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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation® (MHIF) announced today that Vinayak (Vinnie) Bapat, MD, is joining the Valve Science Center team, bringing his extensive expertise as a cardiothoracic surgeon and innovator in treatment of heart valve disease. He will also be working directly with patients as a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Minneapolis Heart Institute®. Most recently, Dr. Bapat was a cardiac surgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital and professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, both in New York. Dr. Bapat also previously served as professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Guys and St. Thomas’ Hospital, London and continues to hold that position as visiting professor.
“Our team is excited to welcome a leader and innovator in the world of heart valve disease to our team at the Valve Science Center,” said Paul Sorajja, MD, Roger L. and Lynn C. Headrick Family Chair for Valve Science Research. “Dr. Bapat brings a depth of experience and passion for helping patients overcome life-threatening valvular disease. We look forward to engaging his leadership and drive for innovation as we continue to pursue important research and advances on behalf of our patients and the hope they can treat their valve disease and return to full life.”
“I look forward to joining the MHIF Valve Science Center team and contributing to new research and advances for heart valve disease patients, knowing there is still much opportunity to understand and improve the technologies and treatment approaches,” said Dr. Bapat. “I am joining a talented research team with the expertise to remain at the forefront of research for valvular disease. My vision is to work collaboratively across imaging and cardiology research to bring new solutions that can, ultimately, improve life for even more patients with access to the right technologies.”
Dr. Bapat grew up in Mumbai, India and learned his passion for medicine at a young age after taking his father to the cardiology clinic for heart failure management each week. His education and training began at King Edward Memorial Hospital and University of Bombay where he earned Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgeon degrees, followed by a Master of Surgery degree and eventually a Master of Cardiothoracic Surgery degree. He completed his Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS) in cardiothoracic surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He also completed an internship, three residencies and two fellowships at various institutions, including King Edward Memorial Hospital and University of Mumbai, Toronto General Hospital in Canada, and as part of rotations at institutions in the United Kingdom, including Guys and St. Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Royal County Sussex Hospital, Brighton.
In addition to his clinical accomplishments, Dr. Bapat has been a collaborator among his peers in the world of transcatheter valves through the creation of two apps that are downloadable on mobile devices – Valve-in-Valve (VIV) Mitral and VIV Aortic. New transcatheter valve systems are the latest, minimally invasive technologies that have changed the way heart valve disease is treated. The apps provide imaging and clinical information, such as dimensions and characteristics of the various valve repair technologies and have been downloaded in 132 countries. Through these apps, physicians access data and clinical insights to determine the technology options based on their individual patient needs, including guidance and insights on the implant procedure.
“In medicine, there are unknowns and new challenges and not everything works for every patient,” said Dr. Bapat. “When I think about my experience, if I decide to use one treatment and it doesn’t work, I always have a plan B or plan C. It is part of my passion to continue the research that is needed to make sure we always have the additional options we need to treat more patients successfully.”
“We are proud to welcome Dr. Bapat, a recognized leader in valvular disease, to the MHIF team,” said Scott Sharkey, MHIF chief medical officer. “The Valve Science Center, under the leadership of Dr. Sorajja, has distinguished itself with internationally acclaimed breakthroughs in heart valve disease research, including first-in-human and first-in-world procedures to repair or replace damaged heart valves. With the arrival of Dr. Bapat, we look forward to further acceleration of this research as we strengthen our commitment to creating a world without heart and vascular disease.”
About the MHIF Valve Science Center and Heart Valve Disease
The MHIF Valve Science Center leads the industry in minimally invasive, non-surgical valve repair and replacement, improving outcomes for patients with heart valve disease. Under the leadership of Dr. Sorajja, the MHIF Valve Science Center is a national leader in the transcatheter treatment of aortic and mitral valve disease. MHIF is integrated with a high-quality, high-volume cardiovascular care center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital (ANW), which allows the team to study and offer cutting-edge treatment to a large number of patients with valve disease.
More than five million Americans are diagnosed with heart valve disease every year, which can cause heart muscle damage, sudden death and congestive heart failure and other heart disease — significantly impacting quality and length of life. Fortunately, most valve disease can be successfully treated in patients of all ages.
About Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation®
The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) strives to create a world without heart and vascular disease. To achieve this bold vision, it is dedicated to improving the cardiovascular health of individuals and communities through innovative research and education.
Scientific Innovation and Research – MHIF is a recognized leader across all specialties of heart and vascular research. Each year, MHIF leads more than 200 research studies with more than 2,200 patients and publishes more than 200 articles to share learnings from research. MHIF research has improved the standard of care around the world through protocols like Level One for heart attack, which significantly improved outcomes and survival for patients.
Education and Outreach – MHIF provides more than 10,000 hours of education each year putting its research into practice to improve outcomes among health care providers. This commitment extends to patients and caregivers through a number of community health and education events to raise awareness of heart care and research, engaging individuals in their own health.
The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation’s work is funded by generous donors and sponsors and engages in cutting-edge research initiatives with its physician partners from the Minneapolis Heart Institute® at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and at 38 community sites across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
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