First medical centers earn new recognition for best practices in heart valve repair

(NewMediaWire) – December 16, 2020 – DALLAS – As part of the effort to increase adherence to clinical guidelines that recommend mitral valve repair over replacement for better patient outcomes, the American Heart Association and the Mitral Foundation have presented five hospitals with the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center award.

The Mitral Foundation, which is dedicated to the global teaching and promotion of mitral valve repair, and the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, recently established this collaborative recognition program. The program aims to increase the number of patients who receive mitral valve reconstruction where appropriate, rather than replacement, which has been associated higher rates of death or complications within five years after surgery[1].

“This program empowers patients to access better quality care by identifying the best mitral valve repair surgeons and centers near them, based on consistent and objective criteria,” said David H. Adams, MD, Mitral Foundation president and the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis professor and chair of the department of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and cardiac surgeon-in-chief of the Mount Sinai Health System.

The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Centers achieved the award by demonstrating a record of superior clinical outcomes, as well as an ongoing commitment to reporting and measuring quality and outcome metrics specific to mitral valve repairs.

List of facilities and their locations

• Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland
• Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago
• Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
• University of Michigan (Michigan Medicine), Ann Arbor, Mich.

“We are pleased to recognize these institutions for their commitment to patients who need mitral valve repair,” said Robert O. Bonow, MD, professor of cardiology at Northwestern University, member of the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Committee’s scientific advisory board and past president of American Heart Association. “Choosing the right hospital for heart surgery is one of the most important healthcare decisions that patients and their referring physicians must make to insure best outcomes. The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center award identifies hospitals with excellent processes and outcomes and gives patients and cardiologists the information necessary to make these important decisions when mitral valve surgery is required.”

Eligible facilities in the United States can apply for this award by contacting mitralvalve@heart.org or visiting https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/mitral-valve-foundation.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About the Mitral Foundation

Since its founding in 2009, the Mitral Foundation has been a driving force in advancing the understanding of mitral valve disease and promoting mitral valve repair techniques. A commitment to patient care, education, research, and academic excellence continues to improve the quality of life for patients with mitral valve disease. Our work reaches across continents as we organize surgical missions to developing countries and lead mitral valve repair workshops around the globe, educating surgeons from over 60 countries.

Media contacts:

American Heart Association: Karen Springs

Karen.Springs@heart.org; 214-706-4831

Mitral Foundation: Gideon Sims

contact@mitralfoundation.org; 212-241-4119