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 was ranked in the top 10 in the nation and has been the highest-ranked in Illinois for 17 straight years, per U.S. News & World Report, 2024 – 2025.
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.

ALT-FLOW II

REACT-AF
The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Edwards APTURE transcatheter shunt system for treatment of patients with heart failure due to left heart disease (HF-LHD) with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (LVEF >40%) who remain symptomatic despite guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT).  Participants meeting eligibility criteria will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the APTURE implant or a sham procedure (no further intervention). Participants randomized to the sham control group may be reassessed for treatment with the APTURE device. Participation requires follow-up visits with the study physician 30 days, 3 month, 6 months and annually through 5 years.
Principal Investigator:
James Flaherty, MD
The purpose of this multi-center, randomized study is to assess whether it is safe and effective to stop oral anticoagulation medications (a blood-thinning medication) during prolonged periods of normal heart rhythm in participants with infrequent episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF). Participants are randomized to one of two groups: Standard of Care (SOC) Group or Intervention Group. Participants in the SOC group will remain on their previously prescribed oral anticoagulant. Those randomized to the intervention group will take the oral anticoagulant for 30 days only if a prolonged episode of AF is detected on an AF-sensing Apple smartwatch. Participation will last up to 60 months and requires one visit to the same site at time of enrollment, all other follow-up will be conducted virtually.
Principal Investigators:
Rod S. Passman, MD
Bradley P. Knight, MD

Updates from Northwestern medicine CARDIOVASCULAR

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is recognized for having one of the top 10 cardiology, heart and vascular surgery programs in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, 2024 – 2025. Learn more about Northwestern Medicine.

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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 improving 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.

​*Northwestern Memorial Hospital ranked No. 7 in the U.S. for Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report, 2023–24.