Two years after launch, cardiac surgery program expands services with new specialists, procedures
University of Michigan Health-West has reached another significant milestone in cardiac care, completing its 300th open-heart surgery procedure, just two years after launching the program through the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan. This achievement shows the growth of advanced heart care options available to patients, with outcomes that continue to exceed national benchmarks.
Since performing its first open-heart surgery in October 2022, the program has met the growing demand for comprehensive heart care. In addition to these 300 surgeries, UM Health-West has performed 15 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open-heart valve surgery.
“This milestone represents more than just a number,” said Alphonse DeLucia III, M.D., lead cardiac surgeon at UM Health-West. “It’s a reflection of our team’s commitment to providing the highest standard of care close to home. Every procedure is an opportunity to improve someone’s life.”
The growth in TAVR procedures across the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan has been significant. Trinity Health Muskegon has completed nearly 700 TAVR procedures since the Network program began in 2021, with nearly 100 performed so far this year alone.
Looking ahead, the program is expanding to offer more services. Apu Chakrabarti, M.D., an electrophysiologist, will join Dr. Alex Turin to enhance the Network’s electrophysiology (EP) program and increase access for patients requiring advanced heart rhythm treatments. Additionally, the cardiac team plans to introduce new structural heart procedures, including left atrial appendage closure, led by Dr. Michael Sumners starting in January 2025.
Further bolstering the program, Doug Moore, D.O., a new electrophysiologist, will join the Trinity Health Muskegon team in December. This addition strengthens the collaborative efforts across the region and supports the Cardiovascular Network’s mission of expanding access to specialized care.
The Cardiovascular Network’s growth is also evident in its established structural heart program at Trinity Health Muskegon, led by Noah Thormeier, D.O., a key part of the regional expansion strategy.
“Our goal has always been to bring the most innovative and patient-centered cardiac care to West Michigan,” said Ronald Grifka, M.D., UM Health-West president. “By combining the latest procedures such as TAVR with exceptional outcomes that surpass national averages, we are delivering on that promise.”
The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan – a collaboration between Trinity Health Muskegon, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and UM Health-West – provides access to the expertise and leadership of University of Michigan Health’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center, with more than 125 years of experience in cardiovascular medicine.
“Everyone involved in this collaborative effort has worked tirelessly to increase the range of services and choices for patients in West Michigan,” said Himanshu Patel, M.D., executive director of the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan and a director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. “The milestones that have been achieved and new programs to help address valve disease and heart rhythm disturbances all ensure that people in the region can continue to receive world-class cardiovascular care.”
UM Health-West’s success demonstrates the importance of regional collaboration. The cardiac program not only provides life-saving care, but also fills a critical need in a growing community.
“With every surgery and new service we introduce, we’re changing what heart care looks like for patients across West Michigan,” said Grifka. “This is just the beginning – we are committed to continuous innovation and improving outcomes for every person we treat.”
