Mankato Clinic and Minneapolis Heart Institute Partner to Bring State-of-the-Art Cardiology Care to Greater Mankato.

MANKATO, Minn. -- The Mankato Clinic and the Minneapolis Heart Institute (MHI) at Abbott Northwestern Hospital have signed a long-term agreement to bring state-of-the-art, specialized cardiology care to Greater Mankato residents.

The agreement, which has been developing over the last two years, strengthens a partnership that began in 1989 between the two health care providers. The agreement focuses on world-class care accessed through MHI, cutting-edge research conducted by its physicians, innovative services provided at Abbott Northwestern's Heart Hospital, and a unique "team approach" to health care between MHI and the Mankato Clinic. While the agreement was under development, Minneapolis Heart Institute cardiologists started seeing patients at the Mankato Clinic on an interim basis in early 2005.

Under the formal partnership -- "Minneapolis Heart Institute @ Mankato Clinic" -- cardiologists from the Minneapolis Heart Institute will provide on-site care at the Mankato Clinic, working closely with Mankato Clinic primary care physicians to ensure a seamless transition across the continuum of cardiac care, from prevention and diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation. The agreement will provide convenient access to cardiologists who have broad expertise in interventional cardiology, vascular medicine, medical imaging, congestive heart failure, pacing and electrophysiology. Patients will also have direct and seamless access to other programs at Abbott Northwestern's Heart Hospital in Minneapolis, including emergency cardiac care, preventive care and cutting-edge research and technologies.

Abbott Northwestern's $110 million Heart Hospital, which was completed in June 2005, provides an innovative healing space with state-of-the-art technology that isn't available in Mankato, including EECP beds (pressurized beds that increase the blood flow and oxygen to the heart, also stimulating naturally occurring hormones that promote development of new blood vessels and enhanced circulation) and Stereotaxis (a digital magnetic navigation system that helps doctors remotely steer small catheters throughout the heart and surrounding vessels to treat heart problems including irregular heartbeats, or cardiac arrhythmias). Abbott Northwestern's Heart Hospital is also a leader nationally for the number of cardiac MRIs conducted each year.

The long-term agreement between the two organizations is designed to ensure that both organizations train, develop and grow together, with the primary goal of meeting a demand for stable and experienced cardiology and sub-specialty cardiology care in Mankato.

In January 2007, the Mankato Clinic will add a cardiologist, Manpreet Kanwar, MD, who will be on location full time working alongside the Minneapolis Heart Institute team.

According to Bryan Nermoe, Mankato Clinic Chief Operating Officer, "The partnership is a natural next step for two health care providers that share a common vision about the future of treating heart disease - a vision that utilizes world-class care through technological advancements."

Randall Johnson, MD, President of the Minneapolis Heart Institute, believes the shared values of both organizations will greatly benefit patients in Greater Mankato.

"The Mankato Clinic is committed to a home-town team approach to health care that includes collaboration among physicians, medical staff, patients and their families," says Johnson. "We share their vision and commitment to meeting the health care needs of each and every patient, and we look forward to playing an even larger role on Greater Mankato's premier health care team."

Cardiologists providing care at Minneapolis Heart Institute @ Mankato Clinic include:

--Adrian Almquist, MD, who has been with MHI since 1988 and specializes in cardiac electrophysiology and pacing, arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, syncope/fainting, autonomic dysfunction and heart rhythm management

--Durand Burns, MD, who has been with MHI since 1998 and specializes in congestive heart failure and cardiac transplantation

--Robert Hauser, MD, who has been with MHI since 1986 and specializes in cardiac arrhythmias, non-invasive and preventive cardiology and women's cardiovascular health

--Anil Poulose, MD, who has been with MHI since 1999 and specializes in interventional cardiology and general cardiology

--Robert Schwartz, MD, who has been with MHI since 2001 and specializes in medical imaging, vascular biology, interventional cardiology and biomedical engineering 

--Yale Wang, MD, who has been with MHI since 2001 and specializes in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, vascular medicine, and peripheral endovascular techniques

The Minneapolis Heart Institute is recognized internationally as one of the world's leading heart institutes. Its facility combines the finest in personalized patient care with sophisticated technology in a unique, family-oriented environment. The Institute's programs address the full range of heart-health needs: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The Minneapolis Heart Institute is found online at www.mplsheart.com.

Minneapolis-based Abbott Northwestern Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a non-profit network of hospitals, clinics and other health care services. Abbott Northwestern is found online at www.abbottnorthwestern.com.

The Mankato Clinic, started in Mankato in 1916, is physician owned and is the region's largest multi-specialty health care provider, offering over 20 specialties across eight sites in six communities, including Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Lake Crystal, Blue Earth and Mapleton.

To make an appointment at the Minneapolis Heart Institute @ Mankato Clinic or for more information call 389-8519.