with his Wellstar Dr. George Kramer, he shared his concerns about his symptoms.
“I do sports with my kids, and I’m short of breath,” Tom said.
The physician requested a cardiac CT (CCTA), the new standard for detecting heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. It can be more accurate than treadmill stress tests and is less invasive than cardiac catheterization.
“Results of the initial CT showed two blockages,” Dr. Kramer said. “One blockage was 67%, one was 75%, and we decided to follow up with further analysis using the HeartFlow test.”
Because Wellstar was the first HeartFlow Platinum site in Georgia, the cardiology staff were able to create a personalized, 3D model of Tom’s coronary arteries to check on blood flow. HeartFlow is a fractional reserve assessment that looks at how each blockage impacts the heart. Previously, this in-depth view of the heart could only happen with a more invasive procedure.
According to Dr. Kramer, the test itself has been “a godsend” since it makes it possible for patients to avoid invasive tests while still getting important — and potentially lifesaving — information about their hearts.
HeartFlow revealed the blood flow to Tom’s heart was significantly compromised.
Tom and his 91-year-old mother stand together for heart health.
Surviving sudden cardiac death — and living life to the fullest
There aren’t many people out there who can say they survived cardiac arrest at 30. Kevin Miskewicz can.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 90% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die. Those who survive often have permanent neurological disabilities. But Kevin’s story has an incredibly fortunate ending, thanks to the highly coordinated work of his medical experts at Wellstar.
Recovering from cardiac arrest is something Kevin will never forget. It lives forever as a piece of his health history — one that includes a dedicated healthcare team — and his wife, who was the first to save his life.
CPR to the rescue
Kevin woke up on Labor Day 2017 at 5:30 a.m. to take the dog out. Pausing to adjust the thermostat as he came in, he fell, knocking over a lamp.
He was in cardiac arrest.
With no symptoms and no known pre-existing condition, this was unexpected, but that didn’t stop his wife, Andrea, from jumping into action.
“If it weren’t for me knocking over a lamp when I passed out,” said Kevin, “she would have never woken up and saved my life.”
In addition to calling 911 and unlocking the door for the paramedics, Andrea performed CPR for 10 minutes.
Coordinating multidisciplinary care to save a life
When paramedics arrived at Kevin’s home, he had no pulse and was not breathing. As the paramedics performed their lifesaving work, he technically died two times.
The ambulance took him to Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, where he was initially assessed and treated by Dr. David Jacoboff. The interventional cardiologist implanted an intra-aortic balloon pump to stabilize him. Then, he transferred Kevin to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center for highly specialized heart care.
When Kevin arrived at Kennestone by helicopter, his heart function wasn’t strong enough to support his body. Dr. Reitman and a team of doctors including a cardiologist, a pulmonologist and critical care doctors worked in tandem to put Kevin on an advanced life support system called veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Better known as VA-ECMO, it took the heart “offline” so it could heal. The technology removed unoxygenated blood from his body, oxygenated it and pumped it back in for the next three days.
“Very few places in the state — only four or five hospitals — have the technology and specialized training to put a patient on ECMO,” Dr. Reitman explained.
