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Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center

100 Madison Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey 07960

(973) 833-4603

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Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center

Morristown Medical Center, home to the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, hosts New Jersey’s largest cardiac surgery program and is ranked among the nation’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiology and Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Morristown Medical Center Heart Valve Team

As the highest-volume program in New Jersey for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), Morristown Medical Center has performed more than 6,000 procedures since introducing this minimally invasive approach in 2011. The institute also offers advanced catheter-based interventions for mitral and tricuspid valve disease—options available at only a handful of programs nationwide—alongside comprehensive therapies for paravalvular leak repair, ASD/PFO closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion. Supported by hybrid operating rooms, 24/7 cardiogenic shock rescue capabilities, and internationally recognized experts, Morristown Medical Center combines exceptional outcomes with pioneering innovations such as the first U.S. use of ShortCut™ leaflet-modification technology to improve valve-in-valve TAVR.

A Global Leader in Heart Valve Research

The program is recognized as a global leader in research, advancing groundbreaking clinical trials that define the future of structural heart interventions and producing high-impact publications under the guidance of internationally cited physicians.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement at Morristown Medical Center

Most notably, the EARLY TAVR trial, led by Dr. Philippe Genereux, Medical Director of the Structural Heart Program at Morristown Medical Center, resulted in FDA approval of the SAPIEN 3 TAVR therapy for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. This landmark achievement offers new hope, enabling earlier, proactive treatment and the potential for significantly improved long-term outcomes for patients living with this condition.

Meet Our Heart Valve Specialists

Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center has assembled a special team of heart valve specialists that are committed to getting patients the best results. Our team consists of many leading surgeons and cardiologists that you can learn more about by clicking the links below:

James Slater, MD, Heart surgeon

James Slater, MD

Benjamin van Boxtel, MD, Heart surgeon

Benjamin van Boxtel, MD

John Brown, III, MD, Cardiac surgeon

John Brown, III, MD

Gennaro Giustino, MD, Interventional cardiologist

Gennaro Giustino, MD

Christopher Magovern, MD, Heart surgeon

Christopher Magovern, MD

Robert Kipperman, MD, Interventional cardiologist

Robert Kipperman, MD

Philippe Genereux, MD, Interventional cardiologist

Philippe Genereux, MD

Lawrence R. Blitz, MD, Interventional cardiologist

Lawrence R. Blitz, MD

Jordan Safirstein, MD, Interventional cardiologist

Jordan Safirstein, MD

Michael Simpson, MD, Heart surgeon

Michael Simpson, MD

Our Patients Say

Paul, heart valve patient

Paul, a 47-year-old specialized tactical team officer and paramedic with the NJ Transit Police Department, began experiencing unusual shortness of breath during fitness testing in early 2024, initially attributing it to stress and fatigue. When symptoms progressed to significant chest pressure, tests at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center revealed severe...

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Help

Have A Question? Call Elaine at (973) 833-4603

Hi, my name is Elaine Palugod and I am the heart valve clinic coordinator for Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center.

I’m a registered nurse, clinical practice supervisor, and lead valve clinic coordinator at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. I have a background in critical care nursing. In 2021 I pivoted my nursing to the innovative field of valve and structural... Read more

Hi, my name is Elaine Palugod and I am the heart valve clinic coordinator for Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center.

I’m a registered nurse, clinical practice supervisor, and lead valve clinic coordinator at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. I have a background in critical care nursing. In 2021 I pivoted my nursing to the innovative field of valve and structural heart. I have the privilege of helping patients navigate their heart valve journey from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

I am one of several valve clinic coordinators here at Morristown’s Valve Center. Each of our patients are paired with a valve clinic coordinator throughout their journey . As valve coordinators, we wear many hats. Part nurse, part educator, part scheduler, part problem-solver, and occasionally part detective, tracking down records, finessing the possible case complexities, and answering patient questions. Our goal is to make what can feel like an overwhelming process a little easier, a lot clearer, and hopefully a little less stressful.

When I'm not coordinating care, you'll usually find me working with our multidisciplinary team to improve processes, support fellow nurses, and make sure our Program continues to provide the best possible patient experience and outcomes.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is building relationships with patients and their families. Whether I'm explaining a procedure, coordinating testing, or simply offering reassurance before a big appointment, I believe that every patient deserves compassionate care and a friendly voice on the other end of the phone.

Heart valve disease can be a challenging diagnosis, but patients are never alone in the journey. I'm honored to be part of the team that helps guide them every step of the way. Should you have any questions please contact me at (973) 883-4603.

Warm regards,

Elaine Palugod, BSN, RN, CCRN

Clinical References For Our Patients

To help you learn more about Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, here are references for you:

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Our hospital is located at 100 Madison Avenue, Morristown, New Jersey 07960. For driving directions to this office, please click the map below.

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Page last updated: October 8, 2026