Coronary Interventions Archives - Arkansas Heart Hospital

Saul Rios, MD

Dr. Saul Rios is an interventional cardiologist who brings a warm, patient-first approach to cardiovascular care. He specializes in coronary interventions, complex cardiac procedures, and evidence-based management of heart disease. He joins Arkansas Heart Hospital after completing advanced interventional cardiology fellowship training at Montefiore/Einstein Medical Center in Bronx, New York, where he also served as Chief Fellow in General Cardiology and Chief Resident in Internal Medicine.

Originally from Guatemala City, Dr. Rios earned his medical degree and Bachelor of Science from Universidad Francisco Marroquín. Throughout his training he received multiple recognitions for excellence in clinical care and medical education, including three Teaching Fellow of the Year awards and the Humanism in Medicine Award for his compassionate and patient-centered approach.

Dr. Rios chose cardiology because it blends meaningful long-term relationships with innovative, minimally invasive procedures that help patients feel better fast. He believes patients deserve clear communication, unhurried visits, and a true partnership in their health journey.

Care Philosophy
“I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and how it works. As a physician, I get to use that knowledge to help people live healthier lives. I enjoy spending time face to face with my patients, learning their stories, and guiding them toward their best and healthiest selves. My goal is to build long-term relationships where patients feel supported, empowered and actively involved in their care.”

Clinical Interests

Coronary artery disease and PCI
Structural heart considerations and transcatheter therapies
Cardiovascular outcomes and prevention
Long-term management of chronic heart conditions

Languages
English, Spanish

Outside the Clinic
Dr. Rios enjoys spending time with his family and dog, traveling, trying new restaurants and cuisines, outdoor exercise and photography.

Dr. Rios in the news:

Dr. Rios shares tips to avoid holiday heart syndrome

Request an Appointment

New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Nureddin Almaddah, MD

Dr. Nurredin Almaddah (Dr. Nuri) is an interventional cardiologist dedicated to excellence in patient care. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Echocardiography, and Nuclear Cardiology. In 2007, he earned a medical degree with honors from the University of Zawia Faculty of Medicine in Libya. Dr. Almaddah worked in the largest specialist heart center in Libya, National Heart, in the post-cardiac ICU prior to moving to the US for residency. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital in Massachusetts where he served as chief resident. He went on to complete a fellowship in cardiology at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, an interventional cardiology fellowship at University for Medical Sciences at Little Rock, and a Masters in Interventional Cardiology from National University of Ireland.

Dr. Nuri is known for being personable and has a strong passion for working alongside patients to find a solution to cardiovascular diseases.

In his free time, Dr. Nuri enjoys outdoor activities, reading and spending time with his family.

Make an appointment
New Patients: (833) 733-7244
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3654

What patients are saying about Dr. Nuri:

“Dr. Nuri is my husband’s doctor. He has always gone beyond what you would expect.”

“Love Dr. Nuri! He is such a great physician, and we are lucky to have him!”

“He did my moms heart cath, and she was very impressed! She was treated so well by everyone at AHH, and she thought highly of Dr. Nuri.”

“He’s a favorite…an amazing cardiologist and the total package! He loves his patients and loves what he does.”

Wesley Lane, MD

Dr. Wesley Lane is an interventional cardiologist, board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. Specializing in structural heart disease, his passions include performing complex interventions and treating ischemic and valvular heart disease. Dr. Lane finds his field rewarding for the opportunity to help people get better and live better.

Dr. Lane grew up in Abilene, Texas, and graduated from Texas Tech University. He graduated top of his class at Texas Tech University School of Medicine and was the recipient of the Gold Headed Cane Award. He completed his internal medicine residency at Baylor Scott and White and received several teaching awards. He remained at Baylor Scott and White for fellowship training in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology and was awarded Fellow of the Year.

From the first visit with Dr. Lane, patients feel comfortable because he walks with them through each step of their health journey, from diagnosis to recovery.

“The pride we take in our work really comes from results…of being able to meet a patient, establish a diagnosis, see them through to treatment and see them start to thrive, is very rewarding. And that’s why we love to do this,” he said.

Dr. Lane enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, cooking and grilling, exercising and playing the guitar. He’s involved in his church and likes studying and teaching Christian theology.

What patients are saying about Dr. Lane:

“Dr. Lane is amazing. My husband and I are so thankful for him and his team.”

“I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my heart.”

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3624
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Gary Nash, MD

Dr. Gary Nash is an interventional cardiologist, providing care for patients with cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, pulmonary embolism or after a heart attack.

Growing up in Mississippi as a son of a farmer, Dr. Nash knows the value of hard work. He finds purpose and passion in his practice at Arkansas Heart, and enjoys building a relationship with his patients and working to improve their lives.

Dr. Nash graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s in biology before attending the University of Mississippi School of Medicine for his medical degree. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Baptist Health Systems in Birmingham, Alabama, before completing his internal medicine residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His cardiovascular disease fellowship was performed at East Carolina University and his interventional cardiology fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He is board certified in adult echocardiography, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, internal medicine, nuclear cardiology and vascular ultrasound.

Dr. Nash is married with two children. He enjoys spending time with his family and exploring Arkansas outdoors.

Get to know Dr. Nash

What do you enjoy most about your career?

I enjoy the balance of being able to get to know my patients in a clinic setting and work with my hands performing procedures.

What patients are saying about Dr. Nash:

“Dr. Nash is amazing. Thank you for being the best doctor.”

“Dr. Nash helped save my life after a severe anaphylactic reaction. Now I see him as my cardiologist and he is just great!”

Dr. Nash in the news:

Arkansas Heart Hospital has the state’s only Post-COVID Pulmonary Rehab Program

What is broken heart syndrome?

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3625
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

William Aimar Rollefson, MD

Dr. William A. Rollefson is a cardiologist board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. At Arkansas Heart, he leads the cardiac catheterization lab and interventional cardiology department. Dr. Rollefson is a founder of the structural heart program at Arkansas Heart Hospital and spearheaded radial access for both cardiac and peripheral interventions in Arkansas, training several hundred cardiologists from around the country in the technique. He is the Associate Interventional Fellowship Director for UAMS and a clinical professor of medicine.

A native of Little Rock, Dr. Rollefson graduated from Hendrix College in Conway before earning his medical degree with honors from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his internship and residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. He completed his fellowship in cardiology at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he served for several years as director of cardiovascular interventions.

The recipient of numerous awards, including “Outstanding Staff Teacher” and “Outstanding Original Research,” Dr. Rollefson has been well recognized for his talents in medicine, teaching and research. In his spare time, he enjoys scuba diving, golf, and traveling with his family.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3618
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

What patients are saying about Dr. Rollefson:

“Dr. William Rollefson is absolutely the best. Everyone should go to him if you’re worried about a loved one — he is the man.”

Vijay Raja, MD

Dr. Vijay Raja is an interventional cardiologist who cares for patients with all forms of coronary, vascular and structural heart disease. His passions include treating patients with refractory symptoms, those needing acute interventions and patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Dr. Raja earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and then completed his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed his post-graduate training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. In addition to patient care, Dr. Raja has a strong interest in health care management and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Dallas during his cardiology fellowship.

Dr. Vijay Raja

He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology, and vascular medicine. Dr. Raja is trained to treat all forms of cardiac or peripheral artery blockages including 100% occlusions as well as evaluate and treat a variety of structural heart diseases such as congenital heart defects (patent foramen ovale, atrial and ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus), perivalvular defects, alcohol septal ablations and transcatheter valve diseases.

He and his wife enjoy spending time together as a family and watching their three children grow up in Arkansas.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 219-6461
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

What patients are saying about Dr. Raja:

“Dr. Raja is awesome. He makes me feel comfortable, which is hard to do. He’s very compassionate and explains everything so you can understand it.”

“Thank you, Dr. Raja, for your great care! I don’t know what we would do without you.”

“Dr. Raja is the best. He cares about you and your health.”

“I have been a patient of Dr. Raja for about two years now, and I feel like he’s one of the best heart doctors that I’ve ever seen.”

“Dr. Raja is definitely the best cardiologist.”

Vasili Lendel, MD

Originally from Russia, Dr. Vasili Lendel moved to Nova Scotia in 2000 for a fellowship to study medicine. He completed his residency and cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowships at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in 2007. He then went into private practice at the Memphis Heart Clinic in Tennessee. Dr. Lendel joined Arkansas Heart Hospital in 2011. Dr. Lendel’s accomplishments include many medical and academic distinctions. He has participated in many medical research studies and has spent time volunteering in hospitals and nursing homes. He currently resides in Little Rock with his wife, who is an endocrinologist, and his two daughters. Dr. Lendel’s personal interests include music, reading and athletics, especially soccer, hiking, running and fishing.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3665
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

Get to know Dr. Lendel

Why did you decide to become a physician?

