Heart and Vascular CenterSM - The Christ Hospital

The Christ Hospital
Heart and Vascular CenterSM
Cincinnati, Ohio
Annual Report
2008

Dear Colleagues and Friends
Thank you for your interest in The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center. Over the past four years, The Christ Hospital has been consistently
recognized as a “Top 50” hospital for heart and heart surgery by U.S.News & World Report and as a Solucient “Top 100 Heart Hospital” for eight
consecutive years. With our doctor-driven, patient-centered programs for cardiovascular disease management, we provide exceptional patient care.
When patients come to The Christ Hospital, they can expect to find state-of-the-art heart care, which combines leading edge technology with
compassionate, personalized attention. Please take a moment to learn about several highlights in cardiovascular care at The Christ Hospital Heart and
Vascular Center during the past year.
Faster and better treatment for heart attack victims
Successful heart programs around the country must provide rapid treatment for heart attack patients. This minimizes time delay from hospital arrival to
definitive treatment with angioplasty to open the occluded coronary artery. The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center was one of the first centers
in the United States to become fully integrated with pre-hospital emergency medical systems that transmit a 12-lead EKG directly to our emergency
physician. This process improvement initiative, which began in 2005, dramatically reduced the time delay to heart attack treatment. We received
the Anthem Quality Hospital award for the shortest “door to balloon” time delay in the state of Ohio in 2007. By using pre-hospital diagnosis and a
multidisclipinary team approach, we consistently provide treatment times that rank in the top 10 percent of the United States.
The Carl H. & Edyth Lindner Heart Failure Treatment Center
Patients suffering from congestive heart failure now have a novel opportunity for comprehensive evaluation and treatment that extends even beyond
the confines of the hospital. The Lindner Heart Failure Treatment Center provides dedicated nurse practitioners to implement quality-assured clinical
care; a dedicated congestive heart failure nurse-educator to teach both patients and staff; and a Heart Link nurse to provide patient follow-up after
hospital discharge, assuring that each patient receives the appropriate medications and follow-up care from his or her personal cardiologist and/or
primary care physician. In addition, our patients are offered access to leading edge technologies and treatments involving new medicines and medical
devices, as well as adult stem cell regenerative therapies.
Most procedures performed with the best outcomes
With the highest annual cardiovascular procedural volumes in the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana region, The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center
is a recognized leader in cardiovascular care, and consistently ranks among the best centers in the U.S. for cardiac surgical mortality rates. We have
long been a national and international leader in percutaneous coronary intervention and are pioneers in new stent technologies. We believe that the
meticulous, personalized approach to every detail of patient care by our outstanding staff translates into excellent clinical outcomes.
Education and research
One of the hallmarks of every top cardiovascular program in the United States is a focus on medical education and research. The Christ Hospital
Heart and Vascular Center, in collaboration with The Lindner Clinical Trial Center, has distinguished itself internationally. In fact, during the past year,
several of our physicians have presented late breaking clinical trial results at international medical conferences. As international principal investigators
for their respective trials, Dr. Theodore Chow presented the results of the MASTER 1 trial at the 2007 Annual American Heart Association meeting in
Orlando, Florida. Dr. Eugene Chung presented the results of the PROSPECT trial at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America
in Washington, D.C., and I had the opportunity to present results from the CoStar II trial at the 2007 annual Euro-PCR meeting in Barcelona, Spain, as
well as the AMETHYST trial at the 2007 annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting in Washington, D.C. Our distinguished physician
staff has performed over 900 clinical research protocols, which have culminated in more than 600 peer-reviewed medical publications. In addition, we
provide accredited educational programs for physicians, nurses and allied medical personnel. The Christ Hospital has formal affiliations with Ohio State
University to train cardiovascular fellows specializing in peripheral vascular intervention, and the University of Cincinnati to train cardiovascular fellows in
advanced CT and MRI cardiovascular imaging.
With commitments to excellence in patient care and to innovations in technology and wellness programs, The Christ Hospital has set the standard for
quality cardiovascular care in the region. We are very pleased to share our report with you and welcome your feedback and comments.
2
Sincerely,
Dean J. Kereiakes, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Medical Director
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center

Stephanie Bolden-Harris
has experienced the quality
cardiovascular wellness
programs at The Christ Hospital.
4
The Christ Hospital

Patient Satisfaction
For the twelfth consecutive year, National
Research Corporation (NRC) has named
The Christ Hospital a Consumer Choice
Award winner. Consumers in the Cincinnati
market have rated The Christ Hospital as
the hospital most preferred for best quality,
image and overall service, as announced in
Modern Healthcare magazine.
This testimony of our patient preference is prevalent in our “Press, Ganey” patient
satisfaction scores. We reached an all-time overall high in 2007 at 87.1 (top 12 percent
nationally). The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center monitors patient satisfaction,
constantly strives for improvement and sees patient satisfaction as a cornerstone for
service excellence.
5

