Complete Coronary Revascularization in Higher-Risk and Indicated Patients Program
The Christ Hospital Health Network's Complete Coronary Revascularization in Higher-Risk and Indicated Patients (CHIP) program offers treatments that restore blood flow to the heart (coronary revascularization) in high-risk patients. It is the only comprehensive program in Ohio dedicated to treating patients with complex coronary artery disease, including:
Left main disease
Multi-vessel coronary artery disease
Calcified lesions that need minimally invasive surgery to remove (atherectomy)
Bifurcation and trifurcation lesions
Chronic total occlusions (CTOs)
Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs)
Chronic total occlusions is a type of heart disease where an artery becomes completely blocked. This prevents blood from getting to the part of the heart supplied by the artery. Without enough blood flow, the heart does not receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly.
Symptoms of a chronic total occlusion
If you have coronary artery chronic total occlusion, you may experience:
Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Tiredness
Treatment options for chronic total occlusion
Historically, people with a CTO who have these symptoms require a coronoary bypass graft (CABG) surgery to increase blood flow to the heart. However, it is not the only treatment available.
Today, it is now possible to treat CTO through a less invasive technique called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angioplasty. In this procedure, the blocked artery is opened using balloons and stents.
The CHIP team also evaluates treatment options for patients who:
Have been turned down for surgery due to risk factors
Prefer to avoid open heart surgery
Are looking for a second opinion for their coronary artery disease treatment
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 513-564-2447 (CHIP).
CHIP at The Christ Hospital Health Network
Our care team includes experts in different specialties. They thoroughly evaluate patients facing complex coronary artery disease. Doctors, surgeons, patient coordinators, nurses, and other specially trained staff members work together treat these conditions. This helps provide care that goes above and beyond any other hospital in the region.
When you or a loved one is referred to The Christ Hospital Health Network's CHIP Program, one of our coordinators will reach out to gather information and help schedule appointments. The coordinator will be by your side throughout the process to ensure you meet treatment goals at every step.
You will also meet with one of our specially trained physicians. The doctor will talk to you about treatment options based on your medical history and personal preferences.
Dr. Robert Riley, along with Dr. James Kong and Dr. Joel Reginelli, leads our CHIP Program.
Dr. Riley, is an interventional cardiologist who cares for patients with complex and high-risk coronary artery disease. He’s active in clinical research and regularly publishes work focused on revascularization procedures for high-risk patients. Dr. Riley also co-edits a monthly newsletter on high-risk stenting procedures (percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI procedures). He is also hosting the Midwest Regional CHIP Forum in August 2018.
A HEART team approach
The Christ Hospital Health Network's CHIP Program team takes a HEART approach to each patient. This means each treatment decision is a collaboration between team members who specialize in different areas of cardiology. Team members meet several times a week to discuss cases and treatment strategies, so each patient receives the most advanced and well-rounded care.
Our HEART team is made up of specialty-trained experts in cardiology, including:
Interventional cardiologists
Cardiac surgeons
Heart failure physicians
Heart transplant physicians
Cardiac imaging specialists
Electrophysiologists
HEART collaborative leaders
Cardiothoracic surgery
Dr. Geoffrey Answini
Dr. Mario Castillo Sang
Heart failure
Dr. Eugene Chung
Dr. Gregory Egnaczyk
Cardiovascular intensive care (ICU)
Dr. Timothy Smith
Advanced valve disease
Dr. Ian Sarembock
Stenting treatments (PCIs) for chronic total occlusions (CTOs)
Dr. Robert Riley
Carl and Edith Lindner Center for Research and Education
Dr. Dean Kereiakes