Leading the Future of Cardiac Surgery
Learning you need heart surgery is a big deal. It’s a time filled with questions, emotions and the need for absolute faith in your care team. We understand – and we’re here to meet that moment with clarity, conviction and a commitment to your recovery.
Our cardiac surgery program combines high-volume experience with trailblazing techniques to deliver care that’s both internationally respected and deeply personal. We’re not just advancing heart surgery – we’re advancing how it feels to be cared for.
Surgical Options
Our cardiac surgery team offers a full spectrum of procedures – from routine to highly complex – tailored to each patient’s condition and goals. Whether addressing blocked arteries, valve disease, arrhythmia, or structural abnormalities, we bring depth of experience and a commitment to surgical excellence across every case.
Procedures include:
While many surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, open-heart surgery through a sternotomy remains an essential option for certain conditions. Our team is experienced in both approaches and will guide you toward the safest and most effective path forward.
Why Choose St. Elizabeth for Heart Surgery?
At St. Elizabeth, you’ll find a team that listens, collaborates and guides you every step of the way. Our approach centers on understanding your needs and making sure you feel informed and cared for throughout your experience. From the first conversation to your return home, we coordinate care across specialties and provide resources that make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible. Cardiac Surgery Care Navigators and clinical staff work together to guide you, answer your questions and help you feel comfortable with each decision. Even after your recovery, our team remains a care resource for you.
Surgical Expertise You Can Count On
Heart surgery demands precision, depth of experience and the ability to navigate complex conditions with confidence. Our cardiac surgeons perform a high volume of procedures – from coronary artery bypass and valve repair to progressive treatments for heart failure and arrhythmia. Their focus on quality and safety has earned national recognition and the satisfaction of patients across the region.
Our surgeons utilize a suite of medical advancements designed to make procedures safer and recovery faster.
Technology That Transforms What’s Possible
Cardiac surgery continues to evolve – and so do the tools and techniques behind it. Our team uses high-definition imaging and totally endoscopic approaches to perform a range of procedures through small incisions, minimizing disruption to the body. These enhancements mean safer procedures, faster healing and shorter hospital stays. Every investment in technology is made with one goal in mind: elevating each patient’s experience.
Of course, technology is only as good as the team behind it. At St. Elizabeth, we’re investing in both.
Excellence You Can Count On: Awards & Accolades
Choosing a heart surgery program means placing your trust in proven expertise. These accomplishments reflect our commitment to excellence – but what truly sets our program apart is how these standards translate into better care and outcomes for you.
These national recognitions are a testament to our dedication. But for us, excellence is more than a word – it’s a promise to every patient we serve.
A Team That Knows You – And Works Together for You
Every patient brings a unique story, and our team is here for yours. From the moment care begins, your surgeon, nurse navigator and recovery specialists work in sync to guide your treatment and help you reach your goals. This coordinated approach ensures that your care is not only clinically sound – but distinctly meaningful.
Minimally Invasive Options for Maximum Impact
Many heart procedures no longer require a large chest incision or opening the breastbone. Our cardiac surgeons specialize in Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery, using small incisions between the ribs to perform complex operations – including valve repairs, bypass surgery and treatment for arrhythmia. These techniques reduce physical trauma and offer faster recovery, with results that match or exceed traditional open-heart approaches.
What Minimally Invasive Means for You
Minimally invasive techniques – such as Totally Endoscopic and Robotic Heart Surgery – are designed to reduce physical impact while maintaining surgical accuracy. Compared to traditional open-chest procedures, these approaches offer measurable benefits:
These advantages help you heal more comfortably and return to the thing you love sooner.
Meet the Heart Surgery Team
Every heart surgery journey is unique – and so is every surgeon on our team. These specialists bring deep experience, collaborative spirit and a commitment to listening first. Get to know the experts who prioritize what matters most: your goals, your comfort and your certitude.
From left to right: Dr. Michael Kasten, Dr. Juan Penaranda, Dr. George Christensen, Dr. Mickey Ising, Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang
Your Cardiac Surgery Care Navigator
A heart surgery diagnosis can raise questions, concerns and uncertainty. That’s why our Patient Care Navigators are here – to guide you through the process with clear communication and a steady presence. From your first consultation to recovery planning, they help ensure nothing gets missed and everything feels more manageable.
