Our heart and vascular team provides a complete range of specialized programs to diagnose and treat heart disease and vascular disease. Our team approach means that each program includes a variety of specialists, taking a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and determining the best course of heart care and vascular care for each patient.
Using the latest technologies and techniques, our cardiologists, heart surgeons, vascular surgeons, electrophysiologists, interventional radiologists and other physician specialists offer a wide range of effective, best-practice options. What’s more, patients benefit from the experience and expertise that comes from the high volume of procedures performed by each physician.
Message From Staff
We are proud to highlight the cardiovascular clinical performance within the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, underscoring our commitment to transparent clinical quality metrics through data and analytics. Our relentless pursuit to expand treatment options, support quality of life and improve outcomes drives our disease-specific programs, translational and clinical research and medical education—pillars vital to the future of cardiovascular care.
As we look forward to the future of cardiovascular care, we remain committed to advancing treatments and improving patient outcomes by developing programs that best serve our patients and referring physician partners. Our focus includes the growth of quaternary programs such as heart transplant, structural intervention, complex ablation, complex coronary intervention and complex vascular surgery and interventions. We strive to prioritize relationships with referring physicians throughout the region, collaborating to provide the highest level of cardiovascular care to referred patients. We are grateful for the continued trust from referring physicians and are dedicated to improving patient outcomes together.
James F. Kleczka, MD, FACC |
Robert A. Hieb, MD, RVT, FSIR |
Peter J. Rossi, MD, FACS |
Paul Joseph Pearson, MD, PhD |
Our team measures volumes in both calendar years (CY) and fiscal years (FY). Our fiscal year runs July through June. The clinical data presented is maintained and validated by the Froedtert & MCW cardiothoracic surgery, cardiovascular medicine, and vascular surgery teams through regular review and quality assessment processes.
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Aortic Disease Program
Our Aortic Disease Program provides expert diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the aorta, which can be life-threatening and may need emergency treatment or repair. Our team is experienced and skilled in these complex diagnoses, including abdominal aortic aneurysms, thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. We offer the latest in treatment options, from medical management to endovascular stenting — including the most complex repairs involving branches and fenestrations — to open surgery to reconstruct the aorta, whether as a scheduled case or emergent situation.
- Meet the Aortic Disease Team
- Refer a Patient/Request an Appointment
- Patient Story: Learn about Diane's choice of minimally invasive TAVR over traditional open. heart surgery.
Aortic Disease Volumes Calendar Year 2023 2024 2025 - Annualized Aortic Valve Replacement 57 75 106 Ascending Arch with or without Aortic Valve
*With arch replacement or Aortic Valve with the arch84 91 106 Diagnosis of Acute Aortic Syndrome 652 755 816 -
Arrhythmia Program
Our Arrhythmia Program’s multidisciplinary team includes board-certified electrophysiologists (cardiologists who specialize in the electrical activity of the heart and the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders), cardiac surgeons and other heart and vascular specialists. Their combined skills and experience make it possible to successfully treat even the most complex cases of arrhythmia. We consider several factors when it comes to treating an arrhythmia, acknowledging that some arrhythmias respond better to more simple medications, while others require invasive treatment.
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- Refer a Patient/Request an Appointment
- Patient Story: See how we diagnosed and treated Anna's rare arrhythmia.
Electrophysiology Procedure Volumes Fiscal Year Procedure Volumes 2022 2,408 2023 2,377 2024 2,968 2025 3,378 Convergent Procedure Volumes Fiscal Year Procedure Volumes 2023 56 2024 39 2025 - Annualized 35 -
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
In conjunction with the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Wisconsin, Froedtert & MCW offers the state’s largest Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program (ACHD). Our program is an ACHD Comprehensive Care Center accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association, making us as a leader in adult congenital heart disease care and management. As an ACHD Comprehensive Care Center, we provide specialized care that meets the unique needs of adults with CHD and helps them live life to its fullest.
We also work closely with the Marfan Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Wisconsin to coordinate care for patients with this genetic connective tissue disorder. One of the only programs of its kind in Wisconsin, it is one of the busiest adult congenital heart disease programs in the country. We have five of only a select few physicians nationwide who are fellowship-trained to help patients make the transition from pediatric to adult care for their congenital heart disease.
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Carotid Artery Disease
Our team of cardiovascular surgeons, and vascular and interventional radiologists, takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating carotid artery disease. When narrowing progresses to a severe stage, precise surgical treatment may be needed. Our team offers the latest options, including carotid endarterectomy or transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR).
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- Refer a Patient/Request an Appointment
- Patient Story: We reduced Jim's stroke risk through an innovative carotid artery procedure.
