St. Charles Bend resumes heart, lung surgeries

Cardiothoracic (heart and lung) surgery services are again available at St. Charles Bend after a temporary physician shortage caused suspension of the program for 12 days, officials said Tuesday.

“We are pleased to say that we have re-opened our cardiothoracic surgery services as planned,” said Dr. Jeff Absalon, chief physician officer for St. Charles Health System.

“We appreciate the patience of the community during this brief suspension of service. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that a disruption does not happen again.”

During the temporary suspension, four patients needed urgent cardiothoracic surgery – two cardiac surgeries and two lung surgeries – and were sent to hospitals in Portland for care., officials said.

None of the surgeries were considered “emergent,” but needed to take place within 24 to 48 hours. Other surgeries were rescheduled or handled by the vascular surgery team in Bend.