The Texas Heart Institute (THI) is a world-renowned research and education center located in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1962 by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley, THI has been at the forefront of cardiovascular care for over half a century. From pioneering the first successful heart transplant and total artificial heart implant in the United States to developing a wireless pacemaker system and leading research on vascular diseases in women, THI has made countless contributions to the field of cardiovascular care.
The Institute's mission is to reduce the devastating number of cardiovascular diseases through innovative treatment, education and research programs. To this end, THI researchers have been pioneers in the use of stem cells for the treatment of heart failure and coronary heart disease in patients with no other treatment options. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HeartMate XVE LVAS for target therapy, meaning that the device could be used as permanent support for patients with terminal heart failure who do not qualify for a heart transplant. In addition, Alain Cribier, a pioneer in the replacement of heart valves with catheters, received the C ray.
The FDA also approved the continuous flow heart device, a pioneer in THI, for use as a permanent treatment for advanced heart failure. Most patients who are in functional class IV (very severe heart failure) of the New York Heart Association before receiving HeartMate can move to class I if they have device support. The Texas Heart Institute has also made groundbreaking advances in gene therapy to regenerate heart muscle after a myocardial infarction and was the first in the world to treat patients with coronary heart failure and without other treatment options with their own stem cells by injecting them directly into the heart with a NOGA catheter. The Institute also launched an unparalleled collaboration to lead research on vascular diseases in women.
Dr. Denton Cooley's vision of providing hope to victims of cardiovascular disease around the world has been realized through the Texas Heart Institute's many accomplishments. With its commitment to innovation and excellence, THI continues to be a leader in cardiovascular care, pushing boundaries and making groundbreaking discoveries that improve patient outcomes and save lives.
