​MD Insider provides a unique inside look into medical conditions and treatments to uncover ground-breaking advances that are truly transforming healthcare. The series features insight from acclaimed cardiologist, Dean Kereiakes, MD, breaking down exciting innovations and treatments available right here in the Tristate.

In this episode, Dr. Kereiakes and host Clyde Gray are joined by Robert Dowling, MD, and Geetha Bhat, MD, to talk about The Christ Hospital Heart Transplant Program, a much-anticipated addition to The Christ Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute for patients with advanced heart failure.

Dr. Kereiakes:  We are delighted to announce The Christ Hospital Heart Transplant Center, which is a much-needed extension of our current, comprehensive leading-edge heart failure program.

In concert with the heart transplant center, we have established the Harold C. Schott Foundation Mechanical Cardiac Support Program to help patients not eligible for transplant.

To assure the success of these programs, we have recruited two nationally renowned heart transplant specialists with established track records for launching successful transplant programs.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Geetha Bhat, transplant cardiologist, and Dr. Rob Dowling, an expert in heart transplantation surgery and artificial heart replacement. 

Dr. Bhat:  Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 6.5 million Americans live with heart failure and an additional 1 million are diagnosed with heart failure every year. About 8,000 Americans annually need a new heart to survive, but with the limited supply of donor hearts, less than half of these patients will get transplanted. Our region is underserved for this resource and the gap is widening between those individuals who need a heart and the number of donor hearts available.

The Christ Hospital has everything it takes to build a tremendously successful heart transplant program that will be a valuable resource for our community. There will be no reason for patients to leave Cincinnati for this life-saving treatment.

Dr. Dowling:  Patients from our area are too often sent to other cities for a heart transplant which is extremely difficult for them and their families. The Christ Hospital has a world class heart failure treatment program, exceptional clinical research and specialized heart failure surgeons and cardiologists. We are helping patients throughout our region and beyond.

Concerned about your heart health? Get in touch with The Christ Hospital Physicians - Heart & Vascular by calling 513-557-4900.