Leading-Edge Valvular Research and Device
Outstanding clinical programs, participation in leading-edge valvular research and the use of innovative devices help Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute remain a leader in treating heart valve disease. Our focus is to improve outcomes and quality of life. As a reflection of our superior quality and outcomes, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons has recognized Northwestern Medicine with the highest rating of three stars for isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) and AVR + coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures.
“Examples of our commitment to improving the health of heart valve patients are our Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program, one of the first dedicated programs in the nation, and our Transcatheter Heart Valve Program where therapies are applied to treat aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mitral valve repair (MitraClip), mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve disease,” says James D. Thomas, MD. |
Bicuspid Aortic Valve ProgramBluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers a Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program staffed with a highly specialized team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, radiologists and nurses. Since bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is hereditary, the team coordinates care for patients diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve, as well as their first-degree relatives. The program is co-directed by Jyothy J. Puthumana, MD, cardiologist and medical director, and S. Chris Malaisrie, MD, cardiac surgeon and surgical director.
“Often there are no symptoms with BAV; however, BAV puts strain on the aortic valve, the heart and the thoracic aorta, which is why early identification and optimal medical management is key. This allows for surveillance and surgical intervention when appropriate,” says Dr. Malaisrie. |
Innovative Treatment for Aortic StenosisAt Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, interventional cardiologist Charles J. Davidson, MD, and cardiac surgeon S. Chris Malaisrie, MD, are leading the treatment of patients with stenotic aortic valve disease with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Expandable stenting technology is used to insert a prosthetic valve while the heart continues beating, eliminating the need for cardiopulmonary bypass and the associated risks. TAVR is available commercially and in clinical trials to treat patients who are considered high-, intermediate- or low-risk for conventional open-heart surgery.
To date, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has performed more transcatheter aortic valve procedures than any other facility in Illinois, treating more than 450 patients. |
Innovative Treatment for Mitral RegurgitationMitral valve regurgitation is a disease in which the mitral valve does not close completely, causing blood to flow backward (or “leak”), leading to a number of conditions including heart failure. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations and on occasion, chest pain. MitraClip is an innovative device offering a minimally invasive treatment option for some of the millions of Americans who suffer from mitral valve regurgitation.
“The MitraClip device is a double-sided alligator clip that is designed to grasp both leaflets of the mitral valve simultaneously producing two properly functioning valve openings for blood to pass normally. In one study, patients with MitraClip experienced a 73 percent reduction in hospitalizations for heart failure one year after treatment,” says Mark J. Ricciardi, MD. |
Cardiovascular Imaging Research
Michael Markl, PhD, director of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Research Operations, is using 4D flow imaging to advance new methods and technologies in cardiovascular MRI.
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Patient Outcomes: Valvular Heart Disease
At Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, we evaluate our clinical outcomes so that we can fully understand how our treatments and procedures benefit our patients. We regularly review and evaluate our clinical outcomes and based on the results, develop methods to monitor and improve the health care we offer to our heart and vascular patients.
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Distribution of Cardiac Surgery Procedures Highlights the Complexity of Procedures PerformedCalendar Year 2016
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Among the Top 10 Hospitals in the Nation* for Risk-Adjusted** 30-Day Heart Attack Mortality RateJuly 2013-June 2016
Source: Hospital Compare *Includes all hospitals that report data to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In this case lower is better. **Risk adjustment allows for a more accurate comparison by accounting for individual patient factors present prior to hospitalization such as age, severity of illness and other medical problems that can put certain patients at greater risk of complications or death than others. |
Lower Risk-Adjusted* 30-Day Mortality Rate Following Major Cardiac Surgery** as Compared to National AverageCalendar Year 2016
Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry *Risk adjustment allows for a more accurate comparison by accounting for individual patient factors present prior to hospitalization such as age, severity of illness and other medical problems that can put certain patients at greater risk of complications or death than others. **Includes CABG, Aortic Valve Replacement, Aortic Valve Replacement + CABG, Mitral Valve Replacement, Mitral Valve Replacement + CABG, Mitral Valve Repair, & Mitral Valve Repair + CABG. In this case lower is better. |
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the Regional Leader for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement ProceduresCalendar Year 2008-2016
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75% of Isolated Aortic Valve Replacements are Performed Using Minimally Invasive Transcatheter Techniques
Calendar Year 2008-2016
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0% Risk-Adjusted* In-hospital Mortality Rate for Open Aortic Valve Replacement SurgeriesCalendar Year 2016
Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry *Risk adjustment allows for a more accurate comparison by accounting for individual patient factors present prior to hospitalization such as age, severity of illness and other medical problems that can put certain patients at greater risk of complications or death than others. **In this case lower is better. |
Northwestern Memorial has Consistently Earned a Top Quality Rating of 3 Stars from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for Open Aortic Valve Replacement + Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgeries Calendar Year 2014-2016Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry
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3-Year Risk-Adjusted* 30-Day Mortality Rate Following Open Mitral Valve Surgeries** Better than National AverageCalendar Year 2014-2016
Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry *Risk adjustment allows for a more accurate comparison by accounting for individual patient factors present prior to hospitalization such as age, severity of illness and other medical problems that can put certain patients at greater risk of complications or death than others. **In this case lower is better. |
Bioprosthetic Valves Used in a Greater Percentage of Isolated Valve Surgeries as Compared to National AverageCalendar Year 2016
Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry
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With an 83% Repair Rate for Isolated Mitral Valve Cases, Repairing Rather than Replacing the Mitral Valve is a Priority for Northwestern MemorialCalendar Year 2016
Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry
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