Spectrum Health Specialists to Host Mitral Valve Disease Program

Guests Will Have Opportunity to Observe, “Test Drive” Surgical Robot

Two Spectrum Health physicians will discuss current mitral valve diagnosis and treatment at a public presentation on Thursday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. in room 8812 of the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, 100 Michigan, NE.

J.D. Call, MD, cardiologist from West Michigan Heart and Edward Murphy, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon from West Michigan Cardiothoracic Surgeons will discuss the various methods used to diagnosis and treat this type of heart valve disease.

Treatment using the robotic da Vinci surgical system will be included in the discussion. A demonstration of the da Vinci will be held at 6:30 p.m. with the formal presentation at 7 p.m. Opportunities to “test drive” the robot will be offered after the presentation.

Blood that flows between different chambers of the heart must flow through a valve. One of the valves is called the mitral valve. It opens up enough so blood can flow from one chamber of the heart (left atria) to the next chamber (left ventricle). It then closes, keeping blood from flowing backwards. Mitral valve surgery is surgery to either repair or replace the mitral valve in the heart. Preregistration is required for this free program. Call 616-267-2626, option 4 or toll free 877-495-2626 to register. Free refreshments and valet parking will be provided.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of seven hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, mmpc® and West Michigan Heart-physician groups totaling more than 400 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 500,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 16,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care. The organization provided $111.1 million in community benefit during its 2008 fiscal year. As a system, Spectrum Health has earned more than 100 awards since it was formed in 1997.