Cardiovascular Surgery
Cardiac surgeons at The Christ Hospital
Heart and Vascular are the most experienced
in the region. As the national trend for
open-heart procedure volume continues to
decrease due to better medical therapy and
improved non-surgical interventions, new
surgical procedures are being performed
to treat patients with the highest acuity,
thus providing the most comprehensive
cardiovascular care for our patients.
Surgical Ablation
The Christ Hospital heart surgeons are performing surgical cardiac ablation procedures using
the Epicor Cardiac Ablation System. This procedure, which uses high intensity focused
ultrasound (HIFU) waves, is the most effective surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation,
eliminating arrhythmia in nearly 97 percent of patients. With the new Epicor technology, the
heart-lung bypass machine is not required and there are no hot or cold temperatures used to
ablate the electrical cells, which results in faster recovery.
Robotic Transmyocardial Revascularization
The Christ Hospital cardiac surgeons have performed multiple robotic-assisted
transmyocardial revascularization procedures. Robotic Transmyocardial Revascularization
(Robotic TMR) is a minimally invasive treatment for patients suffering from severe angina.
It uses the combined advantages of the daVinci Robotic Surgical System and the
Cardiogenesis TMR laser. The Cardiogenesis laser creates small channels through the wall
of the left ventricle of the heart, which increases oxygen delivered to the heart muscle. The
success rate of Robotic TMR for reducing angina is 75 percent, compared with 30 percent
using other treatment modalities.
Cardiovascular Surgeries: CABG,
Valves, Carotids, Abdominal Aorta
1000
986
974
927
866
750
500
250
6
0
CY04 CY05 CY06 CY07
CY = calendar year

The Christ Hospital
Ronald Wright, our first robotic
transmyocardial revascularization
patient in Ohio, has experienced
marked improvement in his angina.
7

Interventional Cardiology
During 2008, interventional cardiology at
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular
Center was at the national forefront.
Significant advances were made in coronary
and peripheral vascular intervention as well
as in treatments for structural heart disease.
New Procedures
Christ Hospital cardiologists, working in conjunction with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
personnel, were the first in the U.S. to perform the percutaneous closure of a paravalvular leak from a
mechanical mitral valve. This patient had undergone four previous valve replacement surgeries and was
not a candidate for additional surgery.
Capitalizing on our extensive experience with percutaneous closure of both atrial septal defects and/or
patent foramen ovale using the Amplatzer device, our physicians used this same device to seal the
life-threatening paravalvular leak. This ground-breaking, life saving procedure was performed without
requiring open heart surgery.
Drug-Eluting Stents
The Christ Hospital and The Lindner Clinical Trial Center have been the top enrolling centers in the world
for the CoStar II trial of a novel drug-eluting stent platform that employs a bioresorbable polymer, and
are also top enrollers in the SPIRIT IV and PERSEUS trials of second and third generation drug-eluting
stents. Christ Hospital physicians have served as national/international principal investigators for these
multicenter trials. The Christ Hospital is the only center in the Tristate region to have “mini” drug-eluting
stents (2.25 mm diameter) designed specifically to treat small coronary arteries.
Hemodynamic Support
The Christ Hospital and The Lindner Clinical Trial Center are evaluating the Impella Recover ®
Hemodynamic Support System to treat patients at extreme high risk during angioplasty or with
severe depression in heart muscle function. A small pump on a catheter is inserted during a cardiac
catheterization procedure and is capable of supporting vital functions even when the heart stops
beating temporarily.
140
Door-to-Balloon Time
January 2005 - December 2007 (Median - minutes)
120
100
110 109
115
108
Target = 90 minutes
8
80
60
40
20
0
90
74
68
73
71
58
55
35
Q1CY05 Q2CY05 Q3CY05 Q4CY05 Q1CY06 Q2CY06 Q3CY06 Q4CY06 Q1CY07 Q2CY07 Q3CY07 Q4CY07
Q = quarter
CY = calendar year

Adult Stem Cell and Growth Factor Regenerative Therapies
In collaboration with The Lindner Clinical Trial Center, The Christ Hospital physicians have participated
in three innovative adult stem cell trials involving either circulating or bone marrow derived progenitor
cells or skeletal myoblasts. These studies have evaluated safety and efficacy of adult stem cells to
relieve refractory, intractable anginal chest pain or to regenerate functional heart muscle to improve
heart function.
Skeletal myoblasts derived from a skeletal muscle (leg) biopsy are either injected during bypass
surgery or percutaneously by direct intramyocardial injection using the Noga Myostar injection catheter
during a cardiac catheterization. In a study of patients who have suffered a heart attack, bone marrowderived
cells were infused directly into the infarct-related coronary artery supplying a region of more
recent (

