Program in High-Risk Heart Disease

University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) physicians are truly at the forefront of medicine and can offer options not widely available at most hospitals. UCMC is nationally recognized for its care of high-risk surgical patients and patients considered inoperable by traditional criteria.

UCMC has among the largest experiences in the region, and in many cases, the nation, with many high-risk heart conditions. UCMC serves as a referral center for high-risk patients through the region and the world. This reputation is supported by objective evidence demonstrating that in 2010, among all centers nationally, our risk-adjusted cardiac case mix is among the highest for complexity.
UCMC has assembled a world-class group of clinicians and scientists dedicated to the management of complex cardiovascular conditions including:

End-stage heart failure
Aortic surgery, including aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, aortic stenosis , aortic insufficiency, and bicuspid aortic valve
Native aortic and prosthetic graft infections, including endocarditis
Multi-reoperative patients
End-stage lung disease
Acute cardiopulmonary failure
Connective tissue disease, including Marfan's syndrome

UCMC has among the largest experience in the region, and in many cases, the nation, with:

Mechanical circulatory support, including Ventricular Assist Devices
Simultaneous multi-organ transplantation
Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and robotics
Endovascular and hybrid approaches
Bloodless surgery
Valve repair and valve-sparing aortic roots (the David Procedure)
Advanced cardiopulmonary perfusion techniques for cerebral and spinal cord protection

Ask Our Experts

Submit your non-urgent questions regarding your heart condition via email to our expert team of physicians.

In the News

Ross Milner, MD, joins the Center for Aortic Diseases as Co-Director

Dr. Hofmann-Bowman receives research grant from National Marfan Foundation to study aortic disease

Dr. Jeevanandam debates the merits of implanting LVADs in class 3B patients.

Dr. Russo receives Presidents Awards from Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Dr. Shah discusses his new procedure on WGN

Contact Us

Patients: Call 1-888-824-0200 for consultations with our team, or request an appointment online. We are committed to providing you with an appointment within 5 business days of your call. If you have questions in the meantime, please Ask our Experts.

Referring Physicians: If you wish to discuss a patient with a physician or facilitate a transfer to the University of Chicago Medical Center, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to coordinate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels. Please call UCMC at 1-888-824-0200.

Arrangements for air transfer via University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN) can be made through the our Transfer Center at 1-888-824-0200.