Ryan Leonberg, right, a certified physician assistant at Independence Health System specializing in cardiothoracic surgery, poses with patient Donna Millard, of Mercer, outside Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — Butler Memorial Hospital reached a milestone this month as its nationally recognized cardiovascular program celebrates 25 years.

Dr. George Davliakos, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery, performed the first open-heart procedure at Butler Memorial in 1998. The program and medical technology continue to evolve.

Before the hospital began performing cardiovascular procedures, patients had to wait for potentially lifesaving services or travel long distances for care. According to Independence Health System, the need for cardiovascular care north of Pittsburgh led the hospital to establish its own center.