Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center (MDHVC)
Our Mission
To provide the most effective, efficient and compassionate cardiovascular care through research, education, and a full continuum of patient care to the satisfaction of those we serve.Our Vision
The vision of the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center is to become the premier international benchmark heart center.News
The Methodist Hospital opens country’s most advanced robotic operating room
Houston – 7/26/10
The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center opened the country’s most advanced hybrid, robotic operating room. The new suite integrates advanced robotics, imaging and navigation with surgery to offer patients the least invasive and safest surgical and interventional treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Surgeons at The Methodist Hospital show use of flexible robotics reduces trauma in vascular surgery
Houston – 7/22/10
Research conducted by surgeons from the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center shows that using robotics reduces blood vessel trauma during minimally invasive procedures to repair diseased arteries. Research results were presented at the Society for Vascular Surgery‘s 2010 Vascular Annual Meeting in Boston.
The Methodist Hospital only in U.S. to offer life-sustaining, portable heart/lung machine
Houston – 7/21/10
The Methodist Hospital is the first in the United States to use a portable heart/lung machine to move critically ill patients easily and safely to different areas of the hospital for medical tests or from outlying hospitals to the medical center for specialized treatment.
Dr. Basil Ramlawi named to "40 Under 40" list by Houston Business Journal
Houston – 5/21/10
Dr. Basel Ramlawi, a cardiovascular surgeon in the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, was named by the Houston Business Journal as one of the city’s top 40 accomplished up-and-coming leaders in its "Forty Under Forty" awards.
Simple ultrasound test improves diagnosis of heart disease
Houston – 4/6/10
New research shows that doing a simple ultrasound scan of the carotid artery significantly improves the prediction of heart disease, giving doctors a better clue of who is at high risk for a heart attack.
The new study, published in today’s Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), shows that approximately 23 percent of patients would be reclassified into a different risk group by adding information obtained from the noninvasive test and that risk prediction using this approach was more accurate.
Simple, quick test can send patient safely home from ER after chest pain
Houston – 2/9/10
Researchers at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center have shown that a simple, inexpensive test can determine whether it is safe to send home a patient who comes to the emergency room with chest pain.
"It is imperative to accurately diagnose patients who come to the emergency department with chest pain," said Dr. John Mahmarian, cardiologist at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center and principal investigator of the study. "Unfortunately, diagnosing chest pain is often expensive and time-consuming. This new data could save millions of health care dollars and countless hours spent waiting on unnecessary tests."
New procedure cuts arrhythmia, recovery time
2/3/2010 — A surgeon and an electrophysiologist in the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center last week worked together to perform a novel, minimally-invasive procedure to treat a common but dangerous arrhythmia in a 61-year-old lawyer from east Texas who has suffered from the condition for months. By combining their talents, the physicians could perform the procedure through two small incisions, rather than six, which is common for minimally-invasive approaches.
"We’re hoping that by combining the expertise of a surgeon with that of an electrophysiologist, we’ll make the treatment more effective, while also making it easier on the patient in terms of recovery time," said Dr. Basel Ramlawi, cardiac surgeon who performed the surgical portion of the hybrid procedure.
FDA approves novel study of neurostimulation as treatment for heart disease
Houston – 2/1/10
The FDA recently approved the first study of neurostimulation as a treatment for heart failure, a chronic disease that affects nearly six million Americans and is the leading cause of hospitalization in America.
"Despite our best efforts to treat heart failure with current drugs, patients with advanced heart failure continue to deteriorate," said Dr. Guillermo Torre-Amione, heart failure specialist at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center and principal investigator for the study. "There is an urgent need to improve treatment for these patients."
Leading female cardiologist, Dr. Karla Kurrelmeyer, focuses on research and treatment of women with heart disease
Houston – 1/08/10
Heart disease is the single leading cause of death for American women. Nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.
Dr. Karla Kurrelmeyer, a cardiologist at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, focuses on research and treatment of women with heart disease. Kurrelmeyer is somewhat unique among practicing cardiologists, not only because her focus is on female heart health, but also because she is a woman. Less than 20 percent of cardiologists in the U.S. are women.
