CARDIOVASCULAR AND HEART 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. By placing an emphasis on listening to our patients’ needs, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has become a destination for those who need highly specialized cardiovascular care — from initial diagnoses to second opinions.

The Northwestern Memorial Hospital Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery Program is ranked among the top 10 programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, 2025 – 2026.
Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has an enduring commitment to improving the heart and vascular health of our patients through expert care, advanced education and scientific breakthroughs from initial diagnoses to second opinions. Meet our executive leadership team.

Saved His Lungs to Save His Heart

How cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology and pulmonology came together to clear the clots deep in Mike's lungs. Read Mike’s story.

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

TRICURE EFS
Early Feasibility Study (EFS) 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
The purpose of this early feasibility study is to assess the safety of the Topaz Transfemoral Tricuspid Heart Valve Replacement (TTVR) System in patients presenting with symptomatic severe or greater regurgitation who are suitable for valve replacement. The TRiCares Topaz TTVR is intended to replace the native tricuspid heart valve via a minimally invasive transcatheter approach without removing the native valve. Up to 15 eligible participants will receive the investigational valve and be followed for 5 years. 
Principal Investigator:
Anita W. Asgar, MD
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

Leaders at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute welcome Anita W. Asgar, MD, renowned cardiologist, as section chief of Interventional Cardiology and medical director for Structural and Interventional Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine.

Follow Northwestern Medicine CARDIOVASCULAR


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, or Facilitating Access and Scheduling Throughput.
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