Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute Receives Award for Demonstrated Excellence in Heart Valve Repair

Mitral valve repair is one of the most challenging heart operations, but the results for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease can be outstanding, with improved survival and few long-term complications.

Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute has been recognized by the Mitral Foundation for its commitment to this life-enhancing procedure. The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award means patients are assured that experienced surgical teams strive for superior clinical outcomes guided by data-driven oversight from a highly respected health organization.

The award was developed to identify, recognize, and promote U.S. medical centers that demonstrate adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines as well as an ongoing commitment to reporting and measuring quality and outcome metrics specific to mitral valve repairs.

“Award recipients like Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute must meet rigorous outcomes criteria for repair rates, mortality, and durability,” said David H. Adams, MD, President of the Mitral Foundation and Professor and Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System. “Patients receiving care at a Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award-winning facility can have confidence in their guideline-directed care.”

The recommended treatment for degenerative mitral valve disease is mitral valve reconstruction, as opposed to valve replacement with a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve because valve repair is associated with improved survival and fewer long-term complications. Unfortunately, many patients who could benefit from repair receive replacement valves, with higher rates of death or complications within five years after surgery.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our commitment to patients with degenerative mitral valve disease,” said J. Russell Davis, MD, co-executive surgical director of Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. “Choosing the right hospital for heart surgery can be a daunting but crucial decision for patients. This award provides information to help patients and cardiologists making these decisions and reflects the excellent outcomes and processes at Saint Luke’s.”

Learn more about Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute’s Valve Center for Excellence.