Cardiovascular network achieves milestone with 200th surgery

Health

Apr 23

Photo courtesy of Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan

The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan has successfully completed its 200th open-heart surgery procedure at University of Michigan Health-West. Dr. Alphonse DeLucia III marked this achievement on April 4. It comes just 18 months after the program's launch in October 2022.

Prior to the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan, the Grand Rapids market was the largest in the state, with a single open-heart program. According to UM Health-West President, Dr. Ronald Grifka, the Network's success confirms that the cardiac surgery program addresses a critical necessity for the state's fastest-growing region.

"The fact that we performed 200 surgeries in 18 months shows West Michigan needed more options in the fight against heart disease, the number one cause of death," Grifka said. "We are making a direct impact on the quality of life for our patients across the region."

The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan is a joint operating agreement that leverages the expertise of Trinity Health Muskegon and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, UM Health-West, and more than 125 years of cardiovascular leadership from Frankel Cardiovascular Center at the University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor.

The combined teams include 118 cardiovascular physicians, 12 vascular surgeons, 15 cardiac surgeons, 151 cardiovascular Advanced Practice Providers, and 367 cardiovascular Research Members.

For more information, visit https://www.cvnetworkwmi.org/.