HUNTLEY, Illinois – August 11, 2026 – Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital celebrated its 10-year anniversary by welcoming back the family whose unplanned arrival became part of the hospital's history on its very first day.

Heather and Shane Doty, along with their daughter, Gianna, attended the celebration held for hospital staff on Monday, marking a decade since the hospital opened as Centegra Hospital-Huntley on August 9, 2016.

As hospital employees gathered outside for a commemorative photo before the facility opened, the Dotys drove up with Heather in labor. Just two minutes after the hospital officially opened its doors, Gianna was born, becoming the hospital's first patient and first baby.

Ten years later, the family returned to celebrate the milestone with hospital leaders, physicians and staff members at a party on Monday. Watching staff members join together to sing “Happy Birthday to You” to Gianna brought Heather tears.

"Emotional, it feels really emotional. We’re just so grateful," Heather Doty said. "When we pulled up that morning, we never imagined we would become part of the hospital's history.”

The anniversary celebration brought together team members, physicians, volunteers and hospital leadership to reflect on the hospital's first decade and look ahead to the future.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only the hospital’s first decade, but also the remarkable growth of the Huntley community we are privileged to serve,” said Matt Carlen, president of Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital. “For 10 years, we have grown and evolved alongside our community, expanding access to care and adapting to meet the region’s changing healthcare needs. Becoming part of Northwestern Medicine in 2018 strengthened our ability to bring nationally recognized expertise, advanced technology and specialized care closer to home.”

As Huntley and the surrounding communities have grown, the hospital has served as an important economic driver in the region attracting top healthcare talent and creating jobs. The Huntley Hospital campus is home to more than 1,330 employees and 300 board-certified physicians.

“We are especially proud that Huntley Hospital has become both a trusted healthcare resource and a premier destination for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals,” continued Carlen. “Many of our team members live in Huntley and neighboring communities, making it an honor to care for our friends, families and neighbors every day. We look forward to continuing to support the health and well-being of this community for generations to come.”

In August 2016, the hospital opened as Centegra Hospital-Huntley, bringing a five-story, 380,000-square-foot hospital to the area. In 2018, the hospital joined Northwestern Medicine, along with McHenry and Woodstock Hospitals.

Since then, Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital has expanded services and provided care to patients throughout McHenry County and the surrounding region. Earlier this month, Huntley, McHenry and Woodstock Hospitals combined ranked T-No. 11 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals” rankings.

Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital continues to grow, with the opening of a third Medical Office Building (MOB) on campus slated for October 2026. The opening of MOB 3 will significantly expand existing services, including the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, oncology and infusion services, general surgery and urology, while introducing several new specialties to the Huntley campus including gastroenterology, radiation and surgical oncology and palliative care. The project brings 300 new jobs, including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and support staff roles.

The EDAP designation, developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, recognizes hospitals that meet strict requirements for pediatric emergency readiness. To earn the designation, hospitals must meet a comprehensive set of pediatric‑specific standards. These include: 

• Availability of specialized, child‑sized equipment
• Close adherence to pediatric‑specific policies and clinical protocols
• Disaster preparedness plans that address children’s unique needs
• Ongoing pediatric education for emergency teams, such as eight hours of pediatric‑focused continuing education every two years for emergency nurses. 

Huntley Hospital first achieved EDAP status in 2017, just one year after opening, and has maintained it through consistent reaccreditation. 

“Our emergency department team holds itself to the highest standards because we believe children in our communities deserve world‑class care without families having to travel for that care,” said Rebecca Andersen, MD, emergency medicine at Huntley, McHenry, and Woodstock Hospitals. “This designation is a testament to their tireless dedication. Our team’s advanced training, compassion, and unwavering commitment ensure their young patients receive exceptional care.” 

EDAP status means children receive care designed specifically for them, from child-sized equipment and precise medication dosing to a team trained to treat infants through teens. Families can expect a calm, family-centered approach that prioritizes communication and comfort. And unlike many suburban or rural communities where pediatric patients are often transferred to larger hospitals, Huntley’s readiness helps families avoid long travel times and receive immediate, expert care close to home. 

The accreditation also strengthens regional emergency preparedness. EDAP requires robust child-focused planning, enabling Huntley Hospital to coordinate with schools, first responders and regional agencies during severe weather, mass-casualty incidents and other emergencies.  

