Gift from Drusinskys Advances Arrhythmia Care and Innovation at UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute

The heart is an incredibly resilient muscle, but disruptions to its rhythm can, over time, turn an efficient pump into a source of discomfort and difficulty. Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) can leave blood to pool in the heart, and increase the risk of clots, strokes and heart failure. Unfortunately, they are also becoming more common. AFib affects more than five million Americans, and the American Heart Association projects this number to increase to more than 12 million by 2030.
To address this challenge, Michael and Grace Drusinsky have made a $1 million gift to UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and established the Michael and Grace Drusinsky Electrophysiology Innovation Fund.
Earlier in the Because of You campaign, Michael and Grace made a transformative eight-figure gift to establish the UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute, a system-wide comprehensive sports medicine program. Its 28 clinical delivery sites integrate advanced care and rehabilitation services, benefiting athletes of all ages and abilities, including at the flagship location on the campus of UH Ahuja Medical Center. The UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute provides care for more than 70 high schools and five colleges and is the official healthcare partner of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Monsters and Cleveland Ballet.

The Drusinskys’ latest contribution will advance groundbreaking research, education and care for arrhythmia patients of Mauricio Arruda, MD, Director, Electrophysiology Center; Director, Atrial Fibrillation Center, UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute; and the John R. Antonucci Master Clinician of Cardiovascular Innovation. Dr. Arruda, known for his inventive techniques in catheter ablation and stroke-preventing left atrial appendage closures, has authored more than 240 scientific publications and presented at more than 150 global conferences.
For a Growing Health Challenge, a Strong Response
Northeast Ohio’s cardiovascular care needs follow the national trend. UH has seen a 42 percent increase in arrhythmia-related procedures over the past five years. Catheter ablations alone grew by 46 percent within the past year. UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute has responded by expanding its services across 18 locations, with dedicated electrophysiology labs at seven of UH's community hospitals. The Drusinskys’ gift supports both the cardiovascular care and research needed for the region’s arrhythmia patients.
“Our hope is that this fund will inspire breakthroughs that transform lives and provide peace of mind to patients and families,” said Michael Drusinsky.
“Because of Michael and Grace's generosity, we'll be able to make excellent progress for our patients with arrhythmias, which is more needed than ever" said Dr. Arruda. "We're working toward innovations in care and medical devices, expanding clinics to address lifestyle factors, digging in to clinical and translational research, and doing even more to establish UH as a training ground for tomorrow's cardiovascular specialists.”
Make a gift today to support UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute.