HCA HEALTHCARE TRIDENT HOSPITAL EXPANDS CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES WITH ADDITION OF TWO SPECIALTY SURGEONS

HCA Healthcare • October 7, 2026

Investment in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery strengthens comprehensive cardiovascular care and expands access for Lowcountry patients

Charleston, SC (October 7, 2026) — HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital is expanding its cardiovascular services with the addition of two specialty surgeons to their roster of board-certified, fellow-ship trained cardiac surgical team, further strengthening its investment in advanced heart and vascular care and expanding access to specialized services for patients throughout the Lowcountry.

Ara Ketchedjian, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, has joined HCA Healthcare Lowcountry Cardiology Specialists, and Stephen C. Miller II, MD, a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon, has joined HCA Healthcare Trident Vascular Surgery Specialists. Dr. Ketchedjian brings extensive experience in complex cardiac surgery and structural heart procedures, while Dr. Miller expands the hospital’s vascular and endovascular surgical capabilities.

“HCA Healthcare is making a significant investment in the future of cardiovascular care in Charleston, and recruiting exceptional physicians is an important part of that commitment,” said Marissa Aldridge Vice President of Cardiovascular Services for HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division. “Dr. Ketchedjian and Dr. Miller bring complementary areas of expertise that strengthen our ability to care for patients across the cardiovascular continuum—from vascular disease and complex interventions to advanced cardiac surgery. Their addition reflects our commitment to building the team, technology and services necessary to meet the growing cardiovascular needs of our community.”

The addition of Dr. Ketchedjian and Dr. Miller builds upon the breadth and strength of Trident Hospital’s cardiovascular program, which provides care spanning interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, structural heart, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, heart failure and emergency cardiac care.

In 2025 alone, Trident Hospital performed 805 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), 87 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures and 2,628 electrophysiology procedures, while caring for 300 STEMI patients. The continued growth of these services, coupled with the recruitment of additional cardiovascular specialists, is expanding the depth of advanced heart and vascular care available to patients in the Lowcountry.

Dr. Ketchedjian brings extensive experience in treating complex cardiovascular disease, with specialized expertise in adult cardiac surgery, structural heart procedures, TAVR and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 4,500 cardiac surgical procedures and 1,500 TAVR procedures. His clinical areas of focus include coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair and replacement, structural heart interventions and minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

For Dr. Ketchedjian, caring for patients means combining surgical expertise with communication, compassion and a collaborative approach to treatment. “Heart surgery is about much more than the procedure itself. Every patient comes to us with their own concerns, goals and family depending on them,” said Ketchedjian. “I believe patients deserve to understand their condition and their treatment options so they can be active participants in decisions about their care.”

He earned his undergraduate degree from Hofstra University and his medical degree from SUNY Syracuse Health Science Center. He completed his general surgery internship and residency at Brown University School of Medicine and his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Boston University School of Medicine. His medical training included advanced surgical techniques alongside accomplished surgeons across the U.S., as well as three years of research focused on valvular tissue engineering and advancing heart valve replacement therapies.

A Lowcountry native who was inspired to pursue medicine by his father, a cardiologist, Dr. Miller returns home with specialized training in vascular and endovascular surgery. His clinical interests include aneurysmal disease, mesenteric and renal occlusive disease, lower extremity vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and dialysis access.

“Returning home to care for patients in the Lowcountry is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Dr. Miller. “Vascular disease can have a significant impact on a patient’s health and quality of life, and I want my patients to know they have a physician who will listen to them, explain their options and work with them to determine the best course of care. I’m excited to join the team at HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital and serve the community I’m proud to call home.”

Dr. Miller earned his undergraduate degree from Furman University and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his general surgery residency at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and later completed a vascular surgery fellowship at Prisma Health Upstate in Greenville.

Dr. Ketchedjian practices with HCA Healthcare Lowcountry Cardiology Specialists, located at 2860 Tricom Street, Charleston, SC 29406. Appointments and referrals can be made by calling (843) 553-5616.
Dr. Miller practices with HCA Healthcare Trident Vascular Surgery Specialists, located at 9313 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 302, Charleston, SC 29406. Appointments and referrals can be made by calling (854) 222-6800.

Trident Hospital’s cardiovascular program has earned national recognition for clinical quality and outcomes, including:

America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery Award™ (Healthgrades, 2026)
Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award™, recognizing hospitals performing among the top 10% nationally for cardiac surgery (Healthgrades, 2026)
PINC AI™ 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ (as reported by Fortune, 2024)
Top 10% of Hospitals in the U.S. and Canada for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (Society of Thoracic Surgeons, 2026)
American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® -Stroke Gold; Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure Silver; and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

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About HCA Healthcare in the Lowcountry

As part of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, HCA Healthcare in the Lowcountry is a unified network of hospitals and healthcare services, including HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital, HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital, HCA Healthcare Live Oak Mental Health and Wellness, and HCA Healthcare Colleton Hospital. Together, they comprise a collaborative healthcare network focused on expanding access to advanced care while honoring the unique needs of each community. Having collectively served their communities for more than 120 years, these hospitals and sites of care are committed to improving health and advancing care across the Lowcountry.

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Ragland Homes Earns Second Consecutive ''Builder of Integrity'' Award

By Ragland Homes • October 7, 2026

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By Lisa-Jane Elliott • September 29, 2026

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By Angela Humphries • September 13, 2026

Sew Fabulous Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100 list celebrates businesses driving growth and innovation in their communities and around the world September 9, 2026 SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO—, its award-winning digital platform for small businesses, have named Sew Fabulous LLC to the CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. Sew Fabulous was selected from more than 12,000 applicants by an esteemed panel of judges in recognition of its impressive growth, innovative strategies and commitment to its customers. The 2026 honorees represent 36 states and Washington, D.C., and include groundbreaking startups, innovative manufacturers, community builders and next-generation consumer brands. “To be named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses is an extraordinary honor,” said Angela Humphries, founder and owner of Sew Fabulous. “Sew Fabulous began with a sewing machine and a desire to serve people well. Today, we are creating meaningful local employment, developing the next generation of skilled professionals and helping individuals and organizations throughout our community look and feel their best. This recognition belongs to our dedicated team, our loyal customers and the Summerville community that has supported us throughout our journey.” Each CO—100 honoree receives a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, national brand exposure, exclusive access to expert business insights and networking opportunities, and membership in a national community of business leaders. Humphries will travel to Washington, D.C., October 19–21 to participate in events at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s historic headquarters. The experience will include the Small Business Forum, networking opportunities and an awards dinner recognizing outstanding achievement across 10 categories of excellence. Ten businesses will receive a $2,000 award for achievement in their respective categories. One company will be named the CO—100 Top Business of 2026 and receive a $25,000 prize. “Small businesses embody the spirit of opportunity that drives America’s economy forward. This year’s CO—100 honorees are solving problems, creating jobs, and strengthening their communities in remarkable ways,” said Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Their success stories remind us that when entrepreneurs have the freedom to innovate and grow, the impact extends far beyond their own businesses.” About Sew Fabulous Founded in 2015, Sew Fabulous is a Summerville-based alterations and embroidery company serving individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the Lowcountry. Its services include everyday alterations, bridal and formalwear alterations, professional embroidery, uniform services and custom branded apparel. Sew Fabulous has earned more than 1,200 five-star Google reviews and numerous local awards for its craftsmanship, customer service and commitment to the community. To learn more about Sew Fabulous, visit SewFabulousSummerville.com. Media Contact Angela Humphries Founder and Owner, Sew Fabulous LLC [email protected] 843 277 7101 SewFabulousSummerville.com