For the second year in a row, Barnes-Jewish Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the Mitral Foundation as one of the top medical centers for mitral valve repair surgery in the United States.
Barnes-Jewish was added to the Mitral Foundation’s national directory of Mitral Valve Repair Reference Centers last year upon receiving the award in 2021. This designation recognizes world-class organizations which go the extra mile in their work in cardiology and mitral valve repair.
“We are very fortunate to practice in an incredibly supportive hospital and university environment that has facilitated our mission,” says Ralph J. Damiano Jr., MD, chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Evarts A. Graham Professor of Surgery at Washington University. “We are honored to accept this award, which recognizes our team and our hospital’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care to mitral valve patients.”
The option to repair the mitral valve, which helps direct blood throughout the atriums and ventricles of the heart when it beats, results in much more optimal outcomes for patients in comparison to full replacement. When the valves of the heart fail to open or close properly, the heart is forced to work harder to supply the body with enough blood and is at risk of weakening and failure. As opposed to replacing the entire structure, repairing the existing mitral valve can lead to better long-term outcomes and fewer valve-related complications down the line.
In diligently reporting quality and outcome metrics, Barnes-Jewish Hospital has demonstrated superior clinical outcomes in the surgical repair of mitral vales. Washington University cardiothoracic surgeons also recently participated in workshops and panels discussing developments in the field of mitral valve repair at the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery in Boston.
In addition to the continued Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center designation, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is consistently recognized among the nation’s top hospitals by U.S. News and World Report – and is ranked #1 in the St. Louis area and in Missouri. The Washington University Section of Cardiac Surgery also boasts the largest transcatheter and heart failure programs in the United States.
Washington University cardiothoracic surgeons provide access to the highest quality of cardiac and thoracic care to local communities across the region. For over 20 years, Washington University cardiothoracic surgeons have delivered leading heart and lung care to Christian Hospital in north St. Louis County.
The dedicated cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons within the Heart and Vascular team at Barnes-Jewish hospital specialize in treating a wide variety of heart conditions including aneurisms, atrial fibrillation, carotid artery disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure and heart valve disease. To make an appointment with our nationally-recognized physicians, please call 888-230-8832 or visit the Heart and Vascular Center’s website to learn more.