Care for Open Heart Surgery at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Open Heart Surgery at University of Colorado Hospital?

University of Colorado Hospital is well-equipped to provide the best open heart surgery care possible, using the most current techniques. Our skilled surgeons use the latest technology available and are supported by a well-trained team. In addition, we provide a full range of pre-operative testing and after-care services.

What is Open Heart Surgery?

Open heart surgery is performed by opening the chest in order to reach the heart and make needed repairs. The “open” refers to the chest, although the heart itself may be opened during the surgery. Nearly 650,000 open heart surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2004, according to the American Heart Association.

Departments Offering Open Heart Surgery

Cardiac & Vascular Center
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
(720) 848-5300

Open Heart Surgery Research Trials

University of Colorado Hospital is part of a Phase II clinical study to evaluate a mitral valve repair system that would be an alternative to open heart surgery. The minimally invasive approach uses a small implant that helps the valve to open and close properly, thus preventing leakage.

The MitraClip® implant procedure is performed in a laboratory, with the patient under general anesthesia. The device is inserted with a thin, flexible tube (catheter), which is inserted through the groin area and guided to the malfunctioning valve. The metal MitraClip grasps the leaflets of the valve, helping them to close tightly after opening.

Title – Comparison of the Risk of Stroke With On- Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Purpose – To compare the safety of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with and without the use of heart-lung bypass during surgery (on- versus off-pump surgery). The study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine whether the newer technique of off-pump CABG carries a lower risk of stroke than on-pump CABG.

Sponsor – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Title – EVEREST II (Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study)

Purpose – Phase 2 clinical study to evaluate a minimally invasive heart valve repair system for patients with mitral valve regurgitation.

Sponsor – Evalve Inc.