Congestive Heart Failure
As the U.S. population ages, the number
of patients with congestive heart failure
(CHF) continues to increase. In 2007,
The Carl H. & Edyth Lindner Heart
Failure Treatment Center, a 28-bed
unit dedicated to improving the care of
patients with heart failure, was opened at
The Christ Hospital. This unique facility
utilizes a multidisciplinary approach
and leading-edge technologies to enhance
patient outcomes.
New Treatments for the Failing Heart
The Carl & Edyth Lindner Heart Failure Treatment Center has the most experience in the region with ultrafiltration,
a technique that removes excess fluid build-up in heart failure patients. Ultrafiltration can result in
more rapid relief of shortness of breath and faster resolution of edema. Our physicians have been leaders
in the use of biventricular pacemakers to improve pump function and have pioneered echocardiographic
and MRI techniques to predict the likelihood of improvement. Working collaboratively with The Lindner
Clinical Trial Center, our physicians performed the first study of biventricular pacing to improve heart function
following major heart attack. Recently, a nitinol wrap (Paracor) that is surgically placed around the heart to
prevent progressive heart enlargement as part of the PEERLESS-HF trial is being evaluated.
The Heart Link Program
Heart Link is a hospital-to-home patient education and compliance program that was implemented in June
2007. Heart Link is aimed at assuring longer-term patient treatment benefit and reducing the likelihood of
hospital readmission for heart failure. Since its inception, Heart Link has increased patient satisfaction and
increased compliance with prescribed treatments and medications and has resulted in better outcomes for
our patients. The Heart Link program was named one of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council’s 2008 Best
Innovative Healthcare Solutions.
Congestive Heart Failure Clinic
Many patients with CHF do not have health insurance and are unable to pay for follow-up appointments or
medications. In order to proactively care for these patients, The Christ Hospital opened the Congestive Heart
Failure Clinic in December 2007. The clinic’s goal is to provide comprehensive, quality care for patients with
CHF using a team-based approach. A CHF specialist, internal medicine residents, pharmacists and others
work together to improve the patient’s understanding of the disease process and to improve his/her quality
of life. The advantages of using the CHF clinic include: care from CHF specialist physicians and nurses, a
team approach to care, discounted medications and patient education.
Heart Failure All-or-None Compliance Index
10
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
68.75
68.75
71.69
88.00 88.78
81.78
73.33 76.60 76.32 78.91
84.13
82.86
86.87
83.84
85.38
84.62
88.61
86.42
Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar
06 06 06 06 07 07 07 07 08
The Christ Hospital
National average

The Christ The Hospital
Christ Valvular and
Structural Heart
Disease
Physicians at The Christ Hospital have the
most experience in the region treating adult
structural and congenital heart disease, including
atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale
percutaneous closure.
Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty
New procedures are emerging for the treatment
of aortic valve stenosis. Our physicians have the
most experience in the region performing balloon
aortic valvuloplasty, and with The Lindner Clinical
Trial Center, have been top enrollers in a multicenter
national clinical trial (RADAR trial) that offers older
patients at high risk for surgery a safer option to treat
aortic valve stenosis. RADAR is evaluating balloon
valvuloplasty followed by External Beam Radiation
Therapy in an attempt to preserve the salutary effects
of valvuloplasty.
Our physicians have been involved in the
development and evaluation of percutaneous
techniques to replace the aortic valve as well.
Clara Hayes was our first
RADAR clinical trial patient.
11

Henry Helton couldn’t walk 100 feet.
He received a 3-lead pacemaker and is
now enjoying spending time with his
grandchildren.
12
The Christ Hospital

Electrophysiology (EP)
In 2007, the electrophysiologists at The
Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center
performed a record number of pacemaker
implants. Specializing in both device
implantation and ablation, our EP labs offer
the latest state-of-the-art technology and
expertise in the Greater Cincinnati area.
MRI Compatible Pacemakers
As part of a new clinical trial, physicians at The Christ Hospital and The Lindner
Clinical Trial Center were among the first in the U.S. to implant a pacemaker
specifically designed to be compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The EnRhythm MRI SureScan pacing system consists of the dual-chamber
EnRhythm MRI SureScan pacemaker and CapSureFix MRI SureScan pacing
leads. The clinical trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, unblinded, multicenter
study, involving 470 individuals. All patients in the trial receive an EnRhythm
MRI SureScan pacing system, and two-thirds of the participants receive MRI scans.
Ablations
ICD Implants
190
180
170
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
179
171
169
160
CY04 CY05 CY06 CY07
700
650
600
550
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
0
674
547
470
432
CY04 CY05 CY06 CY07
Pacemaker Implants
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
458
365
398
384
CY04 CY05 CY06 CY07
CY = calendar year
13

