Palos Heights, IL — February 19, 2026 — Elizabeth Kapovich, 83, of Hometown, IL, started the new year breathing in joy and a sigh of relief. Mere months ago, Liz, as she prefers to be called, completed cardiac rehabilitation after undergoing a successful and lifechanging transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure.

It started a few years ago when Kapovich sought care for RSV.

“I was out of breath. I was in the hospital for a while, and that kind of set me back, and that’s when they discovered it. The doctor, he said, you have a bad valve,” she said.

Her primary care physician sent Kapovich to see interventional and structural cardiologist Anshuman Das, MD, with the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. Her progressive dyspnea (shortness of breath) resulted in a diagnosis of severe aortic valve stenosis. The serious heart condition meant her aortic valve opening had become very narrow because of calcium buildup, and her blood flow was restricted. Her heart – and her body – was having to work much harder.

More than 13 percent of Americans over the age of 75 will develop aortic stenosis. It’s most commonly a result of increased calcification of the heart with aging, but it can also be a congenital abnormality.

Kapovich was experiencing worsening symptoms and was at an age where traditional open-heart surgery carries higher risk. That's why Dr. Das and the structural heart team at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital recommended she undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive approach that has dramatically changed the outlook for many individuals with severe aortic stenosis. TAVR moves valve replacement from the operating room to a cardiac catheterization lab, which can translate to a less traumatic procedure, a shorter hospital stay, and a much faster recovery compared to open heart surgery.

“For many older adults or those with significant comorbidities, TAVR offers an option that was not available merely 10 or 15 years,” Dr. Das said. “As people age, they often develop other medical conditions that can make open-heart surgery too risky. TAVR allows us to treat a serious valve problem safely while helping patients return to their lives much sooner.”

The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute performs the highest volume of transcatheter and surgical valve procedures in Illinois, vastly growing to serve suburban patients closer to home since doctors conducted the first procedure in Illinois as part of a clinical trial in 2008 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

“At Northwestern Medicine, our aim is to deliver compassionate, modern, evidence-based medicine that is convenient and accessible for the patient,” Dr. Das said. “Liz is a perfect example of how our heart team at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital collaborates to make a meaningful impact. We like to make a connection with our patients by understanding who they are as a unique individual. This allows us to understand what their goals are with their care and how best we can help.”

For Kapovich, that included her son, Ron Koronkowski, who had a deep understanding of the procedure his mom was about to undergo.

“I’ve been involved in working on some novel cardiovascular device developments in my career, mainly in structural heart areas,” he said. “It doesn’t come close to home that often, but this sent a chill down my spine. It was like, oh my gosh, this is really going to happen. And on the flip side of that, I felt a high level of confidence that this device is going to do exactly what it’s intended to do. I was totally impressed with Northwestern Medicine’s level of care.”

During a TAVR procedure, a small tube, or catheter, goes into an artery and then into the heart. That catheter is then used to deliver a new heart valve, displacing the diseased dysfunctional valve. The new valve immediately takes over regulating blood flow. For seniors, this minimally invasive approach reduces the stress placed on the body, lowers the risk of complications, and often leads to noticeable improvement within hours.

 “Because the procedure is minimally invasive, many of our patients notice easier breathing and more energy later that same day,” said Dr. Das. “By offering this level of advanced heart valve care right here in the South Suburbs at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, we’re making it possible for patients to receive life‑changing treatment close to home, surrounded by the people who support them.”

The first day post-TAVR, Kapovich recalls she was walking farther and feeling better about breathing. She also completed cardiac rehab and was thrilled to celebrate the holidays with her family. She started 2026 with more energy and feeling grateful for the successful treatment and device.

“I wasn’t out of breath anymore,” she said joyously. “They’re so helpful at the rehab. If you need anything, they’re right there, helping you. It’s very nice to know that if you need anything at all, just ask.”

To learn more about the TAVR procedure at Northwestern Medicine, please visit

https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/heart-and-vascular/conditions-and-treatments/aortic-valve-disease.

To connect with the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI) at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, please visit https://www.nm.org/locations/bluhm-cardiovascular-institute-at-palos-hospital.

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

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — JUNE 27, 2025 — Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is proud to announce the opening of a new hybrid vascular operating room (OR), bringing leading-edge surgical technology and advanced vascular care to the south suburbs. This milestone reflects Northwestern Medicine’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class care closer to home.

The new hybrid OR features a ceiling-mounted fluoroscopic/x-ray system with integrated ultrasound, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and navigational software. This advanced imaging suite enables surgeons to perform complex vascular procedures with greater precision, reduced radiation exposure and improved surgical efficiency.

“The future of imaging in vascular surgical practice is available now,” said Gabriel Wallace, MD, vascular surgeon and director of vascular surgery for the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. “The hybrid system allows surgeons to see with incredible clarity, treat with greater accuracy and do so in a way that’s safer for both patients and staff. It’s a game-changer for our community.”

The hybrid OR includes overlay image technology to streamline procedures and reduce radiation, with the potential for future upgrades to fiberoptic real-time navigation (FORS)—a non-radiating technology recently introduced at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago.

The launch of the hybrid OR coincides with the arrival of vascular surgeon Nandan Nath, MD, who joined Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital earlier this year. His addition doubles the hospital’s vascular surgery capacity and expands access to both in-office and surgical vascular care.