Huntley’s consecutive exemplary state reviews reflect the hospital’s culture of continuous improvement, emergency readiness and patient-centered care. As Dr. Andersen notes, knowing their local emergency department meets these strict standards offers families reassurance during their most vulnerable moments. 

Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital’s reaccreditation further strengthens pediatric emergency care access across the northwest suburbs. Along with Huntley Hospital, both Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital have EDAP, creating a network of three accredited pediatric-ready emergency departments serving families throughout McHenry County and surrounding communities. Across the health system, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Valley West Hospital, Delnor Hospital, Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital also hold EDAP accreditation, while Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital has earned Pediatric Critical Care Center (PCCC) recognition.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/. 

HUNTLEY, Ill. — April 9, 2026 — Registration is now open for the Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital Healthy Minds, Bright Futures: Integrated Youth Wellness Symposium, an educational event designed for parents and caregivers looking for practical tools to support the mental health of children and young adults during the summer months.

The symposium will be held Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, 10400 Haligus Road in Huntley.

Featured presenters include pediatricians, psychologists, dietitians and pediatric health providers from Northwestern Medicine, offering a wide range of perspectives on youth wellness. The event is open to the public at no cost; however, advance registration is required by April 21.

"Summer can be a challenging time for families as routines change and screen time often increases," said Allison Kranich, LCPC, behavioral health clinician at Northwestern Medicine and symposium speaker. “This symposium gives parents evidence-based strategies they can realistically apply at home, while reassuring them that they're not alone in navigating today's complex parenting landscape.”

The symposium will feature sessions focused on parenting in a digital world, including how to recognize health misinformation online, understand and calm anxious minds, and promote healthy sleep. Attendees will hear two featured presentations and have the opportunity to select two breakout sessions tailored to their interests and family needs.Presentations planned this year include:

• Don't Get Played: How to Recognize Vaccine Misinformation - Lisa Messinger, MD, pediatrics
• Log Off, Live More: Simple Strategies for Less Screen and More Life - Allison Kranich, LCPC, psychology

Breakout sessions:

• Nutrition Principles for Pediatric Health - Lindsey Shaffer, RD, dietary services
• Anxiety in Youth: Understanding Anxiety and Building Resiliency - Nicole Francen Schmitt, PsyD, psychology
• Sweet Dreams: Development, Challenges and Recommendations for Healthy Sleep - Maria Ragusa, APRN, psychiatry

For more information and to register, visit the Healthy Minds, Bright Futures: Integrated Youth Wellness Symposium registration page.

“Every day our physicians, nurses and staff demonstrate their commitment to better medicine, better outcomes and better patient care” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital rankings as one of the top hospitals in the U.S.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2025-26 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 1 (tie) in Illinois and metropolitan Chicago.  Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked top 10 in 8 specialties: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 7); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 10); Geriatrics (No. 9); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 6); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 6); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 7); and Urology (No. 10).
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is ranked at No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 7 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 10 in both Illinois and Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is ranked No. 17 (tie) in Illinois and No. 16 (tie) in the Chicago metropolitan area.

To view the full U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings

“Our continuous recognition would not be achieved if not for the dedication and commitment made each and every day by our physicians, nurses and staff to providing world-class compassionate care to our patients,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Driven by our Patients First mission, we strive to be better by any measure that has a positive impact on our delivery of care and patient outcomes.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2024-25 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital will be designated No. 1 (tie) in metropolitan Chicago and Illinois. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked in 11 specialties: Cancer (No. 20); Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 8); Ear, Nose & Throat (No. 16); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 10 tie); Geriatrics (No. 11); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 11); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 9); Orthopaedics (No. 11); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 12); and Urology (No. 12 tie). The hospital is the only Illinois hospital and one of nine hospitals in the U.S. to be recognized as “High Performing” in all 20 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is tied at No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. The hospital is nationally ranked in three specialties and designated as “High Performing” in four specialties: Geriatrics (No. 47); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 34 tie); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 50); Diabetes & Endocrinology; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Orthopaedics; and Urology. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 5 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 7 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. Central DuPage is designated as “High Performing” in five specialties: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopaedics; and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 13 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 13 (tie) in Illinois and ranked No. 12 in Chicago metropolitan area. The hospitals are designated as “High Performing” in two specialties: Pulmonology & Lung Surgery; and Urology. The hospitals are recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is tied at No. 15 in Illinois and tied at No. 13 in the Chicago metropolitan area. Palos Hospital is also recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized by U.S. News and World Report with a national ranking of No. 45 (tie) for Rehabilitation.
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was as “High Performing” in 4 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 1 procedure and condition.