Vascular Services
Endovascular Treatment
With the Tristate’s largest endovascular
program, The Christ Hospital Heart and
Vascular Center is involved in multiple
clinical trials for claudication and
critical limb ischemia including catheterbased
plaque excision and other new
technologies. The Christ Hospital has
been a leader in physician education with
physician tutorials to teach endovascular
strategies and techniques to physicians
from around the world.
Atherectomy
Physicians at The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center are performing a minimally invasive procedure
called plaque excision/directional atherectomy that removes atherosclerotic blockages. The plaque excision
system removes blockages from the leg arteries and restores blood flow to the legs, feet and toes. This
system uses a tiny rotating blade to shave away plaque from inside the artery, which is then collected
in the tip of the device and is removed from the patient. Through The Lindner Clinical Trial Center, many
research trials have focused on the safety and efficacy of this device. In addition to plaque excision, orbital
atherectomy can be performed to treat complex diffuse disease. This device has a tiny diamond grit “covered
crown” tip, which rotates in an orbital motion to sand away plaque from inside the artery.
Laser
Laser technology is being used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD). A small, fiberoptic catheter transmits
bursts of cool ultraviolet energy through the flexible fibers in the catheter, which penetrate the plaque and
vaporize the blockage.
Peripheral Stent Graft
Smaller diameter stent grafts, some of which are bonded with heparin anticoagulant, are being used in the
treatment of peripheral arterial disease. This device may prevent restenosis in the superficial femoral artery.
Aortic Stent Grafts for Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
The physicians of the Vascular Center have specific expertise in the repair of both abdominal and thoracic
aortic aneurysms and provide surgical as well as catheter-based stent graft treatments. The area’s first
stent graft repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm was performed at The Christ Hospital by physicians who
perform more stent graft procedures than any other hospital in the region.
Diagnostic Peripheral
Procedures
Interventional Peripheral
Procedures
2400
1200
2200
2000
2213
2150 2146
2127
1000
800
1094
1084
1137
1035
1800
1600
600
1400
400
14
1200
1000
CY04 CY05 CY06 CY07
200
0
CY04 CY05 CY06 CY07
CY = calendar year

The Christ Hospital
An avid cyclist, John Sanford was suffering
from a rare condition that reduced blood flow
to his left leg. After receiving a peripheral
CTA at The Christ Hospital, vascular surgeons
diagnosed his condition and were able to treat
him surgically. He is now back to cycling, and
his quality of life has significantly improved.
15

James Sticklen, a historic car enthusiast,
needed a carotid stent placement to
alleviate his near total occlusion.
16
The Christ Hospital

Vascular Services
Neurointerventional Services
The multidisciplinary team of vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, neurointerventional
radiologists and cardiologists with The Christ Hospital vascular services has participated in numerous
clinical trials in stroke prevention related to carotid artery disease. They have been an important part
of the landmark National Institutes of Health-sponsored CREST trial, comparing carotid artery surgery
to minimally invasive carotid artery stenting. They are currently serving as principal investigators
within the CHOICE and EMPiRE carotid stenting trials for high risk patients suffering from severe
carotid artery blockages. The team is able to offer every available approach to carotid artery disease,
enabling patients to receive truly individualized treatment.
Vascular Surgery
The vascular surgeons at The Christ Hospital perform both surgical and endovascular procedures to
treat aortic aneurysms, carotid artery disease and lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.
Wound Healing Center
Arterial occlusive disease and accompanying leg ischemia are common conditions and can lead
to claudication and gangrene as well as localized ulceration. Arterial insufficiency is rarely a stable
condition and is almost always progressive, making it important to diagnose and treat as early as
possible to avoid further tissue loss.
The Christ Hospital Wound Healing Center opened in January 2007 to provide treatment options for
these patients. Treatments for PAD may include medical or surgical management. Once the primary
arterial obstruction has been treated and blood flow restored, The Wound Healing Center provides
multiple treatment options to facilitate complete healing of the external wound. These include:
debridement, leading-edge dressings and wraps, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, bio-engineered tissue
substitutes, vacuum-assisted closure and platelet technologies.
17

