Cedars-Sinai Medical Center announced Friday that a $35 million gift from the foundation of investor and former attorney Bruce Karsh and his wife Martha will create an interventional cardiology division at the hospital.

According to the medical center, the gift was made in honor of Martha Karsh’s 94-year-old mother, who suffered a “catastrophic ruptured mitral valve” two years ago and was treated by Dr. Raj Makkar of Cedars-Sinai and the interventional cardiology team. .

Of the $35 million, $30 million will create the Karsh Division of Interventional Cardiology at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars. The remaining $5 million will create the Karsh Distinguished Chair in Interventional Cardiology, a position that will be held by Makkar.

“Our interventional cardiology programs are available around the clock to provide urgent care to those who need it most,” Makkar said in a statement. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Karsh family, we are not only able to maintain this essential service, but also to improve and expand it. Their gift makes them true partners in our mission, helping us continue to provide the highest level of care, and we are deeply grateful for their support.

According to the hospital, Makkar’s interventional cardiology team at Cedars treats more than 10,000 patients each year. The newly created division will treat conditions such as valvular abnormalities, electrical rhythm disorders, heart muscle dysfunction and congenital heart defects, officials said.

“‘Education, Community, Democracy’ is the motto of our foundation,” the Karsh family said in a statement. “With this donation, we aim to amplify our commitment to our community and medical education. Ultimately, what we hope to bring to the world of medicine globally with Cedars-Sinai is a powerful testament to what results from intention put into action.

Cedars-Sinai is already home to the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.