To view the full U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings (usnews.com)

The summer and early fall blooms of Harry Piehls’ dahlias are an annual reminder that he’s received a second chance at life.

A self-admitted “big baby” when it comes to surgery, the Algonquin resident was apprehensive about treatment for a heart valve that had become too stiff to open or close properly. But when the 80-year-old became too weak to enjoy his favorite hobby of gardening, he knew something had to be done.

Piehl was experiencing aortic stenosis, in which the valve is narrowed and restricting blood flow to the heart.  Affecting 1 in 8 people over the age of 75, it is the most common type of heart valve disease. The valve needed to be replaced, but Piehl didn’t want open heart surgery. Instead, his physician suggested a minimally invasive treatment option called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

“Once the aortic stenosis starts limiting independent day-to-day living, there is a problem,” said Elizabeth M. Retzer, MD, interventional cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at McHenry Hospital. “Harry was so weak he could barely walk out to the garden let alone tend to it.”

However, an angiogram, the test required to see if Piehl was a candidate, made him nervous. On the day of the test, which happened to be National Flower Day, Dr. Retzer greeted Piehl with two bags of flower bulbs. Dr. Retzer, who comes from a family of farmers, gardens to relieve her own stress and has hundreds of dahlias. She knew the bulbs were the perfect way to connect with Piehl.

“She told me plant these and when they bloom you will think of me,” said Piehl. “Talking flowers with Dr. Retzer put me at ease and I was in and out before I knew it.”

Piehl was relieved to learn he was a good candidate for the TAVR procedure and within a few weeks he was back at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, this time with much less apprehension.

During the procedure, Dr. Retzer inserted a catheter (tube) up to the heart through an artery in the leg. The TAVR valve is compressed and advanced along the catheter until it reaches the diseased aortic valve. A balloon on the catheter is expanded to secure the TAVR valve and push the diseased valve out of the way.  The TAVR valve then takes over the job of regulating blood flow from the heart.

“Aortic stenosis is progressive so patients slowly slow down and don’t realize how bad their symptoms have become,” said Dr. Retzer. “Once you remove the problem, they feel like a million bucks and within weeks are back to doing what they love.”

Transcatheter techniques like those used in TAVR allow the procedure to be performed while the patient's heart is still beating, eliminating the need for the heart-lung machine and an open-heart operation.

“The TAVR valve is made from a cow, so the first thing I did when I opened my eyes was say ‘Moo!’ to my family," laughed Piehl. “The procedure was so easy for me. Getting my teeth cleaned was more uncomfortable.”

The TAVR team at Northwestern Medicine McHenry hospital recently reached a milestone, completing its 200^th TAVR procedure. The team is composed of an interventional cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, a cardiac imaging specialist, valve clinic coordinator, structural heart nurse and a structural heart nurse practitioner.

Piehl is now undergoing cardiac rehabilitation at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital to fully regain his strength back.  But he is already feeling well enough to harvest his garden for a bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes.

“I was too weak to plant my garden in the spring. My neighbors and friends had to help,” said Piehl. “Now when I look at the dahlia’s blooming, I’m reminded of how Dr. Retzer helped me get back to my life.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.

CHICAGO – Northwestern Memorial Hospital retained its position as the No. 1 hospital in Illinois and Chicago and is again recognized among the top hospitals in the country ranking No. 9 on the prestigious “America’s Best Hospitals” Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022-2023 "America's Best Hospitals" rankings.