Clinical Research and Education
The Christ Hospital is affiliated with the internationally-known Lindner Clinical Trial Center.
The Lindner Clinical Trial Center
Physicians at The Lindner Clinical Trial Center have participated in more than 900 clinical trials
(more than 100 active trials) working in conjunction with The Christ Hospital. The leading-edge
research ranges from medical therapy trials involving obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome,
hypertension, hyperlipidemia as well as one of the most extensive interventional trial portfolios
involving drug eluting stents/new interventional devices, adult stem cell protocols and structural
heart disease devices.
Principal Investigators
In 2007, the physicians served as national and international principal investigators for several
large, multicenter clinical trials and presented late-breaking clinical trial results at international
meetings. These included: Theodore Chow, M.D., who presented the MASTER 1 Trial at the
American Heart Association meeting; Eugene Chung, M.D., who presented the the PROSPECT 2
trial at the The Heart Failure Society of America; and Dean Kereiakes, M.D., who presented
both the COSTAR Trial 3,4 at the Euro-PCR and the AMETHYST 5 Trials and the Transcatheter
Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting.
Medical Education
The Heart and Vascular Center holds accredited fellowship training affiliations with The Ohio
State University in peripheral vascular intervention and with the University of Cincinnati in
advanced imaging.
The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Education and Research
The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education is a not-for-profit organization,
which also provides support and training for physician fellowships and preceptorships as well
as general community education through public forums. Our physician preceptorships and
educational programs in peripheral vascular intervention and C.T. angiographic imaging are
nationally recognized.
For more information, please call 513-585-1777.
1
Chow T, Kereiakes DJ, Onufer J, Woelfel A, Gursoy S, Peterson BJ, Brown ML, Pu W, Benditt DG on behalf of the MASTER Trial
Investigators. Does Microvolt T-Wave Alternans Testing Predict Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias In Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
and Prophylactic Defibrillators?: The MASTER Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol (in press)
2
Chung ES, Leon AR, Tavazzi L, Sun JP, Nihoyannopoulos P, Merlino J, Abraham WT, Ghio S, Leclercq C, Bax JJ, Yu CM, Gorcsa J III, St.
John Sutton M, DeSutter J, Murillo J. Results of the predictors of response to CRT (PROSPECT) Trial. Circulation 2008;117:2608-16.
18
3
Kereiakes DJ, Petersen JL, Batchelor WB, Fitzgerald PJ, Mehran R, Lansky A, Tsujino I, Schofer J. Dubois C, Verheye S, Cristea E, Garg J,
Wijns W, Krucoff MW. Clinical And Angiographic Outcomes In Diabetic Patients Following Single Or Multivessel Stenting In The COSTAR
II Randomized Trial. J Invas Cardiol 2008;20:335-341.
4
Krucoff WM, Kereiakes DJ, Petersen JL, Mehran R, Hasselblad V, Lansky AJ, Fitzgerald PJ, Garg J, Turco MA, Simonton CA, Verheye
S, Dubois CL, Gammmon R, Batchelor WB, O’Shaughnessy CD, Hermiller JB, Schofer J. Buchbinder M, Wijns W for the COSTAR II
investigators group. Novel bioresorbable polymer paclitaxel eluting stent for the treatment of single and multivessel coronary disease:
primary results of the Cobalt Chromium Stent with Antiproliferative for restenosis II (COSTAR II) study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2008;51:1543-52.
5
Kereiakes DJ, Turco MA, Breall J, Farhat NZ, Feldman RL, McLaurin B, Popma JJ, Mauri L, Zimetbaum P, Massaro J, Cutlip DE. A Novel
Filter-Based Distal Embolic Protection Device for Percutaneous Intervention of Saphenous Vein Graft Lesions: Results of the Amethyst
Randomized Controlled Trial. J Am Coll Cardiol Intv 2008:1:248-257.

Imaging
The Christ Hospital
The imaging division of The Christ
Hospital Heart and Vascular Center offers
the latest in technology and expertise
with a multidisciplinary team approach.
The Christ Hospital’s echocardiogram (echo) lab is
accredited by The Intersocietal Commission for the
Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories. All
cardiologists who read echocardiograms are Level II
or III credentialed and work with an all-digital system.
Additionally, the peripheral vascular lab at The Christ
Hospital is accredited by The Intersocietal Commission
for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. The
tests are read by board-certified vascular surgeons
utilizing digital technology. Our cardiac magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) laboratory utilizes the
newest Siemens ® and General Electric ® scanners to
provide the best imaging possible. Installed recently,
3-D echocardiography and dyssynchrony assessment
software programs provide clearer visualization and more
accurate diagnosis.
The multidisciplinary imaging team at The Christ
Hospital Heart and Vascular Center includes radiologists,
interventional radiologists, cardiologists, vascular
surgeons and an expert technical staff. Our team focuses
on education with biweekly echo technologist lectures
and monthly CT and MRI cardiology fellow lectures.
Our imaging specialists host a hands-on lecture series
that provides ACC/AHA Level II and III credentialing
and is attended by physicians throughout the country.
Additionally, a comprehensive training program for
cardiac anesthesiologists has been developed for intraoperative
transesophageal echocardiograms to enhance
expertise and quality.
Wayne Jones took our Heart CT Scan, was
found to have plaque build-up and is now
monitoring his diet and exercise along with
medication to prevent a cardiac episode.
19

The Christ Hospital
Roy Pettijohn, quadruple
bypass survivor, has seen
the benefits of cardiac
rehabilitation.
20
The Christ Hospital

