Springfield's Prairie Heart Institute has joined with University of Chicago Medicine to strengthen heart care for patients in central and southern Illinois.
Prairie Heart Institute announced Monday the collaboration will improve services for those with advanced heart failure, heart transplants and mechanical devices to aid circulation.
Prairie Heart Institute performed the region's first heart transplant more than 50 years ago. It has improved treatment of sudden cardiac problems and its physicians are leaders in valve replacement procedures.
Dr. Marc Shelton is Prairie's medical director. He says the combined experience of his organization and the University of Chicago's nationally ranked academic health system will create greater benefits.
The university's Heart and Vascular Center is an international leader in treating advanced heart failure and has a nationally funded research program.
