Grand Strand Health becomes first in South Carolina to offer endoscopic mitral valve surgery
October 22, 2026
Grand Strand Health is celebrating a significant advancement in cardiovascular care following the successful completion of an endoscopic mitral valve surgery at Grand Strand Medical Center. As the only hospital in South Carolina offering this specialized surgical approach, Grand Strand Health is expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive heart surgery for patients across the state.
The innovative procedure, performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Heather Palomino, MD, represents an important milestone for Grand Strand Health’s cardiovascular program and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to bringing leading-edge cardiac care to the communities it serves. 
Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which typically requires an incision through the breastbone, endoscopic mitral valve surgery allows surgeons to access the heart through smaller incisions in the chest. Using a specialized camera and surgical instruments, surgeons can repair or replace a diseased mitral valve while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.
For appropriately selected patients, this technique may offer important benefits, including less postoperative discomfort, smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to everyday activities.
“Bringing this advanced surgical technique to Grand Strand Health is an exciting milestone for our cardiovascular program,” said cardiothoracic surgeon Heather Palomino, MD. “This approach allows us to treat complex mitral valve conditions through smaller incisions, giving eligible patients another option for surgical treatment and recovery.”
Dr. Palomino with a GHS patient.
The mitral valve helps regulate blood flow through the heart. When it becomes damaged or fails to function properly, patients may experience fatigue, shortness of breath and other symptoms that can significantly affect their quality of life. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary to restore proper valve function.
The successful procedure highlights the skill and collaboration of Grand Strand Health’s cardiovascular team and its continued focus on advancing treatment options for patients with heart disease. By expanding the specialized procedures available at Grand Strand Medical Center, Grand Strand Health is helping patients access sophisticated cardiac care close to home.