Wellness
Rehabilitation
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center offers medically-supervised, individualized
fitness and education programs that help patients reach personal health goals safely and
effectively. All of our staff, cardiac nurses, exercise physiologists and exercise specialists are
advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certified. In addition, onsite dietary education is provided
by a dedicated registered dietitian.
Research shows that cardiac rehabilitation program participants have a 20-25 percent reduced
mortality rate from heart disease.
Project Heart Restart
Through Project Heart Restart, The Christ Hospital is working to reduce the number of deaths
due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Thanks to several generous grants, Project Heart ReStart
has placed more than 70 new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout Greater
Cincinnati.
Heart Aware Program
The Heart Aware Program at The Christ Hospital offers a free online heart risk assessment.
If participants are determined to be at high risk, a free follow-up appointment with a cardiac
clinician is recommended to address their heart health concerns.
Heart CT Scans
For individuals looking for a more in-depth screening tool, The Christ Hospital offers
discounted Heart CT Scans or calcium scoring tests.
TCH C.A.R.E.S.
With the increasing prevalence of vascular disease, The Christ Hospital has implemented a
free vascular screening program for the Greater Cincinnati community. Screening for carotid,
abdominal and peripheral blockages are performed throughout the Tristate.
Community Partnerships & Education
The Christ Hospital offers multiple educational events throughout the year and partners with
other not-for-profit organizations such as the American Heart Association, Cincinnati Sports
Club and the Foundation for Female Awareness to increase community education.
21

Medical Directors of The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center
22
Dean J. Kereiakes, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Medical Director,
The Christ Hospital Heart and
Vascular Center
Dr. Kereiakes is the medical director of
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular
Center and The Carl and Edyth Lindner
Clinical Center; chairman of the executive
committee for Ohio Heart & Vascular
Center, Inc.; and professor of clinical
medicine at The Ohio State University.
Dr. Kereiakes completed his undergraduate
and medical education at the University of
Cincinnati. He then completed a medical
internship and residency at the University
of California in San Francisco. He was a
senior medical resident at Massachusetts
General Hospital in Boston and returned
to San Francisco (H.C. Moffitt Hospital),
where he was chief resident. Dr. Kereiakes
currently serves on multiple editorial
boards for medical journals, including
The Journal of American College of
Cardiology, Circulation, American Journal
of Cardiology, American Heart Journal and
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine. He
has participated in more than 800 clinical
research studies and has contributed
more than 500 scientific publications in
peer reviewed medical journals, abstracts
and textbooks.
Charles R. Hattemer, M.D.,
F.A.C.C.
Section Chief of Cardiology
Dr. Hattemer is the section chief of
cardiology and medical director of
the cardiac catheterization lab at The
Christ Hospital, as well as a cardiologist
with Greater Cincinnati Cardiovascular
Consultants. After completing his
undergraduate degree from Harvard
University, he completed his medical
degree at Case Western Reserve
University School of Medicine in
Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his
internship, residency, and cardiology and
interventional fellowships at the University
of Cincinnati Medical Center, including
a year as chief resident. He has been
associate professor and director of the
cardiac care unit and of the fellowship
training program at the University of
Cincinnati. He is the founder of Medical
Volunteers of Cincinnati.
Richard B. Budde, Jr., M.D.
Medical Director,
Radiology
Dr. Budde is the medical director of
radiology at The Christ Hospital and has
been a radiologist with Professional
Radiology, Inc., since 1992. He completed
his undergraduate degree at the University
of Notre Dame and completed his medical
degree at The University of Cincinnati
College of Medicine. He completed an
internship and residency at the St. Francis
Medical Center in Pittsburgh, including
one year as chief resident, and he
completed a fellowship at the division of
cardiovascular and interventional radiology
at The Ohio State University in Columbus,
Ohio. Dr. Budde is board certified in
diagnostic radiology as well as vascular
interventional radiology.
Robert Bulas, M.D.,
Medical Director,
Neurointerventional Services
Dr. Bulas has been the medical director of
neurointerventional services at The Christ
Hospital Heart and Vascular Center for
15 years as well as a neurointerventional
radiologist with Professional Radiology,
Inc. Dr. Bulas received his medical degree
from the Ohio State University College
of Medicine, in Columbus, Ohio. He
completed his residency at the Medical
College of Virginia, in Richmond, Virginia,
and his fellowship in diagnostic and
interventional neuroradiology at the
University of Cincinnati, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He has co-authored several publications,
has served as principal investigator for
numerous carotid stenting trials and is an
investigator in many stroke treatment trials.
Dr. Bulas specializes in prevention of stroke
related to carotid artery disease, with an
emphasis on multi-disciplinary teamwork
within our Carotid Stroke Prevention Team.

