Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute Achieves Three Prestigious DNV Honors
When it comes to matters of the heart, excellence isn’t optional. It’s essential. The team at Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) has long been recognized for providing exceptional cardiovascular care across Green Country. Now, that commitment to quality and safety has earned national distinction.
DNV Healthcare USA, Inc., a leading accrediting body for hospitals and health systems, has named Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute a Cardiac Center of Excellence, recognizing the high standards of HVI’s facilities, technology and services.
This designation places Saint Francis among an elite group of hospitals nationwide that meet or exceed rigorous benchmarks for heart and vascular care. In fact, only six hospitals in the nation have achieved Cardiac Center of Excellence recognition with the specific areas of excellence awarded to Saint Francis.
Recognized for Excellence in Three Key Areas
DNV recognized Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute for achievement in three highly specialized areas of cardiovascular care:
- Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) Program Certification
- Heart Failure Advanced Certification
- Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Certification
Each of these certifications reflects the Institute’s advanced capabilities and multidisciplinary expertise in treating the most complex heart conditions.
The Extracorporeal Life Support Program Certification acknowledges the Institute’s ability to provide life-sustaining care for patients whose heart and lungs are unable to function on their own. This program uses leading-edge technology and specialized training to support patients in critical condition while giving their bodies time to heal or prepare for advanced therapies.
The Heart Failure Advanced Certification demonstrates that Saint Francis meets the highest standards in diagnosing and managing heart failure, a condition that affects more than 6 million Americans. From early identification to long-term management and patient education, the team provides individualized care designed to improve quality of life and reduce hospital readmissions.
The Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Certification recognizes excellence in the use of mechanical devices that help patients with advanced heart failure. These devices support heart function and blood flow in patients awaiting transplant or those who are not transplant candidates but can benefit from long-term LVAD therapy.
National Recognition, Local Commitment
“These designations let our community know that we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible cardiovascular care,” says Hope Darrow, Vice President of the Cardiovascular Service Line at Saint Francis Health System. “We have the right equipment, personnel, and training to provide world-class care. These designations reflect the tremendous effort we have put into this program, ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”
For patients, these honors offer something deeply reassuring: the same level of specialized, evidence-based care available at top national cardiac centers right here in Tulsa.
A Team Dedicated to Excellence
Behind each certification is a team of professionals dedicated to the mission of Saint Francis Health System: to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do. Physicians, nurses, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, and many other specialists collaborate daily to ensure patients receive the most advanced, compassionate care possible.
Achieving these designations required months of detailed documentation, on-site evaluations, and demonstration of best practices in patient safety, clinical outcomes, and multidisciplinary coordination. The process validates what patients and families in the region already know: Saint Francis is a trusted leader in cardiovascular care.
Innovation and Heart Care Close to Home
Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute continues to invest in the latest technology, research, and training to remain at the forefront of cardiovascular medicine. Whether it’s performing complex interventions, pioneering minimally invasive procedures, or advancing heart failure therapies, the Institute’s focus is always on improving patient outcomes and saving lives.
The Institute’s facilities were designed with patients in mind, offering comfort, efficiency and seamless coordination of care. From diagnosis to recovery, patients experience a continuum of services that ensure no detail is overlooked.
A Legacy of Healing
For decades, Saint Francis Health System has served as a beacon of faith-based care for the region. The recognition from DNV is not just an award, it’s a reflection of a long-standing culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation that defines every aspect of care.
“We’re incredibly proud of our team,” adds Darrow. “Every day, they bring skill, heart, and dedication to their work. These certifications are a validation of that commitment and a promise to our patients that we’ll continue to raise the bar in cardiovascular care.”
Why It Matters for Patients
Cardiac conditions are among the most common and serious health issues faced by Americans today. The ability to access certified, high-quality care can dramatically impact outcomes, especially in cases of advanced heart failure or critical illness.
By earning these prestigious certifications, Saint Francis ensures patients and families in Oklahoma have access to the same level of specialized care found at the nation’s leading medical centers, without having to travel far from home.
Whether patients need preventive screenings, advanced diagnostics, interventional procedures, or long-term heart failure management, Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute offers a comprehensive, integrated approach to cardiovascular health.
Excellence You Can Trust
Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute’s recognition as a DNV Cardiac Center of Excellence underscores what has always been true about the organization: its unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional, compassionate care for every patient, every time.
From early detection and prevention to lifesaving interventions and recovery, Saint Francis continues to lead the way in heart and vascular care right here in our community.
