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Northwestern's Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program Highlights Trend To Sub-Specialization

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 17, 2026

One trend I've noticed over the years is that surgeons and cardiac centers are becoming "sub-specialists" specific to heart valve treatment. By sub-specialization, I mean that clinics are extending significant resources to advance valvular therapy by disease type, by surgical technique and by patient risk factors. For example, three weeks ago, I met with a surgeon who suggested that 99% of his procedures are mitral valve repairs.

Last Monday, the trend to "sub-specialization" became more apparent when Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial Hospital launched a dedicated Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program within its distinguished Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.

Northwestern Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program Collateral

Prior to learning about Northwestern's BAV program, I knew that a handful of surgeons and cardiac centers specialized in bicuspid aortic valve treatment. However, I had yet to hear of a complete, end-to-end program dedicated to bicuspid aortic valve disease -- a disorder that impacts 1%-2% of the population.

"Care for patients with a bicuspid aortic valve is complex," stated Dr. Patrick M. McCarthy, director of Northwestern's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. "This program is the first to support a patient from A to Z, through screening, monitoring, family assessment, treatment and research."

To manage this unique program, Northwestern called upon leading physicians including Dr. Jyothy Puthumana, Dr. Paul Fedak, Dr. Mark Markel and Doctor Chris Malaisrie. Interestingly, this cross-functional team includes cardiologists, surgeons, radiologists and a dedicated research nurse.

To learn more, I spoke with Colleen Clennon, RN, Bicuspid Aortic Valve Nurse Clinician, at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Colleen noted, "I'm here to make sure each patient with a BAV is taken care of throughout their entire treatment process."

Congratulations to Northwestern for the launch of its BAV program! Like many patients in our community, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. That said, I believe this approach to specialized treatment will be very valuable for patients and their families -- now and in the future.

Click here to visit Northwestern's Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program website.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

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Written by Adam Pick
Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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