I always knew it was the only career for me. I decided to become a physician at five years old, and 44 years later my feelings remain the same.

What is the best aspect of your career?

The best part of practicing medicine is the ability to help patients by improving their quality of life and relieving pain. I also greatly enjoy interacting with them and learning about their families, hobbies and interests, which helps me develop an individualized treatment plan to provide optimal care.

What patients are saying about Dr. Lendel:

“Dr. Lendel has been my heart doctor for over 10 years and he is the best. He truly cares for his patients and treats them like family. He is funny and down-to-earth. I highly recommend him to any and everyone.”

“We are eternally grateful to Dr. Lendel for the incredible care he provided for my father…he is the best.”

“No doubt he and his team have kept me from having a heart attack.”

“He is the best! He has helped me have a few more quality years.”

“This fine gentleman, doctor and friend has taken care of my husband and me for almost 10 years. We have trusted him with not only with our lives, but also our futures. He cares for his patients, and his one on one is a blessing to those of us who are anxious and/or afraid.”

“He has been my mom’s doctor for years and takes great care of her.”

“So very grateful for Dr. Lendel and AHH.”

Dr. Lendel in the news:

Health Matters: Doctors perform bypass without surgery

Patrick Joseph Flaherty III, DO

Dr. Patrick Joseph Flaherty is an interventional cardiologist, board-certified in cardiovascular medicine. Described as personable and attentive by his patients, Dr. Flaherty is committed to providing patient-centered care. His interests involve all aspects of diagnostic and interventional cardiology, including coronary and peripheral angiography/intervention, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and CT angiography.

Dr. Joseph Flaherty

Dr. Flaherty served three years as a staff cardiologist at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where he was director of cardiology education for the internal medicine residency program. He completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and a residency in internal medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Prior to graduating from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University.

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 748-8477
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

What patients are saying about Dr. Flaherty:

“Dr. Flaherty did it again! He saved me from being in big trouble with my heart. He is like a guardian angel with the tools and the experience.”

“We appreciate this doctor…possibly saved mine and my husband’s life! Thank you, Dr. Flaherty.”

“He did an awesome job keeping my father in our lives…”

“If you need a great heart doctor, Dr. Flaherty is the best.”

“Dr. Flaherty is no. 1 in my book. He’s the greatest cardiologist…love him and thankful for him! God has gifted him tremendously!”

Dr. Flaherty in the news:

Dr. Flaherty reacts to trending heart health videos in the Docs React series.

Dr. Flaherty talks about heart health in Heart to Heart Facebook live panel.

How do haunted houses impact your heart? Dr. Flaherty explains.

Dr. Flaherty talks with THV11 about how men can prioritize and better their heart health

Dr. Flaherty answers questions on heart failure, AFIB, heart disease symptoms and more on Heart to Heart Facebook Live Panel: Fact or Fiction.

Ian M. Cawich, MD

Dr. Ian Cawich is a coronary, peripheral and vascular interventionalist at Arkansas Heart, and is recognized as a limb salvage expert. He strongly believes amputations can be prevented when caught and treated in a timely manner. Dr. Cawich is world-renowned for presenting and performing revolutionary, minimally-invasive procedures.

Originally from Belize, Dr. Cawich came to the United States to attend Harding University in Searcy, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. He earned a master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before completing medical school there. Dr. Cawich is fellowship-trained in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology.

Patients describe Dr. Cawich as very knowledgeable with a listening ear. Outside of serving his patients, Dr. Cawich enjoys all things computer-related and is a sports enthusiast.

What patients are saying about Dr. Cawich:

“I am alive and well thanks to Arkansas Heart Hospital and Dr. Cawich.”

“He’s the best cardiologist in Arkansas. Dr. Cawich is the best.”

Make an appointment
Existing Patients: (501) 614-3614
New Patients: (833) 733-7244

D. Andrew Henry, MD

Dr. Andrew Henry graduated magna cum laude from Rice University in Houston before attending the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, where he ranked first in his graduating class. He remained at the UAMS Department of Medicine throughout his internship and residency, and completed his fellowship at the UAMS Cardiology Division. Dr. Henry practiced general medicine and cardiology in Russellville from 1985 until 1987 before joining Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic in 1987. He is board certified in general and interventional cardiology.

What patients are saying about Dr. Henry:

“Dr. Henry helped me understand my diagnosis. Thank you!”

“Dr. Henry is one caring cardiologist.”