Heidi M. Connolly, M.D.

Location

SUMMARY

The research of Heidi M. Connolly, M.D., includes identifying the challenges and complications in caring for patients with complex congenital and genetic cardiovascular disorders. Dr. Connolly studies how to improve patient care and better understand the short- and long-term outcomes of care protocols.

She studies pregnancy complications and outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases to identify opportunities for improving their care. She also is interested in identifying, describing and seeking improved treatment options for patients with:

• Heart valve disorders.
• Drug-related valve disorders.
• Prosthetic valve thrombosis.
• Carcinoid heart disorders.

Focus areas

• Outcomes and complications of congenital cardiac disorders. Dr. Connolly leads a multidisciplinary clinical and research team that, among other research activities, seeks to develop new diagnostic and management strategies for patients with the most complex forms of congenital and genetic heart diseases.

  Her team's groundbreaking analysis of the clinical features, hemodynamic profiles and outcomes of care improves patient therapy. The team identifies comorbid conditions and treatment strategies for patients with these diverse disorders.

  Dr. Connolly collaborates with Alexander C. Egbe, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., and William R. Miranda, M.D., on this research.

• Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis. Dr. Connolly and colleagues study the characteristics and risk factors for developing bioprosthetic valve thrombosis. They are conducting a comprehensive assessment of clinical features, imaging and pathology reviews. This includes identifying, collecting and describing the first series of patients with this disorder and reporting the first series of patients treated successfully with warfarin.

  The team's description led to subsequent research identifying and successfully treating similar patients with warfarin. A subsequent institutional series served as the initial patient cohort. Dr. Connolly served as the senior investigator or co-investigator in these studies describing affected patients.

  Recognizing bioprosthetic valve thrombosis and describing a successful medical treatment option has changed how patients with newly implanted or dysfunctional bioprosthetic valves are currently managed at Mayo Clinic and many other institutions. Dr. Connolly collaborates with Dr. Egbe and Sorin V. Pislaru, M.D., Ph.D., on this research.

• Marfan syndrome. Dr. Connolly leads the imaging analysis for an ongoing international study looking at the outcome of surgical intervention for patients with Marfan syndrome. Her goal is to identify the optimal management strategy for patients with Marfan syndrome who are undergoing aortic operations.

  This research compares composite valve replacement versus valve sparing operations. The resulting data have improved the understanding of these treatment options as well as short- and long-term patient outcomes.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Connolly's clinical observations and subsequent research have affected patient care in various ways, including:

• Altering the method of assessment and care for patients with various congenital and genetic cardiac disorders.
• Routinely treating patients with newly implanted bioprosthetic valves with warfarin for 3 to 6 months.
• Identifying optimal timing of intervention and outcomes of patients with carcinoid heart disease.
• Contributing to the understanding of cardiovascular effects of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine.

Professional highlights

• Chair, Marfan Foundation Professional Advisory Board, 2019-present.
• Director, Mayo Clinic Carcinoid Heart Disease Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2016-present.
• Director, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic, expanded and secured funding for the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2015-present.
• Member, Marfan Foundation Professional Advisory Board, including research for treatment options, 2005-present.
• Judd and Mary Morris Leighton Professorship in Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension in Honor of Alex Schirger, M.D., Mayo Clinic, 2023.
• Assisted in the development of the first institutional Cardiovascular Obstetrics Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2022.
• Service Excellence Teamwork/Top Performer for Patient Experience Award, ACHD Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2016-2022.
• Secured and maintained accreditation for specialty training program, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2019.
• Secured and maintained national accreditation as a Comprehensive Care Center, Mayo Clinic, 2019.
• Teacher of the Year, Mayo Fellows Association, Mayo Clinic, 2019.
• Distinguished Award in Recognition of Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Pregnancy and Heart Disease, The International Congress on Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy, 2018.
• Antoine Marfan Award, The Marfan Foundation, 2017.
• Initiated the Mayo Carcinoid Heart Disease Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2016.
• Director, Marfan and Thoracic Aortic Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2002-2012.
• National writing committee for adult congenital heart disease guidelines, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, 2008.
• Cardiovascular Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, Mayo Clinic, 2006.
• Excellence in Teaching Award, Mayo Clinic.
  • 2004.
  • 2003.
• Commissioner's special citation for drug related valve disease, Food and Drug Administration, 1997.