Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro residents now have access to cutting-edge cardiovascular care right in their backyard. Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital has officially launched its new Structural Heart and Valve Center, a major step forward in expanding local access to life-saving heart treatments.
The new center is a game-changer for patients who previously had to travel to Nashville or beyond for specialized procedures. Now, Rutherford County residents can receive advanced care for complex heart conditions without leaving their community. This launch is part of the hospital’s ongoing investment in cardiovascular services, which has seen rapid growth over the past few years.
Following the successful introduction of open-heart surgery in 2023—already boasting more than 725 completed procedures—the addition of structural heart care solidifies Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford’s reputation as a regional leader in heart health. Structural heart procedures treat abnormalities in the heart’s anatomy, such as valve defects or issues with the heart’s chambers and vessels. These treatments differ from traditional cardiology, which focuses on coronary artery disease.
The center is staffed by a powerhouse team of specialists, including Dr. Wilson Clements and Dr. Aaron Hoffman, both seasoned cardiothoracic surgeons, and Dr. Soubhi Azzouz, a fellowship-trained interventional and structural cardiologist who recently joined the team from Colorado. Together, they’ll offer procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), left atrial appendage closure using devices like WATCHMAN™, and other minimally invasive valve repairs.
“Bringing this level of care to our community is part of our mission to deliver high-quality, evidence-based treatment close to home,” said Daphne David, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. “Patients can now access procedures once only available by traveling to our hospital in Nashville, right here in Rutherford County.”
The new center is closely aligned with clinical pathways developed at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West, ensuring patients receive consistent, top-tier care from diagnosis through rehabilitation. It’s a model designed for seamless coordination across multidisciplinary teams, making the patient journey smoother and more effective.
As Murfreesboro continues to grow, Ascension Saint Thomas is keeping pace, expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of the region. The launch of the Structural Heart and Valve Center is more than just a new program—it’s a promise of innovation, excellence, and compassionate care for the community it serves.
