Our institution has been at the forefront of groundbreaking cardiac innovations and life-saving procedures since the mid-20th century, including Dr. Lillehei performing the world’s first successful open-heart surgery. This spirit of innovation and excellence continues to define our cardiology and cardiac surgery programs. Since 2012, when the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) became available, we have been committed to serving our community with excellence. Our team is dedicated to the highest standard of care, aiming to restore patients to optimal health and improve their quality of life.
The University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC) offers comprehensive support systems designed to provide the highest level of care to the most complex patients. Our advanced cardiac care includes the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which provides critical support for patients undergoing high-risk procedures. Additionally, our world-class intensive care unit (ICU) is managed by a team of expert cardiac intensivists, ensuring that patients receive round-the-clock, specialized care.
UMMC is the premier destination for cardiac care, where our unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and patient-centered care sets us apart. Our legacy of groundbreaking achievements, combined with our state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated team of experts, makes us the best place to receive comprehensive and advanced cardiac treatment. Choose the University of Minnesota for unparalleled care and the best possible outcomes for your heart health.
Meet Our Team
Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care through our multidisciplinary team approach. At valve clinic, both our cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons work together to ensure every patient receives the most informed treatment options. Our weekly conferences bring together interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, advanced imaging cardiologists, and cardiac researchers. This collaboration of experts leads to optimized care strategies and fosters an environment of innovation. Our patients benefit from personalized precise care, tailored to their specific needs due to the collective knowledge and experience of our specialized team.
Our Providers
Ganesh Raveendran MD
- Interventional Cardiologist
- Dr. Jay N. Cohn Endowed Chair in Cardiology
Professor and Chief, Cardiovascular Division
Director, Interventional Cardiology
Clinical Interests: Minimally invasive approach to treating valvular and other structural heart disease.
Care Philosophy: I strive to be an innovative leader in cardiac care and interventional cardiology, dedicated to providing patient-centered and individualized care. Recognizing that every patient is different, I commit to the highest standards of care to restore health and enhance quality of life. I prioritize integrity in all care delivery and strive to deliver exceptional service to patients and referring physicians.
Demetris Yannopoulos MD
- Interventional Cardiologist
- Professor of Medicine, Center for Resuscitation Medicine
Research Director, Interventional Cardiology
Director, Resuscitation Medicine
Faculty, PhD Program in Integrative Biology and Physiology
Clinical Interests: Structural Cardiology, ECMO Program - Care Philosophy: I am interested in delivering the best care to my patients based on current up-to-date evidence. My personal interests are coronary artery disease, valvular and structural disease, and emergent cardiac care and cardiopulmonary.
Jeremy Markowitz MD
Advanced Imaging Cardiologist
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division at the University of Minnesota Medical School
Informatics Director for the Cardiovascular Service Line.
Clinical Interests: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac sarcoidosis, advanced cardiovascular imaging.
Rajat Kalra MD
- Advanced Imaging Cardiologist
Assistant Professor of Medicine Cardiovascular Division at the University of Minnesota Medical School
Clinical Interests: Cardiac Imaging, Heart Failure, and Cardiac Arrest.
Care Philosophy: I believe in evidence-based care in partnership with my patients.
Bridget Flynn APRN CNP
Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Interests: Managing patients with valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, and primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
School: Master of Science in Nursing, St. Catherine's University
Board Certifications: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Care Philosophy: Bridget is passionate about detection and treatment of structural heart disease and restoring patients' quality of life through medication optimization and minimally invasive procedures.
Our Nurse Clinicians
Heather Nelson RN BSN CCRN - CSC
Lead Structural Heart Care Coordinator
Heather graduated from University of Iowa and has been a registered nurse since 2007. Heather is certified in both critical care and cardiac surgery. She worked as charge nurse in Cardiac ICU for 9 years and has prior transplant coordinator experience.
Heather is passionate about minimally invasive cardiac research and quality improvements for the program. She focuses on understanding her patient’s individual healthcare goals, to better advocate for them. After work, Heather can be found outside tending to her garden or restoring her land to a native pollinator habitat.
Paige Wall RN BSN CCRN
Structural Heart Care Coordinator
Paige graduated from Rockford University and has been a registered nurse since 2015. After graduation, she worked as an ICU nurse in a variety of different specialties. However, her last and favorite was in the cardiac ICU.
Paige is enthusiastic about growing the Watchman and TAVR programs. She loves assisting her patients to improve their quality of life. When not working, Paige enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and going to the lake.
Our Scheduling Coordinator
Jodi Johnson-Waldemar
Structural Heart MA Complex Scheduler
Jodi recently joined our Structural Heart Clinic team, bringing valuable experience in dental care and a strong commitment to patient-centered service. She finds great fulfillment in helping others and excels at assisting our patients as they navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Jodi is known for her compassionate nature, attention to detail, and ability to make patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their care journey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Receiving any heart disease diagnoses can be overwhelming. Our team strives to provide you with enough time to ask questions and gain a better understanding of your treatment options. For this reason, please expect your visit to last 1-2 hours. We also encourage a family member or friend accompany you to provide support and serve as a second set of ears.
Consultation appointments typically consist of three parts:
- Initial check in: Our medical assistants will check your vital signs and review your medication list. You may need an EKG at this time.
- Provider visit: You will meet with one of our structural heart cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeon to review your test results, diagnosis, and discuss recommendations.
- Nurse visit: You will meet your care coordinator and receive your custom care plan. Your care coordinator will explain any testing/procedures ordered and review your expected timeline.
M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center (CSC)
909 Fulton St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
*Complimentary shuttle connecting CSC to East Bank Hospital stops every 15 minutes.Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital
1601 Golf Course Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Some testing, procedures, and imaging can be done at a variety of locations. However, certain tests can only be done at the University. We strive to make things as easy as possible for our patients and work to accommodate appointments in a convenient location whenever possible.
- Valvular heart disease including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and tricuspid regurgitation
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Atrial fibrillation with intolerance to blood thinners
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
- Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR)
- Balloon valvuloplasty
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) including Watchman
- Transcatheter edge to edge repair (TEER) including MitralClip and PASCAL
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure
- Paravalvular leak closure
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure
- Combined procedures with vascular surgery
Contact Information
Valve Clinic
To get in contact with a member of our structural heart team or to schedule an appointment, please call our scheduling coordinator, Mari. If we are not available to take your call directly, please leave a detailed voicemail. Your call will be returned within 1-2 business days.
Phone Number: 612-676-5320
Fax: 612-676-5051
Email Address: ummcvalve@umn.edu
Patient Resources
Lodging Info: If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our accommodations team at 612-273-3695 or 800-328-5576 (toll-free).