Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Section of Cardiac Surgery

The University of Cincinnati (UC) section of cardiac surgery leads the Tri-State region in the discovery and advancement of innovative treatment for patients with cardiac disease. A multidisciplinary team dedicated to heart failure and complex cardiac diseases has made UC a state-of-the-art referral center for both standard and complex cases.

The section performs the full spectrum of operative procedures in patients with cardiac and vascular diseases, including coronary revascularization, valve repair and replacement, aortic aneurysm repair, ventricular assist device implantation and the region’s only adult heart transplantation program.  The section offers expertise in all-arterial and off-pump coronary revascularization, minimally-invasive cardiac surgery and repair of complex thoracic aortic diseases.

The section has the region’s only comprehensive advanced heart failure program which includes a mechanical circulatory support program consisting of both short-term and long-term mechanical circulatory support therapy for both acute and chronic heart failure as a bridge to transplantation or as destination therapy. For acute respiratory failure, UC has an integrated ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) program which benefits patients who would otherwise fail to survive conventional therapies. 

The section offers a unique mobile ECMO program in which patients with cardiorespiratory failure can be placed on support at a referring hospital and transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. In conjunction with the Department of Anesthesia, Division of Anesthesia Critical Care, the section recently launched E(ECMO) CPR program, in which patients suffering cardiac arrest are placed emergently on ECMO to improve outcomes in certain patients.

In conjunction with the divisions of cardiology, we offer a joint program in advanced endovascular therapies including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve procedures.  

Patients benefit from a true multi-disciplinary approach to cardiovascular disease, combining surgical and medical expertise as well as the advanced technology and support services offered at University of Cincinnati Medical Center, leading to people not just living longer, but living better.

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Part of the University of Cincinnati Department of Surgery, the division of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has a high profile as a world leader in the surgical management of the entire spectrum of congenital and acquired cardiac problems in neonates, including management of complex single ventricle cardiac anomalies, and management of infants and children with severe heart failure which includes expertise in cardiac transplantation and ventricular assist device utilization. The division also performs lung transplantation and in partnership with the solid organ transplant program, heart/kidney transplants and heart/liver transplants are performed in patients with multi-organ failure.

We have an active adult congenital heart disease program, caring for patients with congenital heart disease into and through adulthood.

In collaboration with the Aerodigestive Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the division has the world’s most extensive experience with complex tracheal reconstruction in infants and children.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center consistently ranks among the top in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery as measured by U.S. News & World Report.

The division of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery maintains an active multi-investigator research lab. Research areas include; improved donor organ utilization for thoracic transplantation, novel anticoagulation and anti-inflammatory strategies for mechanical circulatory support and prosthetic valve development .

Adult Cardiac Surgery Faculty
Louis B. Louis, MD (Director, Section of Cardiac Surgery)
Antonio Panza, MD
Cristiano Spadaccio, MD, PhD
Samuel Russell Vester, MD

Advanced Practice Providers, Adult Cardiac Surgery:
Anna Simeoni, PA-C
Nicole Koors, CNP
Ricky Nuzzo, CNP
Emily Webber, CNP

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Faculty:
Carl L. Backer, MD
David G. Lehenbauer, MD
David L. S. Morales, MD
David S. Winlaw, MBBS, MD
Farhan Zafar, MD

Advanced Practice Providers, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery:
Monica Dugan, CNP
Lindsay Galchick, PA-C
Brad Mummert, PA-C
Krystal Nymberg, PA-C
Alan ODonnell, PA-C
James Mulloney, CNP
Dimple Patel, PA-C
Megan Stieg, PA-C
Tyson Wyant, PA-C