LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville and Jewish Hospital have partnered together the past 13 years in a cutting-edge research project to tackle the leading cause of death in the United States – cardiovascular disease.

The Cardiovascular Innovation Institute previously operated under the shared ownership of UofL and the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence. JHFE has relinquished its ownership and real estate interest, valued at more than $16 million.

The university took the opportunity to mark the occasion by recognizing and thanking JHFE for its support.

“I want to thank them so much for being a worthy partner in this effort,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi. “I want to promise them we will continue the important work for the health of current and future generations to come.”

The move to UofL’s sole ownership has been planned for some time and coincided with JHFE’s continued evolution into a purely grant-making organization.

“It’s important that the university be able to take this medical research. It’s important to be able to structure their work, medical research, and invest more fully in the work performed at the CII and completing this transaction will help the do so,” said Linda Schuster, JHFE Board of Trustees Chair.

Since its opening in 2006, the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute has been engaged in leading-edge research for the development, testing, and clinical evaluation of game-changing technologies.

The institute employs a diversified team of investigators to address the complete array of causes and treatments for cardiovascular disease.

“In Kentucky alone, more than 75 percent of deaths are as a result of cardiovascular disease,” said Toni Ganzel, dean of the UofL School of Medicine. “Everyone knows someone that’s been impacted by cardiovascular disease. That’s what makes the work here at the CII so crucial.”

The CII team has led and secured nearly $39 million in external grants and contracts, with $28 million focused on innovative cardiovascular-assist devices. All of these technologies were created with the sole intent of improving the quality of life of heart failure patients.