SARASOTA, Fla. – (August 2, 2024) – Sarasota Memorial Hospital- Sarasota has been honored with the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award for the fourth time by the American Heart Association and the Mitral Foundation. It is the only center recognized in the region, and one of only two in the state of Florida. The recognition underscores the heart team’s exceptional and sustained clinical outcomes in mitral valve repair.
Mitral valve repair is often the preferred treatment for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease because it is associated with improved survival and fewer long-term complications compared to valve replacement.
The Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award was created in partnership by the American Heart Association and the Mitral Foundation to identify, recognize and promote the nation’s recognized medical centers for mitral valve repair surgery, and provide patients and referring physicians with the resources needed to make a well-informed choice regarding the best heart team for mitral valve repair surgery. Sarasota Memorial earned the award for the fourth consecutive year, demonstrating 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.
Jonathan Hoffberger, DO, director of minimally invasive cardiac surgery at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, expressed gratitude for receiving the prestigious award,
emphasizing SMH’s commitment to providing top-quality care to patients with mitral valve disease.
"Our team of cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and multi-specialty technologists works together to offer the best possible treatment options for each individual patient, using the latest techniques and technologies. We are committed to advancing the field of mitral valve repair through research, education, and innovation,” he said.
Patients and physicians who are interested in learning more about Sarasota Memorial Hospital's mitral valve repair program can visit smh.com/heart.
More information about the American Heart Association and Mitral Foundation Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award is available at www.heart.org.
About Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional health system offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with more than 10,000 employees and 1.7 million patient visits each year across its two hospital campuses, freestanding ER, skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, cancer institute, behavioral health pavilion and regional network of outpatient/urgent care centers and physician practices. For information, visit smh.com.