Oviedo Medical Center adds heart procedures to treat blocked arteries

Oviedo Medical Center has launched an interventional cardiology program, adding catheter-based procedures to treat certain heart and vascular conditions, including narrowed or blocked arteries.The hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, announced the expansion after completing its first procedure under the new program. Hospital officials said the service could allow some patients to receive specialized treatment locally rather than travel to another facility.The addition follows other expansions connected to the hospital, including a freestanding emergency room in Maitland that Channel 9 toured when it opened in 2024.First patient treated for an 80% blockageDr. Caleb Mercado performed the inaugural procedure on a 78-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease, according to the hospital.The patient underwent balloon angioplasty to treat an 80% blockage in his circumflex artery. Hospital officials said he was recovering well.Mercado worked alongside nurses, technologists and