News Releases

Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 19, 2025 – Corewell Health^TM in West Michigan has been recognized by the Mitral Foundation for its commitment to mitral valve repair.

The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award was developed to identify, recognize and promote U.S. medical centers that demonstrate adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines as well as an ongoing commitment to reporting and measuring quality and outcome metrics specific to mitral valve repairs. Corewell Health in West Michigan becomes one of just 24 such centers recognized in the nation.

“Award recipients like Corewell Health must meet rigorous outcomes criteria for repair rates, mortality and durability,” says David H. Adams, M.D., professor and chair of cardiovascular surgery at Mount Sinai Health System and president of the Mitral Foundation. “Patients receiving care at a Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award-winning facility can have confidence in their guideline-directed care.”

Mitral valve repair is considered one of the most challenging heart operations, but the results for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease can be outstanding, with improved survival and few long-term complications.

“At Corewell Health, mitral valve repair is usually performed minimally invasively with robotic technology but may also be done through traditional sternotomy when indicated,” said Charles Willekes, M.D., section chief, cardiovascular surgery, Corewell Health in West Michigan. “Our cardiothoracic surgeons offer a wide variety of these procedure in the largest program of its kind in West Michigan.”

The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award means patients are assured that experienced surgical teams strive for superior clinical outcomes guided by data-driven oversight from a highly respected health organization.

“We are pleased to recognize Corewell Health for its commitment to patients with degenerative mitral valve disease,” said Robert O. Bonow, MD, professor of cardiology at Northwestern University and past president of the American Heart Association. “Choosing the right hospital for heart surgery is one of the most important health care decisions made by patients and their referring physicians. The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center award identifies hospitals with excellent processes and outcomes and gives patients and cardiologists the information necessary to make these important decisions.”