Central DuPage Hospital opens heart deal with Cleveland

Heart surgery patients at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield will now have access to the expertise of the Cleveland Clinic, under a deal announced Thursday between the two medical centers.

The affiliation will give CDH access to clinical trials, protocols and research projects from the clinic, consistently rated the top heart hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

"This affiliation brings world-class heart surgery resources, research and practices to the patients of CDH," Central DuPage President and Chief Executive Officer Luke McGuinness said.

He said it was an honor that such a prestigious clinic "recognizes our drive for quality and top-tier performance and is interested in affiliating with us."

The deal is expected to give local patients access to new surgical techniques and technologies.