Mitral valve repair is one of the most complex and technically demanding procedures in cardiac surgery. When performed by experienced teams, however, outcomes for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease can be exceptional—offering improved survival, preserved heart function, and fewer long-term complications.
For the seventh year in a row, St. Joseph’s Health Hospital has been recognized by the Mitral Foundation as a Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center, a distinction awarded to hospitals that demonstrate sustained excellence, adherence to evidence-based guidelines and superior patient outcomes in mitral valve repair surgery.
“This recognition for the seventh consecutive year is a testament to the extraordinary skill, dedication, and hard work of our entire cardiac surgery team,” said Karikehalli Dilip, cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. “Mitral valve repair demands precision, experience and teamwork. We are proud to consistently deliver the highest level of care to our patients, year after year.”
The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award identifies U.S. medical centers that meet rigorous criteria for repair rates, operative mortality, and long-term durability, while also demonstrating an ongoing commitment to tracking, reporting, and improving quality outcomes.
“Our ability to achieve this distinction year after year reflects a culture of excellence and continuous improvement,” said Charles Lutz, cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. “From pre-operative evaluation to surgical execution and post-operative care, our multidisciplinary team is focused on doing what is best for each patient, every time.”
The recommended treatment for degenerative mitral valve disease is mitral valve repair rather than valve replacement, whenever feasible. Repair preserves the patient’s native valve, avoids the need for lifelong blood thinners or prosthetic valves, and is associated with improved survival and fewer long-term complications.