CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has an enduring commitment to improving the heart health of our patients through expert care, advanced education and scientific breakthroughs.

As one of the top 10 cardiology, heart and vascular surgery programs in the U.S.¹ and among the top 20 cardiac surgery programs in the world, ²we’re proud that our rankings reflect the exceptional outcomes achieved by our multidisciplinary team. Northwestern Memorial Hospital anchors this excellence as the No. 2 hospital nationally for quality and accountability.³
​Over the past two decades, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has evolved into an international leader in breakthrough research, advanced technology and exceptional patient care. This report reflects on two decades of innovation, while looking ahead to the next chapter. Read our annual report below.

A Second Chance at Life

Northwestern Medicine Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery teams collaborated with the Tumor Board to remove a rare, football sized heart tumor. Hear Mike’s story.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital has one of the top 10 cardiology, heart and vascular surgery programs in the U.S. Learn more about Northwestern Medicine.

Updates from Northwestern medicine CARDIOVASCULAR

Join Anita W. Asgar, MD, and Jyothy J. Puthumana, MD, in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab as they perform a MitraClip™ procedure on a clinically complex patient with severe mitral regurgitation.

REFER A PAtiENT USING FAST

Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute provides a streamlined experience for referring physicians and their patients. From your first call, our team is here to guide your patient’s journey at every step using a program called FAST.
Within 24 hours of your first call to Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, a virtual intake visit is scheduled with a nurse coordinator. They will be the patient’s point of contact and guide them through scheduling, testing, the clinic, and any necessary procedures. The nurse coordinator connects with advanced practice providers, physicians and new patient coordinators to draft a clearly defined workflow.

By providing this clinical touchpoint, the FAST program streamlines the patient experience process by:
  • Optimizing clinic visits
  • Avoiding unnecessary testing
  • Ensuring timely and appropriate operations

Our goal is ensuring that the right patient undergoes the right testing, at the right time and with the right intervention as clinically needed.

​To refer a patient or to learn more about Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, call 312.695.FAST (312.695.3278) or click 'REFER TO US' below to fill out our referral form and a nurse navigator will respond within 24 hours.

MEET THE TEAMS

Clinical trials in CARDIOVASCULAR

Currently over 75 percent of Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute faculty are involved in clinical research. Our clinical research portfolio includes over 100 ongoing clinical trials, with 65 actively enrolling. To view all clinical trials, visit Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute -- Clinical Trials Unit.

TWIST EFS

Early Feasibility Study is enrolling adult patients with symptomatic moderate-severe and severe, mitral regurgitation (MR) who are at elevated risk for surgical mitral valve repair or replacement.  Eligible participants will receive the INNOVALVE Transseptal Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) System (study device) which is designed to reduce the amount of mitral regurgitation without the need for surgery (less invasive).
Principal Investigator:
Charles J. Davidson, MD

JOURNEY

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of the J-Valve Transfemoral (TF) System in patients presenting with symptomatic, severe aortic valve regurgitation (AR) who are judged by a multi-disciplinary heart team to be at high risk for open surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The J-Valve is intended to replace the native aortic heart valve via a minimally invasive transcatheter approach without removing the native valve. Eligible participants will receive the investigational valve and be followed for 5 years.
Principal Investigator:
Anita W. Asgar, MD

Follow Northwestern Medicine CARDIOVASCULAR


  1. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, U.S. News & World Report, 2025 – 2026
  2. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Newsweek, 2025
  3. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, ranked No. 2 in the 2025 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking.