‘The Mario Lemieux Center for Heart Rhythm Care’ established in Pittsburgh
Representatives from the Mario Lemieux Foundation and Highmark Health on Wednesday announced a major collaborative gift to Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Cardiovascular Institute that will further strengthen the organization’s nationally recognized cardiac electrophysiology (EP) program. The joint commitment, totaling $5 million, will formally establish “The Mario Lemieux Center for Heart Rhythm Care” at AHN.
This is the second philanthropic gift to AHN’s EP program from the Mario Lemieux Foundation. In 2019, the Foundation created the “Mario Lemieux Innovation and Research Fund” through a $1 million gift, which also was matched by Highmark Health. It was the Foundation’s first ever support for an adult cardiovascular program in the greater Pittsburgh region.
Mario Lemieux’s personal connection to the Allegheny Health Network
In 2005, hockey legend Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder in the country. Since then, his Foundation has helped support AHN’s EP program to further advance research and transform the standards of care for complex cardiovascular diseases.
“All of our major gifts have a personal connection, and we are thrilled to renew one that will further benefit those seeking treatment for a heart rhythm condition in western Pennsylvania,” said Lemieux. “Our support ensures that Dr. Thosani and his team’s remarkable contributions to the field continue to excel right here in Pittsburgh.”
What is AFib?
AFib is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm that originates in the top chambers of the heart, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of stroke. Many patients experience symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The condition affects more than 6 million Americans and is a leading cause of disability, hospitalizations and death in the country.
AHN’s EP program has long been at the forefront of innovative techniques and technologies for treating AFib and other heart rhythm disorders. Led by Amit Thosani, MD, Director of AHN Division of Electrophysiology, and backed by the Foundation’s support, the EP clinical team has taken significant strides in recent years to advance the care of cardiac patients throughout the region.
Since 2019, AHN’s EP program has:
- Recruited a world-class clinical research team focused on data collection and clinical trials enrollment.
- Introduced cutting-edge technologies to bring the most advanced heart rhythm treatments to patients in Western Pennsylvania.
- Implemented machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately predict whether patients with heart rhythm disorders will benefit from specific therapies and treatments.
- Joined more than 10 high-impact, global clinical trials, which will greatly improve standards of care in cardiology.
- Hosted more than 40 cardiac electrophysiology programs from around the country to showcase new technologies, promote best practices and share the latest research innovations
The $5 million investment from the Mario Lemieux Foundation and Highmark Health will further advance the academic and research priorities of the AHN EP program, including implementation of novel AI solutions and other technological breakthroughs, clinical trials development and participation in industry-leading research, residency and fellowship training, and provider education.
“AHN’s cardiovascular team is a global pioneer in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases, and we are extremely proud of the exceptional, life-saving capabilities they bring to our patients and members,” said David Holmberg, president and CEO, Highmark Health. “It’s a great privilege to support their work, and to do so alongside such a distinguished and instrumental community asset like the Mario Lemieux Foundation.”