Carotid Artery Disease Procedure Volumes Calendar Year 2023 2024 2025 - Annualized Carotid Endarectomy 32 38 32 Carotid Artery Stenting/Transcarotid Artery Revascularization 67 72 41 -
Coronary Artery Disease Program
Our physicians use the latest technology based on research to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease. Treatment may include lifestyles changes, medications and non-surgical procedures — such as coronary stents and cardiac rehabilitation.
Our physicians have deep levels of expertise in their specialty and collaborate to deliver the best patient care and quality outcomes.
- Meet the Team
- Refer a Patient/Request an Appointment
- Patient Story: See how we provided complex care for Dr. Qureshi's advanced heart and vascular disease.
Coronary Artery Disease Procedure Volumes 2023 2024 2025 - Annualized Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery 160 172 267 -
Heart Failure and Transplant Program
Our Froedtert & MCW advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons use a team-based approach to provide exceptional care for adult patients with advanced heart failure. From disease management, to transplant surgery, post-transplant management, patient support and follow-up; we offer comprehensive care for your referred patients.
Our multidisciplinary team provides ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) or ECLS (Extracorporeal Life Support) for support of failing organ systems in adults. ECMO or ECLS is one of the most advanced forms of life support therapies available to patients experiencing acute failure of the cardio-respiratory system. The use of ECMO allows time for the patient’s lungs or heart to heal by using a heart-lung machine to oxygenate the blood outside the body.
We are active members of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) since 2017, and recipients of The ELSO Award for Excellence in Life Support awarded in 2019, 2021, 2024
Our Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program cares for approximately 100 ECMO patients annually within our cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). Our team of ECMO providers, ECMO certified critical care nurses and Perfusionist provide 24/7 ECMO support.
We practice continuing education such as developing and hold biannual interprofessional ECMO simulations our accredited simulation center (SSH accreditation) Building Nursing Knowledge With High-Fidelity ECMO Simulations | Froedtert & MCW
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- Refer a Patient/Request an Appointment
- Patient Story: Learn how our heart transplant clinical trial gave Frank a second chance to live.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Volumes Calendar Year Patient Volumes Mortality Mortality % 2023 84 37 44.05% 2024 82 40 48.78% 2025 120 45 37.5% Heart Transplant Volumes Calendar Year Volumes Mortality 2023 24 12.5% 2024 30 6.67% 2025 14 7.14% -
Heart Valve Disease Program
Our heart valve disease experts treat the full range of structural heart conditions, including those affecting the valves and vessels of the heart wall. For aortic, mitral, pulmonary or tricuspid valve disease, our specialists work collaboratively, using best-practice techniques and weekly "valve conferences" to gather multiple opinions and to make sure patients get the best treatment recommendations.
We offer quick access to full evaluation, including consultations with cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, in one convenient location.
- Meet the Team
- Refer a Patient/Request an Appointment
- Patient Story: See how a valve-in-valve TAVR procedure gave Eric, a world-renowned blacksmith, a second chance.
Total Endovascular Valve Procedures Calendar Year Procedures 2022 194 2023 272 2024 525 Cardiac Surgery Procedure Volumes Procedure Calendar Year 2023 2024 2025 - Annualized Isolated Mitral Valve Replacement 38 40 36 Isolated Mitral Valve Repair 29 12 15 Valve + Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery 24 37 31 -
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Program
Our HHT program is the only one in Wisconsin designated as a Center of Excellence by the HHT Foundation International, Inc., and one of only a few designated in the Midwest. As a Center of Excellence, our physicians and staff are interconnected with other HHT Centers across the country, ensuring patients are receiving the latest diagnostics and treatments, including clinical trials.
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Our physicians have a level of experience and training in HCM not commonly found in Wisconsin, and offer one of the few dedicated HCM Programs in the state. Our team is backed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists in valve disease, electrical problems in the heart (electrophysiology), genetic counseling, lung disease (pulmonology), interventional cardiology and heart and vascular surgery.
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Preventive Cardiology
Our Preventive Cardiology Program evaluates patients for possible plaque buildup in their arteries, which can lead to heart and vascular problems such as heart attack, stroke and reduced circulation. With prevention in mind, our team of board-certified cardiologists we offer risk-factor identification, lifestyle modifications, education, and cholesterol and lipid management when needed.
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Vascular Disease
Our team of vascular surgeons work closely with a highly trained team of vascular and interventional radiologists who are skilled in minimally invasive and image-guided procedures. In addition, our team partners with board-certified vascular medicine specialists. Together, this multidisciplinary team makes up the largest dedicated vascular care team in eastern Wisconsin.
Vascular Disease Procedure Volumes Procedure Calendar Year 2023 2024 2025 - Annualized Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair 13 23 9 Endovascular Aneurysm Repair 25 23 48 Complex Endovascular Aneurysm Repair 22 12 6 Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair 36 33 50
Additional Highlights
In addition to the programs we offer above, our heart and vascular teams participate in and lead other cardiovascular initiatives within our health network.