In addition to Northwestern Memorial’s No. 1 ranking, several Northwestern Medicine hospitals were recognized as Best Hospitals in Chicago Metro and Illinois, including:

• Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, Woodstock Hospitals ranked No. 9 in Chicago Metro and No. 9 in Illinois.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital tied with both ranked as No. 12 in Chicago Metro and No. 12 in Illinois
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital ranked No. 14 in Chicago and No. 14 in Illinois
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is ranked No. 18 in Chicago Metro and No. 20 in Illinois

“This recognition is a direct reflection of our Patients First mission and our relentless quest to improve, innovate and deliver world class outcomes to the patients we are privileged to serve,” said Dean M. Harrison, chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “These rankings amplify the expertise, dedication and compassion of more than 33,000 physicians, nurses and staff who come together to provide exceptional care, train future generations of clinicians, advance medicine through cutting edge research all in the pursuit of health for individuals and the communities they call home.”

Northwestern Memorial is nationally ranked in 10 out of 15 specialties ranked by U.S. News. Of the 10 nationally ranked specialties, six clinical programs at Northwestern Memorial are ranked among the top 10 in the country:

• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 7 in the country for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. “The recognition of our program as one of the nation’s best reflects our commitment to innovation and precision medicine in Gastroenterology,” said John E. Pandolfino, MD, chief of the gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern Memorial. “Patients with complex diseases trust the expertise of our physicians and team members, and we are proud to provide them life-changing and lifesaving care. We continue to research new ways to provide leading-edge, personalized care for patients in Chicagoland and beyond.”
  
  “This is an exceptional honor for our gastrointestinal surgery team, made more meaningful by the close relationships we have with colleagues in other specialties at the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center,” said Scott A. Strong, MD, chief of the gastrointestinal surgery at Northwestern Memorial. “Our integrated patient-centered care model combines advanced research and innovation as we strive to improve patient outcomes, develop new devices, and establish leading quality-assurance protocols.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 8 in the country for Cardiology & Heart Surgery. “At Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, we strive to improve heart care by pioneering advanced treatments, performing groundbreaking clinical research, and incorporating innovative technology and artificial intelligence into clinical practice. We are humbled that the best and the brightest aspire to join our outstanding team,” said Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, chief of cardiac surgery at Northwestern Memorial and executive director of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “Since day one, the goal of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has been to bring world-class cardiovascular care to Chicago. We have achieved this and more. We are rapidly growing across northern Illinois as we bring advanced care and this exceptional team close to where our patients live and work. Patients now seek cardiovascular care from across the US, and around the world. The greatest honor is knowing that countless lives have been saved and improved by this relentless pursuit of our Patients First mission.”
  
  “We are grateful for nearly a decade of top tier ranking as one of the very best Cardiology and Heart Surgery Programs in the country. This top tier recognition from U.S. News & World Report doesn’t happen without exceptional team work, breakthrough research, outstanding patient care and a dedication to training the next generation of extraordinary cardiovascular physicians and care providers” said Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, chief of cardiology at Northwestern Memorial and associate director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “Our mission to provide world-class care to all patients remains steadfast and fuels our success. No accomplishment or accolade eclipses the satisfaction of relieving the burden of disease and restoring health in our patients. That is our everyday celebration. I am especially enthused that as we continue our quest for excellence, we do so with an eye on equity and an unyielding commitment to bring excellent and empathetic cardiovascular care to more patients around Chicagoland. We are driven to discover solutions improving heart health in our varied communities, our state, and our nation.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 8 in the country for Geriatrics. “I’m extremely proud of our strong all-female faculty team of geriatricians who deservedly garner national recognition year-over-year for our innovative and robust research program, top notch medical training and outstanding clinical care for senior patients,” said Lee A. Lindquist, MD, MPH, MBA, chief of geriatrics at Northwestern Memorial. “To be named a top hospital in the country for geriatrics is a testament to the strong teamwork, expertise, compassion and drive that makes our division unique. Our physicians, nurses, social workers and staff are passionate and dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for our older adults who we are privileged to care for every day.
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 9 in the country for Cancer. “At Lurie Cancer Center, we are driven by our mission to translate scientific discovery into the highest level of care for our patients, while also seeking to innovate and find the treatments of the future through a world-class clinical research program,” said Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “This continued recognition as a top cancer program is a testament to our extraordinary team of physicians, nurses and staff who combine talent and expertise with compassion and dedication to bring the very best in cancer care to Chicago.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 10 in the country for Diabetes & Endocrinology. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading programs for Diabetes and Endocrinology,” said Joseph T. Bass, MD, PhD, chief of the endocrinology, metabolism and molecular medicine at Northwestern Memorial. “Our multidisciplinary team keeps patients at the center of our research as we continue to seek innovative ways to support individuals with endocrine diseases and obesity. This recognition is the result of close collaboration between our physicians, certified diabetes educators, nurse practitioners, psychologists and other colleagues.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 10 in the country for Neurology & Neurosurgery. “We’re honored for this recognition as one of the top neurosurgery programs in the country, especially during another year of unprecedented difficulty and uncertainty. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our department continued to provide outstanding clinical care and collaborative research, solving big problems in new ways,” said Maciej S. Lesniak, MD, chair of neurological surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “This ranking reflects the reputation of our physicians and highlights our ability to advance the science and care of neurological patients. We’re grateful to our colleagues and patients for their unwavering trust and support.”
  
