Why Andy Rent Finds the New Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan So Heart-Warming

It’s so heart-warming, pardon the pun, and reassuring to know we have such a renowned and accomplished cardiovascular network surgical team right here in West Michigan.

My father died at the age of 52 of a heart attack. It was many years ago. I only wish there had been a cardiovascular team as accomplished as the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan in existence when he needed care. If you haven't heard about this network, it's a new partnership that offers local access to world-class experts and experienced surgeons. It also means patients in the Grand Rapids area have access to choice for open-heart surgery.

The network is a collaboration among Trinity Health Muskegon, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health-West – with more than 125 years of cardiovascular leadership from University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor. Some of the highlights are:

• In addition to Trinity Health Muskegon's established open-heart program, a new state-of-the-art center for open-heart surgery opened at University of Michigan Health-West in Wyoming in October 2022.
• West Michigan patients now have access to the latest clinical trials from University of Michigan Health’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center, one of the world’s leading centers of medical research. This greatly expands their treatment options.
• The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan offers more choices for care, which leaders expect will help control costs for cardiovascular care in West Michigan. This care has historically been more expensive than in other areas of the state.

Patients will still go through their cardiologists at Trinity Health Muskegon, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health-West, but if advanced care is needed, the network is there to provide expertise from all four programs so the patient has access to the best possible treatment. This is so important, as heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the United States.

Although I’m hoping I don’t need them, having the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan in our community is so reassuring — one network, one program, one team. If I, or anyone has a heart issue, they are right here in West Michigan, and they are working hard toward new breakthroughs, minimally invasive procedures, and research-driven treatments that will change lives. That is the best! Learn more at cvnetworkwmi.org.