Eugene Chung, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Medical Director,
Outcomes
Dr. Chung received his Bachelor of
Science degree from Yale University,
and his medical degree from
the University of Massachusetts
Medical School. He completed
his internal medicine residency at
Mount Sinai Medical Center in New
York City and his cardiovascular
fellowship at the University of
Massachusetts. Dr. Chung remained
as an assistant professor of medicine
in echocardiography and cardiac
catheterization at the University of
Massachusetts Medical School and
served as the associate director of
their Heart Failure Program. In June
2000, Dr. Chung moved to Cincinnati
to serve as director of heart failure
for The Ohio Heart and Vascular
Center and the Lindner Clinical Trial
Center. In addition, he is currently the
medical director of outcomes at The
Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular
Center. His research interests are
in improving heart failure outcomes
through device-based therapies and
innovative medical strategies; in this
regard, he remains active in designing
and conducting single-center and
multicenter clinical studies. Dr. Chung
is board certified in cardiology.
Gregory B. Clarke, M.D.,
F.A.C.C.
Associate Medical Director,
Advanced Imaging
Dr. Clarke specializes in clinical
cardiology with subspecialty
training in cardiac imaging including
echocardiography, nuclear cardiology
and cardiac CT. After completing his
undergraduate degree in kinesiological
sciences from The University of
Maryland, he obtained a master’s
degree in exercise physiology. Dr.
Clarke attended medical school at The
Indiana University School of Medicine
in Indianapolis. He completed his
internship, residency and chief
residency in internal medicine at The
Indiana University School of Medicine.
Dr. Clarke received his cardiology
training as a fellow at The Indiana
University School of Medicine and
The Krannert Institute of Cardiology.
Dr. Clarke has served as a captain
and physician in The Indiana Army
National Guard from 1987 to 1994.
Dr. Clarke is board certified in internal
medicine, cardiovascular diseases,
echocardiography and nuclear
cardiology.
Mark Harding, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Medical Director,
Wound Healing Center
Mark Harding, M.D., is the medical
director of The Wound Healing Center
at The Christ Hospital and a vascular
surgeon with Cranley Surgical
Associates. Dr. Harding is certified by
the America Board of Surgery in
vascular surgery and is a fellow in the
American College of Surgeons. He
completed a general surgery residency
and vascular surgery fellowship at the
University of Utah. He also completed
additional training in endovascular
surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr.
Harding received his medical degree
from Wright State University. Prior to
joining Cranley Surgical Associates in
2007, Dr. Harding practiced vascular
surgery at the Marshfield Clinic in
Marshfield, Wisconsin. Dr. Harding
has a special interest in all aspects of
vascular surgery including
endovascular procedures and
angiography.
Daniel E. Long, M.D.
Medical Director,
Interventional Radiology
Dr. Long is the medical director of
interventional radiology at The Christ
Hospital and has been a radiologist
with Professional Radiology, Inc., since
2001. He completed his undergraduate
degree at The Ohio State University
and went on to medical school at
the University of Cincinnati College
of Medicine. Dr. Long specializes in
diagnostic and interventional radiology,
and is board certified in radiology. He
completed his residency in diagnostic
radiology at The Ohio State University
Medical Center, including one year
as chief resident, and completed his
fellowship in interventional radiology at
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
He has published numerous scientific
abstracts and has been president-elect
for the Ohio Resident Physician Section
of the Ohio State Radiological Society
as well as a finalist for the International
Society for Magnetic Resonance in
their Medicine Fellowship Program.
Wojciech Mazur, M.D.,
F.A.C.C.
Medical Director,
Advanced Imaging
Dr. Mazur is the medical director of
advanced imaging at The Christ
Hospital and is a cardiologist with Ohio
Heart & Vascular Center, Inc. Dr. Mazur
specializes in cardiovascular imaging,
including cardiovascular CT and MR.
He received his medical education at
the Medical Academy in Poznan,
Poland. He then completed a postdoctoral
fellowship in molecular and
experimental cardiology at Baylor
College of Medicine in Texas. This was
followed by an internship and residency
in internal medicine, also at Baylor
College of Medicine, where he served
as chief resident. He then completed a
three-year cardiology fellowship at
Baylor. Prior to joining Ohio Heart, Dr.
Mazur served as assistant professor of
cardiology at Wake Forest University in
North Carolina. Dr. Mazur is one of very
few cardiologists in this area trained in
cardiac MRI and CT scanning. He is
board certified in internal medicine,
cardiovascular diseases,
echocardiography and nuclear 23
cardiology. Dr. Mazur is an
associate professor of clinical
medicine at the University of
Cincinnati. He has authored/coauthored
more than 70 publications.

