As a leader in cardiac care, the University of Chicago Medicine offers a comprehensive approach to treating heart valve and structural heart disease, including medical intervention, transcatheter procedures, cardiac surgery and robotic surgery. UChicago Medicine physicians have pioneered many of the advanced minimally invasive and transcatheter techniques that are used globally today. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely to determine a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual patient, which could include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, interventional procedures and/or surgery.
Medical Care
For some patients, heart conditions can be controlled with medication. Certain drugs can lessen the symptoms associated with valve or structural heart disease while decreasing the likelihood of further complications. These medications can increase the heart's pumping ability, control irregular heartbeats, relieve discomfort and prevent blood clots.
Transcatheter Procedures
Transcatheter, or percutaneous, procedures are performed by UChicago Medicine's interventional cardiologists in our state-of-the-art catheterization lab by a team of highly skilled interventional cardiologists. Transcatheter procedures are an alternative to traditional surgery for high-risk patients with heart valve disease or congenital heart defeats.
Surgical Options
Patients who have more advanced heart disease may require surgical or nonsurgical intervention to manage their condition. Our surgeons are internationally recognized leaders in both traditional and minimally invasive procedures. Our surgeons have pioneered many of the latest surgical techniques for heart valve disease, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches for smaller incisions and faster healing. We perform valve repairs, reconstructions and replacements.