“This new operating room and the addition of Dr. Nath allow us to serve more patients with the most advanced tools available,” said Dr. Wallace. “Dr. Nath has also established a clinic in Mokena for the Northwestern Medicine Vascular and Vein Center, allowing better access to the office for patients who live further south.”

One of those patients is Ed Langevin, a 63-year-old Orland Park resident. The retiree underwent two life-changing procedures to treat a blocked superior mesenteric artery—a condition known as mesenteric ischemia.

“I thought I was a goner,” said Langevin. “I couldn’t eat, I was losing weight fast, and no one could figure out what was wrong. Then I met Dr. Wallace.”

After being diagnosed in May 2024, Langevin underwent surgery in June 2024 and a follow-up procedure in March 2025. Today, he’s back to spending time with his grandchildren, volunteering at his church and enjoying his favorite sandwiches from Submarine City in Orland Park. Earlier this week, he joined Dr. Wallace for a behind-the-scenes look at the new OR before the space undergoes terminal cleaning and disinfection in advance of the first surgeries in early July.

“Dr. Wallace told me, ‘We can fix this,’ and he did,” said Langevin. “Now I can eat again, take walks with my wife, play with my grandkids, and just enjoy life. I feel very blessed to have access to this caliber of care so close to home. This technology is really something.”

Among the advanced procedures now available at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR), an advanced, minimally invasive procedure for treating complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). This technique uses custom-designed grafts with small openings—called fenestrations—to maintain blood flow to vital organs while repairing the weakened section of the aorta.

“FEVAR allows us to treat high-risk aneurysms and treat patients with greater precision, with significantly shorter recovery times compared to open surgery,” said Dr. Wallace. “By tailoring the graft to each patient’s anatomy, we can provide a personalized treatment to restore blood flow safely and effectively. What was once an operation with a giant incision, a week in the hospital, and 6 weeks recovery can now be done with a tiny incision and a one-night hospitalization.”

Lockport resident Chuck Schneider, an 86-year-old retired machinist and army veteran, was among the first patients to have the FEVAR surgery at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. Diagnosed years earlier with an AAA, Schneider required surgery when the aneurysm ballooned to a dangerous size. His medical team at the VA recommended he see Dr. Wallace who could repair the aneurysm minimally invasively.

“When I met Dr. Wallace, he told me he could fix the aneurysm without cutting me open and I knew he was the surgeon I wanted,” said Schneider. “I had complete confidence in him and his team. He’s honest and straightforward, so I knew I was in the best hands, and I wouldn’t have to travel far. In less than two weeks I felt great. I was surprised by how fast I recovered.”

After surgery, Schneider is back to doing the things he loves, including spending time with his wife of 60 years Joann and continuing his annual tradition of pheasant hunting with his sons. In September, he’ll travel to Germany to visit his granddaughter and meet his great grandchild for the first time.

With the opening of the hybrid OR, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital continues to elevate the standard of care in the south suburbs—ensuring that patients like Ed and Chuck do not have to travel far to receive the most advanced vascular treatments available.

About Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2025, is an innovative powerhouse in developing the latest, safest advances in cardiovascular care. Anchored in downtown Chicago, it has expanded and integrated across the Northwestern Medicine health system, bringing advanced cardiovascular services close to where patients live and work.

For more information about Northwestern Medicine’s top ranked cardiovascular care, go to nm.org/heart or call (312) NM-HEART. To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL – August 19, 2024 – In the continued quest to provide local patients with the highest level of care, staff at Northwestern Medicine Palos Heights Hospital is celebrating an exciting milestone for one of its surgeons. Samer Rajjoub, MD, surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, recently celebrated his 500^th robotic surgery. The state-of-the-art da Vinci robots allow surgeons to perform complex minimally invasive procedures with more precision, often leading to less pain for the patient post-surgery and quicker recovery times. 

“It’s a blessing that I’ve been able to do such a high volume of cases, and I think it correlates with a certain level of proficiency that I’m thankful to have achieved,” said Dr. Rajjoub. “For me to provide that level of care with this technology for my patients has been great.”  

To use the da Vinci robots, surgeons sit at a nearby console to view 3-D images of the surgical site. Using the controls, the surgeon moves the robotic instruments with accuracy and stability through small surgical incisions. This often leads to better outcomes and quicker recovery times for patients. The hospital is currently equipped with four da Vinci robotic surgical systems. 

 “The robotic camera magnifies the surgical field 10 times larger, so if I can see something better, I can absolutely do better,” said Dr. Rajjoub. “Think about virtual reality glasses. You feel like everything is right there. And that’s how the robot is. When your head is in the console, you can see the relationship of structures much better.”

 Dr. Rajjoub often uses the robot to perform surgeries for hernias, colectomies, and cholecystectomies. He says not only does the machine give him more dexterity, but it gives him a better view of the anatomy.

 One patient who benefitted from the innovative surgery was Daniel Heidegger from Oak Lawn. After abdominal hernia surgery, he spent some time recovering and within a couple hours was able to go home. 

 “I am so appreciative of how Dr. Rajjoub explained everything to me and how the procedure would go. He was very professional and concerned about my well-being. Due to my quick recovery, I felt well and was able to be present when my granddaughter was born.”

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