Heart valve disease is a growing yet often underrecognized threat, especially in older adults. Today, an estimated 2.5% of the U.S. population is affected by valvular heart disease, with prevalence increasing sharply with age. In fact, up to 13% of people over 75 have moderate or severe valve disease, yet many remain asymptomatic until the disease has significantly progressed.

At Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, we help referring physicians detect and manage valve disease earlier and more effectively. Through a comprehensive, collaborative approach, our heart valve team evaluates patients from all angles—medical, structural, and surgical—to tailor the right care plan with the least invasive approach possible.

We have access to all the latest transcatheter technologies and involved with most of the late-breaking trials.  We also lead in surgery for mitral disease including minimally invasive valve surgery.  We are proud to be the largest robotic heart surgery program in Florida. 

“We’ve created a true heart team model, integrating cardiology, structural heart, and surgery, to deliver the right treatment with the least invasive approach possible,” says Tom C. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FACC, Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at FIU, Professor of Surgery, director of minimally invasive valve surgery, chief medical executive, and Barry T. Katzen Endowed Chair. “This ensures patients are treated safely, efficiently, and returned to their primary provider with optimal outcomes.”

Silent but Serious: The Case for Early Referral

Heart valve disease often begins without obvious symptoms. In fact, studies show that over 50% of patients with moderate or severe disease may not experience symptoms until their condition becomes severe or life threatening. This underscores the importance of clinical vigilance and timely referral, especially when a murmur is detected or subtle signs such as decreased exercise tolerance, fatigue, or exertional dyspnea emerge.

 

At Baptist Health, patients benefit from:

• Prompt echocardiographic evaluation and structural heart consultation
• Access to advanced imaging, including 3D echocardiography and cardiac CT
• Minimally invasive and robotic mitral valve surgery
• Leading-edge transcatheter interventions (TAVR, MitraClip, tricuspid repair)
• A 200% increase in mitral valve surgeries in the past year, signaling both patient need and program excellence

A Life-Saving Example: From the Cayman Islands to Miami

When Derrin Simms, a top detective in the Cayman Islands, was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation, his providers referred him to Baptist Health’s valve team. His repair was performed by Dr. Marcus St. John and Dr. Tom Nguyen using an advanced surgical approach tailored to his needs. 

"They saved my life," Mr. Simms said. "I’m forever grateful for the care I received in Miami."

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Current Trends in Valve Care Physicians Should Know

• Earlier Intervention Matters: Current guidelines from the AHA/ACC increasingly recommend earlier surgical or transcatheter intervention in select asymptomatic patients with mitral or aortic valve disease—particularly when there is evidence of left ventricular dysfunction or atrial fibrillation.
• Transcatheter Therapies Are Expanding: Once limited to aortic stenosis, transcatheter options now include MitraClip, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) in select cases, and investigational options for tricuspid regurgitation—broadening the pool of patients who may benefit without open surgery.
• Multidisciplinary Evaluation Improves Outcomes: According to national data, patients treated within a structured valve team model have lower mortality, shorter hospital stays, and higher satisfaction scores than those managed through traditional referral pipelines.

Why Baptist Health for Valve Referrals?

• Multispecialty Valve Team with comprehensive surgical and transcatheter options
• Fast-Track Evaluations and centralized patient navigation
• Minimally invasive and robotic valve repair for optimized recovery
• Clear communication with referring providers at every step
• Regional and international reach for complex valve cases

Refer a Patient Today

Heart valve disease is more treatable than ever—but early detection and coordinated care are key. Help your patients access nationally recognized valve care at Baptist Health.

To refer a patient, call  786-596-1230 or email PhysicianConnect@BaptistHealth.net.