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Sanford Health Invests Millions in Cardiovascular Expansion

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. nvests-millions-in-cardiovascular-expansion.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 0:21 GMT by KFYR TV
      Locales: South Dakota, UNITED STATES

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - February 12th, 2026 - Sanford Health today announced a substantial investment aimed at dramatically expanding its cardiovascular services across its entire network, with a specific emphasis on advanced cardiology and complex structural heart procedures. The initiative, unveiled this morning, signals a commitment to becoming a regional - and potentially national - leader in heart care, tackling rising rates of heart disease and addressing critical access issues, particularly within rural and underserved communities.

The multi-million dollar investment will be deployed across several key areas. Firstly, existing Sanford Health facilities will undergo significant upgrades to accommodate state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies. This includes, but is not limited to, next-generation cardiac imaging suites, hybrid operating rooms capable of performing both minimally invasive surgery and complex interventions, and enhanced electrophysiology labs for the treatment of arrhythmias. Sources within Sanford indicate they are evaluating AI-powered diagnostic tools to speed up and improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

Secondly, the health system is aggressively pursuing the recruitment and retention of highly skilled cardiology professionals, including interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, and specialized nursing staff. This is being achieved through competitive compensation packages, robust continuing education opportunities, and the creation of a supportive work environment. Sanford understands that technology is only as effective as the skilled professionals operating it. The company is also launching new fellowship programs designed to cultivate the next generation of cardiac specialists, creating a pipeline of talent committed to the Sanford system.

"We want to be the destination for advanced heart care," stated Dr. Kevin Stiegel, Senior Vice President of Cardiac Services for Sanford Health, in a press conference held earlier today. "That means having the best equipment, the most innovative technologies, and most importantly, the best people. But it's more than just offering cutting-edge treatments. It's about accessibility."

Dr. Stiegel emphasized the critical need to address disparities in heart care access, particularly for patients residing in rural areas served by Sanford. Historically, these communities have faced significant barriers, including long travel distances to specialized care, a shortage of local cardiology expertise, and limited access to diagnostic testing. This investment directly addresses those concerns. The expansion isn't just about centralized improvements in larger cities; it's about deploying mobile cardiac units - essentially fully-equipped heart care clinics on wheels - to provide preventative screenings and early intervention services in remote locations. Telecardiology programs are also being scaled up, allowing cardiologists to remotely monitor patients, conduct virtual consultations, and interpret diagnostic data, further extending the reach of specialized care.

The types of advanced procedures Sanford plans to expand include transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mitral valve repair and replacement utilizing minimally invasive techniques, and complex arrhythmia treatments such as atrial fibrillation ablation. These procedures offer significant benefits over traditional open-heart surgery, including shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and improved outcomes. Sanford is also investing in research initiatives focused on preventative cardiology and personalized medicine, aiming to identify individuals at high risk for heart disease and tailor treatment plans to their specific needs.

Experts predict the demand for advanced heart care services will only continue to grow in the coming years, driven by an aging population and increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, and other risk factors for heart disease. Sanford's proactive investment positions it to meet this demand and establish itself as a leader in the field. The system's commitment to innovation, combined with its focus on accessibility and patient-centered care, sets a new standard for heart care delivery in the region. The long-term impact is expected to be significant, improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and enriching the lives of individuals and communities throughout the Sanford network.

Sanford Health officials indicate they will release a detailed breakdown of the investment allocation and timeline for project completion in the coming weeks. They have also announced plans to host community forums to gather input and address concerns regarding the expansion.