Methodist named one of the "Top Hospitals for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery"
Houston – 1/08/10
The Methodist Hospital in Houston was recently named one of the "Top Hospitals for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery" by Worth magazine.
"This award is a major recognition for the physicians and staff of the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center. It is an honor that recognizes our dedication to providing excellent care for our patients," said Dr. Alan Lumsden, chair of the department of cardiovascular surgery at The Methodist Hospital and medical director of the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.
The Methodist Hospital offers unique patient education program
Houston – 1/06/10
The Methodist Hospital is offering a web-based tool to help patients better understand their health care.
The interactive program from Emmi Solutions describes and illustrates upcoming procedures for patients to help educate them on procedures such as cardiac bypass or knee replacement. It also helps patients understand how to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure.
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center Valve Clinic
The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center has opened a multidisciplinary valve clinic that provides one-stop-shopping for patients with complex diseases of the cardiac valves.
The clinic, which streamlines the process for patients, is headed by national experts in diagnostic cardiac imaging, interventional cardiology, robotic procedures and cardiac surgery to provide the best care possible. The clinic will also host a valve board and maintain a robust clinical database of complex valve disorders to support research and advances in the treatment of cardiac valve disease.
Learn more about the MDHVC Valve Clinic
Events
Cardiovascular Fellows’ Bootcamp: Get the Basics
Houston – 8/20/10 – 8/22/10
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center brings this weekend course: Cardiovascular Fellows’ Bootcamp: Get the Basics to Houston, 8/20/10 – 8/22/10. The program directors will be Drs. Alan B. Lumsden, Jean Bismuth, Mark Davies, Neal Kleinman, Miguel Quiñones, Michael Reardon, Miguel Valderrábano and William Zoghbi.
For more information contact: Yvette Whittier at ywhittier@tmhs.org or call 713-441-6201.
Multi-Modality Cardiovascular Imaging for the Clinician: Update in Echocardiography, Nuclear, CT & CMR
Houston - 10/2/10 - 10/3/10
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center brings this weekend course: Multi-Modality Cardiovascular Imaging for the Clinician: Update in Echocardiography, Nuclear, CT & CMR to Houston, 10/2/10 – 10/3/10. The course director will be Dr. William Zoghbi. The course co-directors will be Drs. John J. Mahmarian, Miguel Quiñones, and Dipan Shah.
For information contact the Office of Continuing Medical Education at 713-441-4971 or CME@tmhs.org.
Visit website at www.methodisthealth.com/cvimaging
Pumps & Pipes 4: No Boundaries
Houston - 12/6/10
This is a unique collaborative effort between Houston's largest industries to explore potential crossover ideas and extract shared technologies. Much like moving oil through a pipeline, the heart must pump blood through the body. Our intention is to stimulate discussion, spark ideas and share new technologies between these industries that face similar challenges, even if on a very different scale. Sponsoring members include ExxonMobil, the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center of The Methodist Hospital and the University of Houston.
Learn more about Pumps & Pipes 4
Download the Pumps and Pipes 4: No Boundaries save the date card
Re-Evolution Summit
Houston - 3/3/11 - 3/5/11
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center brings: Re-Evolution Summit to Houston, 3/3/11 - 3/5/11. The program directors will be, Mahesh Ramchandani, M.D., Matthias Loebe, M.D., Ph.D., Basel Ramlawi, M.D.
This conference is designed for cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, fellows, residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses in the cardiovascular specialties.
For information contact the Office of Continuing Medical Education at 713-441-4971 or CME@tmhs.org.
Total Endovascular Series: Aorta II
Houston – 3/10/11 – 3/12/11
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center brings: Total Endovascular Series: Aorta II to Houston, 3/10/11 – 3/12/11. The program directors will be Dr. Alan B. Lumsden & Mark G. Davies, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. The program committee consists of Jean Bismuth, M.D., Hosam El-Sayed, M.D., Hietham Hassoun, M.D., Joseph Naoum, M.D. & Dr. Eric Peden.
