Built to Last: The Christ Hospital Health Network Is Shaping the Future of Heart Surgery

With Geoffrey Answini, MD; Julian Guitron, MD; Jeffrey Griffin, MD; Robert Dowling, MD; Michael Javorski, MD; Juan Umana, MD; J. Michael Smith, MD; and Saad Hasan, MD

Exceptional cardiothoracic surgery programs are built over decades. Sustaining that excellence for future generations requires vision, investment and execution. For more than five decades, The Christ Hospital Health Network has shaped the region's cardiovascular landscape and earned recognition as one of the nation's leading heart programs.

Nearly a decade ago, Geoffrey Answini, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and the Network's leadership team made a bold decision to invest in the future of the cardiothoracic surgery program.

"Our responsibility as physician leaders is to ensure that the legacy of surgical excellence is maintained for the next 50 years and beyond," said Answini.

Focused on emerging areas such as robotics, transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and aortic care, the team took a deliberate approach to recruitment, selecting surgeons with specialized expertise to expand and advance these programs as part of a comprehensive cardiothoracic surgery center of excellence. The result has been national recognition and rankings that include designation as a “Top 50 Cardiac Surgery Program” in the U.S. by Becker’s Healthcare and a 3-star ranking from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons in 4 of 6 surgical categories, ranking as the best program in Ohio and among the top 1 percent nationally.

The Christ Hospital cardiothoracic surgery program ranks among the top 10 in the U.S. for mechanical circulatory support, has performed 62 heart transplants in just over three years and was fourth in the world to implant the investigational BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, including the first woman in the world to receive the device. The transplant program has been designated a Center of Excellence. In addition, the program ranks in the top 10 in the U.S. for robotic mitral valve surgery, routinely performs robotic coronary bypass surgery and performed the first-in-the-world aortic valve replacement with the da Vinci 5 robot.

Strategic physician recruitment efforts have included Julian Guitron, MD, who has expanded advanced thoracic surgical techniques, including robotic surgery for the lung, esophagus and pectus excavatum, while Jeffrey Griffin, MD, adds significant depth to the program's cardiac surgery expertise.

Robert Dowling, MD, Heekin Family Endowed Chair and Surgical Director for Heart Transplantation, works alongside Michael Javorski, MD, who was recruited from Cleveland Clinic to help expand the heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support programs.

Juan Umana, MD, recruited from Cleveland Clinic, was drawn to “the extraordinary opportunity to work alongside Dr. J. Michael Smith, Castellini Family Endowed Chair in Cardiac Surgery and a pioneer in robotic heart surgery as well as surgical innovation.”

“Great programs never stand still,” said J. Michael Smith. “They continue to evolve by attracting talented surgeons with new perspectives, exceptional training and a commitment to innovation.”

Saad Hasan, MD, recruited from Cleveland Clinic, has worked with Dr. Smith to develop two of the top programs in the country for minimally invasive robotic coronary bypass surgery as well as bloodless cardiac surgery.

The Christ Hospital program provides expanded treatment options, not otherwise available, for bloodless cardiac surgery to help patients whose religious beliefs or medical conditions limit traditional approaches.

“The Christ Hospital supports my passion for innovative techniques, nationally recognized research and program excellence,” said Hasan.

Innovation at The Christ Hospital is driven through The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education, which has brought nearly every novel cardiovascular technology and treatment to Cincinnati over the past 30 years.

“The Christ Hospital Health Network leads the region in innovation and technology today, tomorrow and for generations to come,” said Answini. “We have the rare combination of surgical experience, emerging technology and compassionate care that will continue to make heart surgery safer, more precise and less invasive.”

Today, patients throughout Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana can access the full spectrum of adult cardiac and thoracic surgery through one of the nation's most comprehensive cardiovascular programs, allowing many patients to remain close to home while receiving highly specialized care.

The Christ Hospital program draws many patients from outside the region who seek advanced cardiothoracic care, reflecting the national reputation built through excellence, expertise and innovation.

“The future of heart surgery in Greater Cincinnati depends on a program that never stops innovating and investing in people,” said Smith. “That commitment will continue to define our program.”