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Friday, October 23, 2015

Surgeon to discuss heart murmurs, valve disease, treatments at Putnam County Hospital

GREENCASTLE, Ind. – A prominent Franciscan St. Francis Health heart surgeon will lead a free public Ask the Doc seminar on “Do you have a heart murmur?” at Putnam County Hospital Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Marc W. Gerdisch, MD, chief of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, will explain the significance of heart murmurs and latest treatments for heart valve disease. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments being served at 6:00 p.m. in the hospital’s third-floor classroom at 1542 S. Bloomington St.

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that don’t close properly. Sometimes people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms but if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected.

In 2008, Dr. Gerdisch performed the world’s first procedure to repair heart valves using technology enabling the heart to naturally regrow damaged tissue. He has been an innovator in heart surgery at Franciscan St. Francis Health and frequently presents internationally on novel heart valve repair techniques. He also conducts ongoing landmark research in next-generation heart valves and heart tissue regeneration.

The seminar is free, but registration is required because of limited seating. To register, call 765-655-2620.

Those attending may be eligible for a free heart valve echocardiogram screening at a later date.


Putnam County Hospital recently formed a partnership with Franciscan St. Francis Health. This arrangement provides a full-time cardiology clinic and outstanding cardiac support for patients in that area.