Trident Hospital Hired Two New Cardiovascular Surgeons
The Charleston hospital added specialized medical staff to expand its capacity to treat complex heart conditions.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Trident Hospital in Charleston has hired two new cardiovascular surgeons to bolster its specialist team. These additions come as the hospital works to meet the rising demand for heart care services across the Lowcountry region.
Why it matters
The hospital is investing in personnel and advanced technology to enhance its local cardiovascular program. This recruitment effort ensures the facility can better manage the healthcare needs of area patients.
In 2025, Trident Hospital performed 2,628 electrophysiology procedures and treated 300 STEMI patients. Incoming specialist Ara Ketchedjian brings a career track record of 4,500 cardiac surgeries and 1,500 TAVR procedures.
The players
Trident Hospital
This is a medical facility providing cardiovascular care and surgical services to the residents of Charleston.
Ara Ketchedjian
He is a cardiovascular surgeon with extensive experience in cardiac procedures and valve replacements.
Stephen C. Miller II
He is a vascular surgeon who has joined the specialist team at the hospital.
The details
Ara Ketchedjian joins HCA Healthcare Lowcountry Cardiology Specialists, while Stephen C. Miller II has joined HCA Healthcare Trident Vascular Surgery Specialists. The hospital continues to focus on strengthening its cardiovascular infrastructure through strategic staffing and medical investment.
Timeline
Trident Hospital performed various cardiovascular procedures throughout 2025.
The hospital received national awards for cardiac surgery in 2026.
The recruitment announcement was published on October 7, 2026.
The Big Picture
This move follows a pattern set by the HCA Healthcare cardiovascular network as it continues to expand its specialized medical footprints within regional hospital systems. It reflects a broader trend of large-scale hospital networks investing in sub-specialty talent to capture complex procedural volume.
Local patients may benefit from increased availability of specialized cardiovascular procedures and shorter wait times for consultations with these new surgeons. The hospital's expansion provides residents with access to a broader range of cardiac expertise within the immediate community.
The takeaway
The addition of these surgeons highlights the importance of matching local medical staffing with high procedural volume to improve patient outcomes. Residents should consult their primary care providers to discuss how these new specialized services might fit into their existing heart health plans.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Heart Disease management and surgical care in the Lowcountry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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