  “We are honored to again rank in the top 10 U.S. programs for neurology. Our skilled clinicians and innovative scientists continue to raise the bar for treating patients with diverse and complex neurological conditions,” said Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD, chair of neurology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “As we move into these later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, our physician-scientists continue to expand the knowledge of its neurological impact and are especially dedicated to understanding and treating long-haul symptoms."

In addition to its top 10 programs, Northwestern Memorial was also nationally ranked in the following specialties: Urology (No. 12); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 13); Orthopaedics (No. 15); and Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 18). Northwestern Memorial was also recognized as High Performing in Rheumatology, as well as High Performing in 19 procedures and conditions rated by U.S. News.

Northwestern Medicine hospitals were also recognized for the following:

• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is ranked No. 28 for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and No. 49 for Neurology & Neurosurgery; the hospital is also recognized as High Performing in Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Orthopaedics, and Urology as well as High Performing in five Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, Woodstock Hospitals are recognized as High Performing in Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology, as well as High Performing in 10 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is recognized as High Performing in Orthopaedics and High Performing in seven Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is recognized as High Performing in 15 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is recognized as High Performing in 11 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as High Performing in five Procedures and Conditions.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit www.nm.org/about-us.

To receive this recognition, hospitals must demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶   MI Registry for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients. This is the third year that Huntley Hospital has received this award, and the fourth year for McHenry Hospital and Lake Forest Hospital.

The expansion of the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute in McHenry County continues to evolve, providing patients who need advanced cardiac care with more convenient locations. Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital recently achieved a milestone with the completion of the 100^th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements (TAVR). With TAVR, a narrowed aortic valve is replaced using a catheter-based technique instead of open-heart surgery.

In addition to the TAVR milestone, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Huntley Hospital successfully implanted the first CardioMEMS device, marking its continued commitment to expanding the cardiac program in McHenry County. A CardioMEMS is a monitoring device that is deployed in the pulmonary artery, allowing non-invasive monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures, which helps to guide medical therapy in patients with heart failure.

Lake Forest Hospital now utilizes a novel technology,  called Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy, which is used as adjunctive therapy to implanting stents in heavily calcified vessels. This therapy allows for optimal revascularization of calcified coronary arteries by ultrasonically breaking up calcium deposits before stent implantation in the artery making these procedures safer and more successful.

“The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Lake Forest, Huntley and McHenry Hospitals are pleased to be recognized with the National Cardiovascular Data Registry’s 2022 Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award,” said Ian Cohen MD, FACC, FSCAI, Charles and Barbara Strang Medical Director Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute for Lake Forest, McHenry and Huntley hospitals. “We continue to provide the highest quality of care by offering new and innovative cardiovascular procedures in convenient settings close to home for our  patients.”

About Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute

Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is a nationally recognized destination for those requiring highly specialized cardiovascular care. Our cardiovascular physicians and staff are committed to providing outstanding, comprehensive care for the cardiac and vascular patient.

U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked the cardiovascular program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital as the top Cardiology & Heart Surgery program in Illinois and among the top in the country.

Six niche centers within Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offer patient focused, specialized care, making Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute a leading destination for both initial diagnoses and second opinions. These niche programs include physicians, nurses and a range of multidisciplinary specialists working with patients to navigate the complex health care system, ensuring continuity of care and a seamless shift from inpatient to outpatient services and ultimately home.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit http://news.nm.org/about-northwestern-medicine.html.

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