Interventional Cardiology
| Interventional Cardiology Patient Volumes | |
|---|---|
| Fiscal Year | Patient Volumes |
| 2022 | 4,104 |
| 2023 | 4,149 |
| 2024 | 4,950 |
| 2025 | 6,416 |
High Quality Nursing within CVICU
The CVICU is a 20-bed adult cardiac surgical intensive care unit in a large, magnet-recognized academic medical center. The CVICU is also a two-time Silver Beacon Award recipient from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Our specialized team provides high quality care to cardiac medical and cardiac surgical patient. Staffed by 24/7 intensivists and specialty trained nurses, our team also consists of respiratory, physical, and occupational therapies, case management, social work, perfusionists, and RN ECMO Coordinators, ensuring a true multi-disciplinary approach.
The CVICU cares for post-surgical patients such as CABG, valve repair/replacement, and heart & lung transplant as well as patients with conditions such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest and cardiac arrhythmias. Mechanical circulatory support is widely utilized and along with complex medical therapies, the CVICU can support the most critical of patients. Devices used include LVAD, RVAD, Impella, Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) & ECMO and are many times paired with advanced ventilator support and renal replacement therapies (Hemodialysis and CVVH).”
Cardiogenic Shock Program
Our Cardiogenic Shock team brings together the expertise of advanced heart failure cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons who quickly assess and determine a treatment plan for cardiogenic patients upon referral. Patients will also be supported by a dedicated team of anesthesiologists, intensivists and perfusionists. Our team is available 24/7 for the evaluation and management of cardiogenic shock patients.
| Cardiogenic Shock Volumes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiscal Year | Volumes | Mortality | Mortality % | Complications | Complications % |
| 2023 | 752 | 203 | 26.99% | 176 | 23.40% |
| 2024 | 756 | 210 | 27.78% | 231 | 30.55% |
| 2025 | 810 | 222 | 27.41% | 192 | 23.70% |
Vascular Emergency Response Program
The Froedtert & MCW Vascular Emergency Response Program (VERP) provides a 24/7 resource for patients who experience a vascular emergency, including aortic emergencies, acute limb ischemia and acute mesenteric ischemia. Our program focuses on partnering with physicians across the region for rapid recognition, transportation and treatment of these acute life-and-limb-threatening emergencies. Annually we support 100+ vascular emergency referrals from health systems across the region with a 95% acceptance rate. Taking a coordinated approach to rapidly evaluating patients in collaboration with the referring providers expedites patient access to the life or limb saving care they need.
The vascular emergency response team has access to, and a high level of experience with, all available treatment options patients may need, including endovascular or open repair for limb-threatening blockages, minimally invasive aortic aneurysm repair, including endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR).
Our team partners seamlessly with both Flight For Life and emergency ground transport services to provide comprehensive care for patients experiencing time-sensitive vascular emergencies. Throughout transport, our team remotely monitors patient data, prepares necessary interventional suites or operating rooms, and assembles a team of specialists, ensuring that the moment the patient arrives, treatment can begin without delay, creating a chain of specialized vascular care from first response through intervention.
Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) Activations
| Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 - Annualized | |
| Total PERT Activations | 79 | 222 | 158 | 222 |
| Intermediate Risk Activations | 64 | 190 | 138 | 192 |
| Intermediate Activations From Emergency Department | 54 | 155 | 115 | 168 |
Heart and Vascular Emergency Services and Specialty Transport
The Froedtert & MCW Access Center facilitates timely connections for the Heart and Vascular Emergency Transport Team and patients in need through relationships with trusted transportation partners across the region, state, nation and world.
Revolutionizing patient access to cardiovascular care, Froedtert & MCW introduced the Milwaukee area's first and only 24/7 critical care nurse supported cardiovascular specialty care ground transport program for the adult patient population in 2022. This innovative service is the result of a strategic partnership between the Froedtert & MCW Heart and Vascular Team and Midwest Medical Transport. Our Heart and Vascular Emergency Transport Team is activated through our Froedtert Access Center, ensuring the highest level of care during transfer. We're committed to improving outcomes by bringing our cardiovascular expertise directly to patients, whether they're at Froedtert & MCW locations or referring hospitals throughout the region. This specialized transport team performs 50+ transports annually and has ensured each patient has arrived safely and received high-quality patient care during their transport.
This transport service provides enhanced access and specialty critical care transport options for patients experiencing:
- Cardiogenic Shock
- Vascular Emergencies
- Mechanical Circulatory Support and Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS)
- Post-Surgical
- Advanced Hemodynamic Care
More to Explore
Explore more heart and vascular patient stories featuring the programs and team members highlighted here.