University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)

The UPMC Center for Heart Valve Disease offers patients and their families a collaborative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease.

As part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, our multidisciplinary team of experts includes cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists, echocardiologists, and radiologists, as well as specially trained support staff. Our experts incorporate advanced technology and procedures to provide patients with the best evidence based care and options to take part in clinical trials, leading to greater patient satisfaction and improved patient outcomes.

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Better Research, Better Diagnostics, Better Treatment

UPMC’s Center for Valve Disease is committed to the research, development, and application of better diagnostics, disease prevention tactics, and advanced surgical repair strategies for all patients with heart valve disease.

UPMC is the most experienced center for transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR) in Western Pennsylvania, having performed more than 1,000 TAVR procedures and offering TAVR as the standard of care for severe aortic stenosis and also in the newest clinical trials. Our cardiac surgeons have developed novel techniques to repair bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation, the most common congenital heart defect. And, our mitral valve experts are highly experienced in minimally invasive surgery and transcatheter mitral valve repair using the MitraClip®.

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Meet Our Heart Valve Specialists

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) 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:


Dr. Thomas Gleason

Dr. Joon Sup Lee

Dr. A.J. Conrad Smith

Dr. João Cavalcante

Our Patients Say

Norman Waldman, a veteran of World War II, lived an active life as a husband, father, and school administrator. At age 90, he had developed secondary heart failure as a result of severe aortic stenosis. ... Read more.

Colleen Shirey, a school teacher and salsa instructor, is very active. Although she had been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, she didn’t let it stop her from enjoying her favorite activities. ... Read more.

In 2008, Charlene Melcher of Orlando, Florida got a shocking diagnosis. Just 45 years old at the time and a mom to young children, Charlene had an aortic aneurysm, and her doctor told her that she needed to ... Read more.

Have A Question? Call Christine at (412) 504-7833

Christine Siko, PA-C,

Hi, my name is Christine Siko, PA-C, and I am the heart valve clinic coordinator for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

My background includes 12 years of clinical practice in aortic and cardiac surgery. At UPMC, I am the clinical supervisor of the Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease, and will also be your liaison to our Center for Heart Valve Disease, to help coordinate your care there.

Please reach out to me with any questions. You can contact me directly at (412) 504-7833.

Sincerely,
Christine Siko, PA-C... Read more.

Clinical References For Our Patients

To help you learn more about University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), here are references for you:

Schedule Appointment

To schedule an appointment, you can:

  • Call (412) 504-7833 right now
  • Request an appointment by clicking here.

Our hospital is located at 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA. For driving directions to this office, please click the map below.



> Click for driving directions.