Cardiovascular Institute
One diverse academic health enterprise where people come to receive the highest quality heart and vascular care in their community while also enabling relentless innovation that fuels better health for Indiana and beyond. Read on to learn about recent advances in realizing this vision.
Top News
Das successfully implants state's first dual chamber leadless pacemaker
The IU Health adult academic health center has introduced the state's first dual chamber leadless pacemaker, the AVEIR™ DR, marking a significant advancement in treatment options for patients with slow or irregular heart rhythms. This innovative device, implanted via a minimally invasive procedure, enables synchronized pacing of the heart's chambers without the need for traditional wired pacemakers, reducing the risk of complications. The successful implantation by Mithilesh Das, MD, MBA, clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, has already shown promising results, significantly improving the quality of life for the first recipient, who can now exercise without restrictions.
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IU Health hospitals awarded three stars in Vascular Quality Initiative Registry Participation Award Program
The Society for Vascular Surgery's Vascular Quality Initiative (SVS VQI) has recognized six Indiana University Health hospitals with a three-star rating, acknowledging their diligent involvement in the Registry Participation Program. This program, which commenced in 2016, aims to enhance patient safety and the quality of vascular care by collecting and analyzing clinical data. The SVS VQI's commitment to these goals is exemplified by its operation of 14 specialized vascular registries, reflecting the organization's dedication to excellence in healthcare delivery.
IU Health Arnett Hospital
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
IU Health Bloomington Hospital
IU Health Methodist Hospital
IU Health Saxony Hospital
IU Health West Hospital
Zionsville Youth Soccer Association invests in life-saving AEDs
On May 11, the Zionsville Youth Soccer Association (ZYSA), in connection with Heart Reach Medical, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the placement of 24/7 accessible automated external defibrillators (AED) at their soccer complex.
This event, featuring special guests Zionsville Mayor John Stehr and Julie Clary, MD, MBA, associate professor of clinical medicine and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs within the Department of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, also celebrated the addition of both indoor and outdoor SaveStation cabinets to house the AEDs for their soccer fields in Whitestown, IN.
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IU Health leaders participate in top conference for cardiovascular organizational excellence
The CV Transforum conference is a pivotal event for cardiovascular professionals, offering a platform for the exchange of innovative ideas and practices. Hosted by MedAxiom, the conference occurs biannually and is renowned for its interactive sessions and industry-leading educational content. It serves as a unique opportunity for members to connect, learn, and collectively advance the field of cardiovascular care.
IU Health administrators, including Kim Carlson, RN, BSN, MBA; Brennan Boland; and Tyler Orton attended this four-day conference in Atlanta, GA from April 17-20. A special keynote session titled, "Challenges and Opportunities in the U.S. Healthcare Ecosystem" was provided by speaker, Guy David, PhD, Alan B. Miller Professor of health care management at the Wharton School and the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.
Research Highlights
Everett recognized as 2024 Showalter Scholar Award recipient
Thomas Everett, PhD, associate professor of medicine with the Krannert Cardiovascular Research Center at Indiana University School of Medicine, has been recognized as one of Indiana University's 2024 Showalter Scholar Award recipients. His innovative approach in developing non-invasive, wearable technology for monitoring nerve activity in cardiac patients stands out in the medical community. This award not only acknowledges Dr. Everett's past achievements but also supports his ongoing research, fostering advancements that may benefit patients worldwide.
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Study investigates the relationship between heart and brain in cardiovascular disease
In an article recently published in the Cardiology Magazine, a work group, including Onyedika Ilonze, MD, MPH, assistant professor of clinical medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, highlight how stress and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increase the risk of mortality. This connection, often referred to as the heart/brain connection, acknowledges that chronic stress can lead to physiological changes like increased glucocorticoid release and heightened sympathetic nervous system activation, which may exacerbate CVD risk.
Groundbreaking clinical study takes center stage
The AAA-SHAPE Randomized Controlled Pivotal Trial is a significant clinical study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of IMPEDE-FX RapidFill, a device used in conjunction with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). This trial is the first of its kind to compare the outcomes of standard EVAR with the addition of sac management using the IMPEDE-FX RapidFill device. The goal is to assess whether this approach can lead to better sac regression outcomes for AAA patients. Raghu Motaganahalli, MD, division chief of vascular surgery and the program director of vascular surgery training programs at Indiana University School of Medicine, and his team have been recognized for enrolling the first patient in this groundbreaking study, which could potentially shape future treatments for AAA.
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Recognitions and Kudos
Motaganahalli selected to prestigious US surgical society
Raghu Motaganahalli, MD, division chief of Vascular Surgery and the program director of vascular surgery training programs at Indiana University School of Medicine, was recently approved membership into the American Surgical Association, the oldest surgical association in the United States. The official induction will occur in April 2025 at the Annual Business Meeting in San Diego, CA.
In Memory of Terri Butcher Kennedy
Terri Butcher Kennedy died on Sunday, June 2 after an accidental fall while on vacation. Terri was a valued member of the Krannert Institute family, serving as an administrative assistant to many of the faculty. She spent a large portion of her career assisting Dr. August (Gus) Watanabe, who would later become Chair of the Department of Medicine, and then the Chief Scientific Officer for Eli Lilly. More importantly, Terri was a friend to all and a very proud grandmother.
Terri was famous for her ability to master new tasks and quickly became an expert. She pivoted later in her career to become expert in the digital acquisition and archiving of research ECGs. There was no job she could not handle.
In recognition of her long service, and upon her retirement in 2007, the Terri Butcher Kennedy Staff Development Fund was established at the IU Foundation. That fund continues to support the staff who wish to take on new challenges in their career.
Those of us who knew her will miss her very much. Her "can do" spirit will live on in the division.
Do you have a story that reflects the strength of our statewide system for cardiovascular care?
Please email OneIUCV so we can share with the team!
