Cincinnati (May 22, 2025) – The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute has once again earned national recognition for its exceptional cardiac surgical outcomes, receiving three 3-star ratings—the highest possible—from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in the following categories:
•Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement (MVRR)
•Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
•Overall Combined (Multiprocedural) Cardiac Surgery
These elite designations place The Christ Hospital among the top 10% of heart programs across the U.S. and Canada—a reflection of the extraordinary care, skill, and compassion our team delivers every day.
“The STS 3-star rating is one of the most rigorous and respected quality indicators in healthcare,” said Dean Kereiakes, MD, FACC, MSCAI, Chairman of The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute and Medical Director of The Christ Hospital Research Institute. “To achieve this level of recognition across three major categories speaks volumes about our team's unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and innovation in cardiac care.”
The overall multiprocedural category is a newly introduced benchmark by STS, and The Christ Hospital earned a 3-star rating in this category immediately, placing its cardiothoracic surgery program in the top 8% nationwide. This humongous accomplishment highlights the strength of our team in delivering nationally recognized, high-performing care across multiple complex procedures.
“Our goal is simple: deliver the safest, most advanced heart surgery with the best possible outcomes for every patient,” said Geoff Answini, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at The Christ Hospital. “This national recognition is a reflection of the teamwork, precision, and relentless pursuit of excellence that define our program. It’s an honor to serve our patients with this level of care.”
The Christ Hospital’s Mitral Valve Program continues to be a cornerstone of its success. Led by J. Michael Smith, MD, Medical Director of Cardiovascular and Mitral Valve Surgery, the program leverages robotic-assisted surgical techniques to reduce recovery times and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Smith has performed more than 3,500 robotic mitral valve procedures, making him one of the most experienced robotic heart surgeons in the country.
“Our robotic approach has revolutionized mitral valve repair,” said Dr. Smith. “With smaller incisions, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays, our patients experience a faster return to life—with uncompromised results.”
With a legacy of innovation and compassionate care, The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute continues to set the standard for cardiovascular excellence in the tristate and across the nation. As the highest-volume heart surgery program in the Greater Cincinnati region, our mission is to deliver world-class care right here in Cincinnati—so patients and their families never have to travel elsewhere for the most advanced and trusted cardiac treatment available.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, eight ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 135 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,200 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2025.