Close to 50 years after establishing one of the first cardiovascular wards in the county, Brigham and Women’s Hospital ushered in a new era with the opening of the Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center – continuing to build on a rich tradition of innovative and family-focused cardiovascular care.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital has been at the center of many firsts in cardiovascular care including the world’s first mitral valve operation, the opening of the first cardiovascular intensive care unit, and the first heart transplant in New England.

The Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, our latest first, also may be the one that will have the most lasting impact. With the opening of the Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital emerges a world leader in cardiovascular care and research, supporting an integrated care model in a single location. This technologically advanced facility provides the most collaborative and comprehensive care available anywhere, further enabling our specialists to do everything possible for our patients.

The Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center is but one way in which Brigham and Women’s Hospital continues to lead and set the pace for change in health care - in this case, opening doors to a whole new era for cardiovascular care and research.