News & Press Releases

Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation physician researchers have performed the first case in Minnesota using the Medtronic Sphere-360™ pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheter as part of the Horizon 360 clinical trial, evaluating the investigational, next-generation technology designed to transform the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AFib).

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation hosted “At the Heart of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention 2026,” an evening dinner symposium at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul, MN. The event brought together nearly 100 physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to focus on current guidelines, prevention strategies, and treatment options aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.

The 2026 TMVR/TTVR Planning Workshop brought together a global community of structural heart specialists for an intensive, hands‑on CT planning experience focused on transcatheter mitral and tricuspid interventions.

During Women’s Health Month in May, the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) is proudly celebrating a special milestone moment: the successful enrollment of a patient in a clinical trial of the BrioVAD technology led by an all-female team, from the cardiac surgeon to the nurses and research staff.

The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) is grateful for a $2 million charitable gift from James and Judith Bradshaw, establishing the James R. and Judith A. Bradshaw Chair for the MHIF Valve Science Center. This special chair designation was given to Vinayak (Vinnie) Bapat, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and researcher in recognition of his internationally renowned research and educational work in valvular heart disease. Dr. Bapat serves as chair of cardiothoracic surgery at Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute.

Dr. Charles Gornick is the 2026 recipient of the Robert G. Hauser Leadership Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership while advancing research, strengthening clinical practice and supporting the mission of MHIF. It also honors the legacy of Dr. Hauser, a physician leader and founder whose work helped establish MHIF as a leader in cardiovascular research and innovation.

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) awarded Emmanouil S. Brilakis, MD, PhD, FSCAI, its highest professional distinction, Master Interventionalist of SCAI (MSCAI), recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field of interventional cardiology. 

The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) is proud to recognize Dr. Kerollos Abdelsayed, MHIF’s Pierce International Scholar with the Joseph F. Novogratz Family Heart Rhythm Center, who was recently selected as a finalist for the Young Investigator Award – Clinical Cardiology from the European Heart Rhythm Association. His recognition reflects the strength of MHIF’s collaborative heart rhythm research community and its impact on patients worldwide.