LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky's Gill Heart & Vascular Institute has earned recertification of its Ventricular Assist Device program from The Joint Commission, a move that underscores the institution's standing as a regional leader in advanced heart failure treatment.

The recertification, announced Monday, affirms that the program meets rigorous national standards for multidisciplinary care, patient safety and continuous performance improvement. The Gill Heart & Vascular Institute received its first VAD certification in 2009 and has achieved eight recertifications since then.

"We are incredibly proud and honored to receive this recertification from The Joint Commission," said Emma Birks, M.D., section chief of heart failure at Gill Heart & Vascular Institute. "It's a testament to the dedication of our entire team and the trust our patients place in us."

The VAD program provides advanced mechanical circulatory support to patients with advanced heart failure whose hearts can no longer pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. A VAD is a surgically implanted pump that improves blood flow, relieves symptoms and enhances quality of life. The therapy may serve as a long-term treatment or as a bridge toward heart transplantation.

To achieve recertification, programs undergo extensive review evaluating clinical outcomes, adherence to evidence-based practices and coordination across specialties. Surveyors assess patient education, follow-up care and long-term management—critical components for individuals living with a VAD.

The recognition underscores UK HealthCare's role as a regional referral center for advanced heart failure treatment. The institute's approach brings together cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and support staff to provide comprehensive, team-based care tailored to each patient.

UK HealthCare recently marked another milestone in cardiovascular excellence: in June 2025, the heart transplant program performed its 600th heart transplant, demonstrating the breadth of the facility's capabilities in addressing advanced heart disease. The transplant program, founded in 1991, has become the state's most comprehensive advanced cardiac care center.

Matthias Loebe, M.D., cardiovascular surgeon at Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, said the recertification affirms the program's commitment to patient outcomes. "Our team supports patients at every step from evaluation and implantation to rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. This certification affirms that our approach is both comprehensive and patient-centered."

The VAD program is part of UK HealthCare's broader mission to advance care across Kentucky. The Gill Heart & Vascular Institute works with 18 affiliate network hospitals across the commonwealth to enhance access to high-quality cardiovascular care and ensure patients receive specialized treatment close to home.