2019 State of the Heart

The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Annual Report

UK HealthCare is a strong believer in our threefold mission to care for the residents of the Commonwealth, support the advancement of ideas through our faculty research and develop future healthcare leaders who will use their knowledge as a force for good.

The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute has its finger on the pulse of each of those missions. The information and stories below will help you understand what we are doing to help transform Kentucky and beyond into a healthier place.

Innovations in cardiovascular care

Left to right: Bethany Taylor, RT(R); Liliana Terziyska-Kuvlieva, MD and Omyma Sorour, MD talk.

We're among the best in providing positive outcomes. But we can always improve when the goal is unwavering excellence.

Driving Excellence Through Data »
A patient writes in a journal

A bright spot in Robert’s stay were visits from Dr. Slocum. He’s not a medical doctor – so he didn’t poke, prod or dispense medications; he listened.

Listening to the Heart »
Dr. John Gurley looks at heart images on computer monitors.

In 2018 we performed our 300th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure, a minimally invasive valve replacement method.

Shaping the use of TAVR »
 

 
 Jessie Dunn, Kayla Kreft and Tracy Macaulay are part of the team delivering specialized care in cardiovascular pharmacy.

Medicine requires a team – so that’s why cardiovascular care and clinical pharmacy providers are working together more closely.

It Takes a Team »
A heart image is displayed on a monitor using the "mixing cup" program.

Part Thomas Edison, part Willy Wonka – Dr. Michael Winkler combines visual arts skills with scientific expertise to create elegant imaging.

Helping Patients See Their Hearts »
Dr. John Gurley gestures toward a whiteboard.

We improve Kentucky’s cardiovascular care every day by teaching the latest techniques to providers throughout the region.

Leading Through Teaching »
 

 
Left to right: Michael Bounds, MD; Nathan Orr, MD; and Samuel Tyagi, MD in the operating room.

Carotid artery disease is a major cause of stroke. We are among the first to offer TCAR – a safe, minimally invasive treatment for high risk patients. 

Stopping a Stroke Before it Starts »
An inflatable arch in the shape of a heart seen at a community event.

UK’s Comprehensive Stroke Center director has created a team of cardiac and stroke specialists to provide prevention resources for Kentucky.

Improving Heart and Brain Health Across Disciplines »
Mass communication via social media is depicted in a conceptual illustration.

A group of our experts established Twitter as a preferred platform to share clinical trials, expertise, and dialog with international colleagues.

Extending Gill's Reach Through Social Media »
 

 

Clinical programs

Dr. Andrew Leventhal talks with a patient.

Our Kentucky Adult Congenital Heart (KACH) Program provides personalized, adult-focused care and treatment of congenital heart defects.

Caring for Heart Patients Across Their Lifespan »
Dr. David Booth talks with a patient.

During a heart attack, each minute is crucial – so we have made it our mission to provide the fastest, most accurate diagnosis.

Acting Fast to Save Lives »
Dr. Gretchen Wells explains a heart ailment to a patient with the aid of a model heart.

Over 4,800 Kentucky women die annually from heart disease. Our Women’s Heart Health Program seeks to reduce this number.

By Women, for Women »
 

 
Dr. Aaron Hesselson talks with a colleague.

Our Heart Rhythm Program treats all aspects of arrhythmia. Led by former heart patient Dr. Aaron Hesselson, we focus on patient-centered care.

Becoming a Leader in Hearth Rhythm Care »
A technician is seen inside the ECMO transport unit.

Our Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation program allows patients to overcome heart failure and thrive again.

Advanced Heart Failure Requires Advanced Care »
 

 

Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Fund

Through private support, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute can fully realize its potential as a state-of-the-art, comprehensive, cardiovascular center. More work must be done as Gill tackles Kentucky's No. 1 cause of death: cardiovascular disease. 

Help support our mission »