By Kai T. Hill
UHealth – University of Miami Health System is home to cardiac and vascular experts who pioneer and advance the latest diagnostic and surgical procedures. As an academic-based cardiac and vascular center, patients are provided with innovative, research-based approaches to clinical care for even the most complex cases. Leading experts from cardiology, cardiac surgery, and vascular surgery work collaboratively with subspecialists from several disciplines.
In 2021, the American Heart Association and Mitral Foundation recognized UHealth with the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award for demonstrating a record of superior clinical outcomes resulting from evidence-based, guideline-directed degenerative mitral valve repair. Joseph Lamelas, M.D., chief and program director of cardiac surgery at UHealth and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said of the recognition, “This is truly a team effort, and we are proud to be able to offer our patients the best possible outcomes in their journey to better heart health.” Dr. Lamelas pioneered a minimally invasive approach to cardiac surgery called “The Miami Method.” He performs five to seven mitral valve repairs and/or replacements each week. His approach, which offers quicker recovery, and reduced risk of infection and complications, is especially promising for high-risk patients who otherwise have limited surgical treatments. These excellent patient outcomes have been recognized with maximum star ratings by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
For patients with irregular heartbeats, the Center for Atrial Fibrillation offers leading-edge personalized care and innovative diagnostic tools and treatments that are only available at UHealth. Chief of the cardiovascular division, Jeffrey Goldberger, M.D., M.B.A., is the principal investigator of a National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trial that examines the role of epicardial fat on heart function and disease. Dr. Goldberger, a renowned electrophysiologist, also developed “4D” MRI, an innovative approach to accurately measure the velocity of blood flow in the heart. Known for its comprehensive treatment options and risk modification programs, UHealth’s expert cardiology team delivers in-depth and comprehensive care to each patient. “We are committed to improving the health and well-being of every AFib patient,” said Dr. Goldberger. “Our center will continue to be in the forefront of advancing care for this progressive disease.”
Luanda Grazette, M.D., M.P.H., professor of medicine at the Miller School and director of Advanced Heart Failure, Heart Failure Recovery and Therapeutic Innovation, oversees the newly expanded Heart Failure Program’s advanced interventions that help prevent disease progression. This includes stem cell treatment and research, heart transplant at the Miami Transplant Institute at UM/Jackson Memorial Hospital, and ventricular assist device (VAD) placement.
Through the cardiovascular division’s Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine Program, UHealth offers specialized care to patients with lipid disorders, high cholesterol or high triglycerides and other conditions that carry high risks for major vascular disease complications. Led by Carl E. Orringer, M.D., a top lipid expert and associate professor of medicine, the program incorporates genetic testing to better diagnose and treat patients and their family members.
Adding to UHealth’s stellar cardiovascular and cardiac surgery programs, vascular surgeons, led by Jorge Rey, M.D., are experts in peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat all types of aortic and vascular disease – saving the limbs of even complex PAD cases through advanced minimally invasive and hybrid surgical approaches, as well as traditional open surgery methods. “What sets us apart is that we also have access to the latest clinical trials that involve new devices or investigational cellular treatments,” said Dr. Rey. “These are not yet available on the market, but are here in the context of our partnering with industry for clinical trials.”
Visit UHealthCardiovascular.com to learn more.
