Innovators at Heart

Spring 2009

A cause for collaboration

It's not all that common for a multi-institution group of physicians, scientists, and medical device manufacturers to get together and talk about how to best solve complex medical problems. But thanks to a University of Minnesota symposium series, these conversations are flourishing.

Keeping failing hearts pumping

For hundreds of people, the University's world-renowned ventricular assist device program is nothing short of a lifesaver. In 1995, Jean Loken's health was deteriorating quickly.Within days of suffering a highly damaging heart attack, she learned that she'd need a new heart to survive.

Internationally renowned cardiologist returns to the University

Francis joined the University faculty in October as an adult clinical cardiologist and associate director of the Lillehei Heart Institute's Clinical Trials Center. Francis, serving as a professor of medicine and research director of the Rasmussen Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.

Sharing the secrets of women's heart health

As part of Heart Health Month in February, women had their questions about heart disease answered by University of Minnesota experts—while enjoying wine and chocolate.

Fall 2008

 

University’s heart transplant program celebrates its 30th anniversary

For cardiovascular surgeon Lyle Joyce, M.D., Ph.D., it’s still a vivid memory. As a surgical resident at the University of Minnesota in 1978‚ he scrubbed in with Demetre Nicoloff‚ M.D.‚ Ph.D.‚ and William Lindsay‚ M.D.‚ to perform Minnesota’s first heart transplant.

Forging into the future of heart surgery with robotics

For decades‚ patients around the world have experienced the benefits of the University of Minnesota’s innovations in heart care. And just as the pioneering spirit of yesterday gave rise to lifesaving solutions such as the pacemaker and open-heart surgery‚ cardiovascular surgeons at the U today are advancing the field of robotic surgery.

A new partnership

On October 1‚ University of Minnesota Physicians—the University’s Medical School faculty members—and Edina-based Minnesota Heart Clinic merged their cardiology programs and‚ together with Fairview Health Services‚ are creating a new‚ integrated cardiovascular program.

Foundation puts its money into heart health

Even before the plane taking him to his fellowship interview landed‚ Santiago Garcia‚ M.D.‚ knew that he wanted to continue his cardiology training at the University of Minnesota. At an American Heart Association meeting in 2004‚ Garcia had attended a session on the most influential clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine.

Summer 2008

In gratitude for education and opportunities, family gives back to the University

C. Walton Lillehei‚ M.D.‚ Ph.D.‚ known to many as “the father of open-heart surgery‚” earned all five of his degrees at the University of Minnesota. His widow‚ Katherine “Kaye” Lillehei‚ earned two degrees in nursing here. His brothers are all University graduates‚ as are their wives.

Continuing a proud legacy

In 1952‚ F. John Lewis‚ M.D.‚ Ph.D.‚ performed the world’s first successful open-heart surgery‚ which used hypothermia. Two years later‚ C.Walton Lillehei‚ M.D.‚ Ph.D.‚ led the world’s first successful open-heart surgery using cross-circulation. In 1957 Lillehei worked with inventor Earl Bakken to create a portable battery-powered pacemaker.

The heart of discovery

Effective in July‚ we’ll be offering a redesigned three-year cardiovascular fellowship that provides our fellows with time to develop and implement a research project of their choice. Training under our skilled faculty‚ these scientists will develop a deeper understanding of the heart.