Hospital Earns Prestigious Certification for Structural Heart Program

FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth is the first facility in North Texas to earn the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) Transcatheter Valve Certification. The recognition makes Texas Health Fort Worth just the 10th facility in the state to have the ACC certification.

"Thanks to structural heart programs, patients who might not be good candidates for open-heart surgery, based on age or an underlying health condition, have treatment options to address conditions affecting the heart's valves, wall or any of its four chambers," said Nelson Martinez, M.S.N., R.N., LP, Texas Health Fort Worth's Heart & Vascular director. "Our structural heart program is honored to be recognized for its commitment to the community through this recent certification.

"Being the only facility with this specific certification in the Metroplex speaks volumes to our continued focus and dedication to providing critically ill cardiac patients the resources they need and deserve," added Martinez.

The Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review process that utilizes established national clinical databases to effectively monitor patient safety and patient outcomes related to transcatheter valve replacement and repair procedures. Participating in national clinical databases, such as the STS/ACC TVT Registry, is required for facilities seeking Transcatheter Valve Certification.

According to the ACC, certification provides facilities:

• A foundation for seamless adoption of new transcatheter valve devices and therapies.
• Key standards for multidisciplinary teams and techniques for formalized training.
• Additional resources to establish and maintain quality patient-focused care.

Four Texas Health facilities provide structural heart programs across North Texas.

"Our programs located in Arlington, Dallas, Plano and Fort Worth consist of multidisciplinary teams of specialists on the medical staff, including interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac anesthesia, electrophysiologists, advanced practice providers and other allied health professionals," said Kirk King, Texas Health's Hospital Channel chief operating officer.

"Using advanced technology, we provide individuals with innovative structural heart treatment options, from consultation, inpatient care and follow-up care."

Along with recognition on the ACC website, a complete list of certified facilities is highlighted annually in U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Hospitals insert, with the 2025 list publishing in November.

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