When heart disease or vascular disease strike, you can find nationally recognized care close to home at SMDC Heart & Vascular Center. Our team has helped thousands of patients live longer, better lives.

Regional and national statistics, such as those compiled by the Joint Commission on Health (regarded as the most rigorous in the industry), show the SMDC Heart & Vascular Center excels in diagnosing and treating its patients. We exceed national standards in patient care and outcomes in several areas including coronary artery bypass surgery; door-to-intervention time for angioplasty patients; care and treatment of heart failure patients; and mortality for MI (myocardial infarction) patients.

The SMDC Foundation is raising $750,000 to enhance the Heart & Vascular Center, improve patient care and increase prevention efforts. Read more.

You’ll find the region’s largest and most comprehensive program, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, surgery and rehabilitation. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures the best possible outcomes for our patients and helps them live longer, better lives.

A world-class team of 24 cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons work together with dozens of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide highly specialized heart and vascular care. We combine the experience of these highly skilled medical and professional staff with first-rate facilities and the latest technology and equipment.

As leaders in cardiovascular care, our physicians are actively involved in research. In fact, cardiology researchers regularly bring SMDC research to the national stage.

The SMDC Heart & Vascular Center extends its expertise throughout the Northland with five regional Heart Centers and by scheduling regular appointments with our physicians at other clinics. That makes it more convenient for patients throughout the region.

Cardiology
Our Cardiology Clinic is a leader in identifying and treating patients with cardiovascular disease. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and interventional services, including invasive procedures and non-invasive procedures using state-of-the art imaging equipment and mobile diagnostic programs. Four dedicated cardiovascular intervention labs perform more than 3,800 diagnostic and 1,800 interventional procedures annually. We have the region’s only full-time electrophysiology lab, which is critical to treating heart rhythm disorders. Extensive non-invasive cardiology services are also offered. More than 200 patients receive specialized on-going care in our Heart Failure Program, which is recognized nationally for its superior results.

Cardiothoracic surgery

Our Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic is the most comprehensive program in the region for all surgeries of the chest cavity, and the third largest in Minnesota. Our three cardiothoracic surgeons perform more than 400 procedures each year using the most advanced techniques and equipment available. Their surgeries include procedures for lung, esophageal, pancreatic and liver cancer as well as reflux disease. Their use of aortic endografts and other minimally invasive treatments for the heart is on the leading edge of medicine — making the SMDC Heart & Vascular Center one of a few places in Minnesota that you’ll find such cutting edge techniques.

Vascular surgery

Life-saving innovation. That’s what you get when you combine the advanced technology, experience, expertise, and genuine commitment that our Vascular Surgery team devotes to patient care. Our three vascular surgeons treat vascular disease with minimally invasive procedures, open surgeries and combined procedures. Our dedication to providing state-of-the-art care is illustrated in how we treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by using endovascular repair. Our vascular surgeons have performed more than 500 minimally invasive procedures for AAA, making SMDC Heart & Vascular Center a leader for such treatment in the United States.

Research
The physicians of SMDC Heart & Vascular Center are leaders in clinical research. What this means for patients is the opportunity to be among the first to try innovative new treatments for heart and vascular disease. Our physicians and scientists conduct both industry-sponsored and original research, resulting in publications and presentations to national and international audiences. Visit Cardiology Studies to see our current studies, and to consider becoming a participant.

Nine full-time staff members are dedicated to cardiology research, with additional staff supporting thoracic, vascular and pulmonary research. Physicians from around the country and around the world turn to us for leadership. Continuing medical education seminars and conferences are offered regularly on-site by our providers as well as by other nationally recognized medical professionals.