Patient Care Navigators assist with:
- Scheduling appointments and follow-ups
- Explaining procedures and answering questions
- Coordinating care across your heart team
- Offering emotional reassurance, before and after surgery
- Navigating insurance and paperwork
- Connecting you to cardiac rehab and recovery resources
Talk to a Cardiac Surgery Care Navigator Today: Schedule a Consultation or call (859) 301-9010.
What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery
Whether your procedure is minimally invasive or open-heart, knowing what to expect can make the experience less stressful and more manageable. Our Heart Surgery Patient Guide walks you through each phase of care – from preparation to recovery – so you can feel informed and ready.
The guide includes:
- A step-by-step overview of the surgical process
- Packing tips and home preparation checklists
- Details about your care team and hospital stay
- Recovery timelines and follow-up planning
- Additional resources to help you heal at home
Download the Heart Surgery Patient Guide
For questions or concerns, call (859) 301-9010 to speak with a Cardiac Surgery Care Navigator.
Preparing for Surgery
Quitting smoking – even just weeks ahead of your procedure – can lower the risk of complications and improve healing. Our Freedom from Smoking program provides expert guidance and practical tools to help you take that step. For broader wellness, visit Take Time for Your Heart, where you’ll find resources on nutrition, movement, stress management and heart-healthy habits. These efforts not only prepare your body for surgery – they also help build a foundation for lifelong heart health.
Support Systems to Strengthen Your Heart
Successful heart surgery depends on more than what happens in the operating room. It requires a coordinated network of critical care amenities designed to protect patients through every phase of recovery. For those with complex cardiac conditions, our dedicated services provide intensive monitoring, sophisticated life support and long-term management – ensuring stability, safety and seamless transitions from surgery to healing.
CVSICU: Focused Recovery After Heart Surgery
The Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit (CVSICU) is designed specifically for patients recovering from complex heart procedures. Staffed by a devoted team – including cardiac surgeons, intensivists, advanced practice providers, nurses and respiratory therapists – the unit provides continuous monitoring during the most critical phase of recovery. This focused environment helps stabilize patients, manage complications early and prepare them for the next step in healing.
ECMO: Treatment for Critical Heart and Lung Conditions
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary heart and lung support for patients experiencing severe cardiac or respiratory failure. Often used as a bridge to recovery or transplant, ECMO takes over the work of these organs when they can’t function on their own.
Our program is recognized by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) for meeting high standards in safety, quality and specialized care – making it a reliable option when every second counts.
LVADs: Supporting Patients with Severe Heart Failure
Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) help patients with advanced heart failure by taking over the pumping function of the heart when it can no longer work effectively on its own. Our program includes surgical implantation, close monitoring and long-term care coordination – including collaboration with transplant centers when needed. Patients receive ongoing supervision from a multidisciplinary team that helps manage recovery, adjust to life with an LVAD and plan for future treatment options.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital – it’s just the beginning of your return to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Our cardiac rehab program is a cornerstone of post-surgical care, offering:
Our expert team guides you every step of the way, helping you regain independence and reducing your risk of future heart events.
Focused Specialty Care
Some recoveries require ongoing, specialized attention. At St. Elizabeth, you’ll benefit from direct access to advanced cardiovascular programs, including:
Our multidisciplinary teams collaborate to ensure your care is continuous, coordinated and tailored to your unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking for answers, a second opinion, or skilled surgical care, our cardiac surgery team is here to guide you. From your first consultation through recovery, you’ll benefit from genuine support, innovative treatments and results you can rely on.
Connect with us today to schedule a consultation, request a second opinion, or speak with a Nurse Navigator.
Call: (859) 301-9010
For Referring Physicians
We value the conviction of our referring providers and clinical partners. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion for your patient, coordinating post-operative care, or exploring groundbreaking surgical options, our team is here to collaborate with you every step of the way.
For referral assistance or clinical questions, call (859) 301-9010.