This conference is designed for cardiovascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular technologists, fellows, residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses in the cardiovascular specialties.
For information call the Office of Continuing Medical Education at 713-441-4971 or visit www.totalendovascularseries.org.
Read more News & Events
Featured Technology: 64 Slice Cardiac CT
The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center is proud to offer 64 slice cardiac CT, a revolutionary form of detailed scanning to diagnose conditions of the heart and blood vessels. 64 slice cardiac CT is an innovative alternative to invasive tests such as cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography.
Featured Clinical Trial: Dilated Cardiomyopathy study
The Methodist Hospital in Houston is the first site in the nation to enroll patients in a new study that uses a patient’s own stem cells to treat heart failure.
Surgeons at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center will inject stem cells derived from a patient’s own bone marrow directly into the beating heart to treat dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a severe form of chronic heart failure.
The Distinguished Donor Society
The Distinguished Donor Society is a unique organization comprised of individuals who give $1,000 or more annually to the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center. These contributors have a role in selecting and funding promising heart research, prevention and education programs taking place at The Methodist Hospital. The Distinguished Donor Society’s philanthropic investment plays a significant role in advancing treatment for patients suffering from heart disorders and disease.
For more information about the Distinguished Donor Society, please call 832-667-5816.
2008 MDHVC Distinguished Donor Society
- Abbott Laboratories
- Mr. and Mrs. Carlos A. Abello
- Carolyn and Bob Allison
- Susan and Jim Baker
- Dr. and Mrs. Christie M. Ballantyne
- Mrs. Dodie Beazley
- Jeff and Susan Bell
- Carolyn and John Bookout
- Mrs. Patricia K. Boyd
- Mr. Charles R. Burnett III
- Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Carroll
- The P and C Carroll Foundation
- Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Chaltry
- Cordis Corporation
- The Doré Family Foundation
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Duhon
- Mr. and Mrs. Raymond S. Durdin, Sr.
- Dr. Robert E. Fromm, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Ford J. Frost
- Mr. and Mrs. Jay M. Frost III
- John T. Garrett Sr. Estate
- Nancy and Jacko Garrett
- Mr. William E. Gipson
- Mr. and Mrs. Irving Gordon
- Mr. Raymond E. Hankamer
- Mr. and Mrs. Miguel A. Hernandez, Jr.
- Dr. Robert L. Hershberger
- Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Hollier
- Ms. Jo Ruth Kaplan
- Mrs. Carol S. Kobb
- Mr. and Mrs. George J. Kostas
- Henry and Marjorie LeMieux
- Klinka and John Lollar
- Dr. Alan B. Lumsden
- Mr. and Mrs. Jesse P. Luton, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ross Moore
- Mrs. Tassie B. Nicandros
- Dr. and Mrs. Miguel A. Quiñones
- Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Reardon
- Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Richardson
- Mrs. Sybil F. Roos
- Significance Foundation – Charitable Support Foundation
- St. Thomas Health Services
- Ms. Sharon Werlin Staton
- Mrs. Cynthia Pickett-Stevenson and Mr. Donald E. Stevenson
- Texas Arrhythmia Institute
- Dr. Valentina Ugolini
- The Honorable Ewing Werlein, Jr. and Mrs. Werlein
- F.W. Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler Family Trust
Vein Clinic
Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center Vein Clinic
For many women and men, varicose veins and spider veins makes them feel less attractive, cause aching pain and discomfort and may also serve as an indication that the individual is at a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system. The physicians at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center are leading the way in comprehensive vein treatment and offer a full range of treatments for venous disease.
Learn more
Featured Services
Heart Scan Packages
Be good to your heart with a Heart Scan Package.
It’s quick, noninvasive and could save your life. Choose from one of three Heart Scan screening packages from the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.
To schedule a Heart Scan Package appointment, call 713-DeBakey (332-2539).
Are You a Candidate?
- Do you have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation?
- Have you not had previous
heart surgery? - Would you like to be off of Coumadin?
- Would you like to be off of anti arrhythmics?
- Are you under 85 years of age?
You could be a candidate for minimally invasive atrial fibrillation surgery.
