New cardiologist advances cardiac care at Saline Memorial

Leadless pacemaker marks continued growth in services

BENTON, Ark. (April 16, 2026) — Last week, the newest member of Saline Memorial Hospital’s cardiology team implanted the hospital’s first Micra leadless pacemaker — a milestone that strengthens access to advanced cardiac care for families in Saline County.

Dr. Ayman Alshami, an interventional cardiologist with more than 27 years of experience, joined Saline Memorial Hospital in January. His arrival expands the hospital’s ability to offer safer cardiac treatment options, including the Micra leadless pacemaker, which avoids the surgical pocket and leads used in traditional devices.

 "With a leadless pacemaker, we can avoid the parts of the procedure that tend to cause the most discomfort or complications,” Alshami said. “It’s a safer approach that helps patients feel more confident about their care.”

Saline Memorial Hospital has been accredited by the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center since 2020 and earned the ACC’s Platinum Performance Award through the Chest Pain–MI Registry for the past two years. It is the closest ACC‑accredited Chest Pain Center for residents in Benton, Bryant and the surrounding communities.

According to CEO Char Boulch, the addition of leadless pacemaker technology builds on that established foundation.

“Over the past few years, Saline Memorial Hospital’s cardiac program has been recognized for its strong outcomes and rapid response capabilities,” Boulch said. “Continuing to expand the treatment options available here at home is another way we’re investing in the health of our community and making sure families don’t have to travel far to get the care they need.”

About Saline Memorial Hospital

Saline Health System, a part of LifePoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center. Saline Memorial Hospital is also proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. For more information about Saline Memorial Hospital, please call 501.776.6000 or visit SalineMemorial.org. For more information about LifePoint Health, visit LifePointHealth.net.

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