Medical Directors of The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center
24
Santosh G. Menon, M.B.B.S.,
M.D., F.A.C.C.
Associate Medical Director,
Congestive Heart Failure
Dr. Menon is the associate medical director
of congestive heart failure at The Christ
Hospital, is a cardiologist with the Ohio
Heart & Vascular Center, Inc., and is codirector
of the Congestive Heart Failure
Program for Ohio Heart. Dr. Menon is
a graduate of the TD Medical College
in Kerala, India. He came to the United
States to complete an internship and
residency in internal medicine with the
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
at St. Peter’s Medical Center in New
Brunswick, New Jersey, where he also
served as chief medical resident. He then
completed a fellowship in heart failure and
cardiac transplantation at the University
of Utah Health Sciences Center. Prior to
joining Ohio Heart in 2001, Dr. Menon
served as co-director of the Congestive
Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation
Program at University of Cincinnati College
of Medicine, where he also directed
the fellowship program. Dr. Menon has
authored numerous publications on heart
failure treatment.
Stephen M. Meyers, M.D.
Medical Director,
Wellness Center
Dr. Meyers is the medical director of
the cardiovascular wellness program at
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular
Center and is a cardiologist with Greater
Cincinnati Cardiovascular Consultants, Inc.
He completed his undergraduate degree
at the University of Notre Dame as well
as a post-baccalaureate degree at Xavier
University. Dr. Meyers received his
medical degree at The University of
Cincinnati College of Medicine. He then
completed a residency at the University
of North Carolina Hospitals where he
received the Resident Teaching Award for
internal medicine. He also completed a
fellowship at the University of Cincinnati,
department of cardiology. Dr. Meyers is
board certified in internal medicine and
cardiovascular disease.
Donald L. Mitts, M.D., F.A.C.C.,
F.A.C.S.
Medical Director,
Cardiac Surgery
Dr. Mitts is the medical director of
cardiac surgery at The Christ Hospital
and is a cardiac surgeon with Ohio
Heart & Vascular Center, Inc. Dr. Mitts
completed his undergraduate and
medical education at the University of
Kentucky (UK) in Lexington. He then
completed a surgical internship at UK,
before moving to San Antonio, Texas,
to complete a residency in general and
thoracic surgery at the University of
Texas. He also has completed training for
the Eclipse Holmium Laser to perform
transmyocardial revascularization (TMR).
Before joining Ohio Heart in 2002,
Dr. Mitts’ career spans 25 years as a
cardiac surgeon in Cincinnati. Dr. Mitts
is board-certified by both the American
Board of Surgery and the Board of
Thoracic Surgery, and is a fellow in the
American College of Cardiology as well as
the American College of Surgeons.
Steven Park, M.D.
Medical Director,
Robotics
Dr. Park is the medical director of robotic
surgery at The Christ Hospital Heart
and Vascular Center and a general and
cardiothoracic surgeon with
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons,
Inc. Dr. Park received his medical degree
from the University of Chicago Pritzker
School of Medicine. He then completed
an internship and his residency in general
surgery at the University of Iowa. His
residency in thoracic surgery was
completed at the Allegheny General
Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Park also completed special training in
thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair at the
University of Texas at Houston.

Peter C. Podore, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Section Chief,
Vascular Surgery
Dr. Podore is the section chief of vascular
surgery at The Christ Hospital, as well
as the president and medical director of
Midwest Ultrasound, one of the largest
cardiovascular diagnostic ultrasound
services in the country. He maintains a
private practice at Christ Hospital.
Dr. Podore received his bachelor’s
degree from Williams College and his
medical degree and surgical training at
the University of Rochester. Dr. Podore
is board certified in vascular surgery
by the American Board of Surgery, and
is certified as a Registered Physician
Vascular Interpreter (RPVI) by the
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical
Sonographers. He is also a Fellow of
the American College of Surgeons,
past president of the Cincinnati Surgical
Society and a member of regional and
national vascular surgery societies.
Dr. Podore has authored numerous
vascular-related articles.
John Paul Runyon, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Medical Director,
Vascular Center
Dr. Runyon is the medical director of the
Vascular Center at The Christ Hospital and
is a cardiologist with Ohio Heart and
Vascular Center. Dr. Runyon received his
undergraduate degree from Transylvania
University in Lexington, Kentucky. He
completed his medical degree at the
University of Kentucky School of Medicine.
He then interned at the University of
Cincinnati Medical Center (UC), where he
also completed his residency. Dr. Runyon
completed two fellowships at UC in
cardiology and interventional cardiology.
He is board certified in cardiovascular
disease and interventional cardiology.
Dr. Runyon has held positions as associate
professor of medicine at the University of
Cincinnati, director of the cardiac
catheterization lab at UC and director of
the coronary care unit. Dr. Runyon
participates in numerous clinical research
trials and has contributed to many
publications on his findings.
Ian Sarembock, M.B., Ch.B., M.D.,
F.A.C.C.
Associate Medical Director,
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular
Center
Dr. Sarembock received both his medical
degree (MB, ChB, 1975) and doctorate in
cardiology (MD, 1988) from the University of
Cape Town (U.C.T.). He completed his
internal medicine residency and clinical and
research cardiology fellowship at Groote
Schuur Hospital in 1986. He then moved to
the United States and became a research
associate at Yale University. In 1988, he
accepted the directorship of the coronary
care unit at the University of Virginia (UVA),
where he served for nearly 19 years, most
recently as the Harrison Distinguished
Teaching Professor of Medicine and director
of the Center for Interventional Cardiology.
His research career has spanned from basic
science to clinical trials with more than 250
publications. He is a peer reviewer for many
clinical and investigational cardiovascular
medicine journals. Dr. Sarembock is a
cardiologist with Ohio Heart & Vascular
Center and is board certified in cardiovascular
disease and interventional cardiology.
Edward J. Schloss, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Medical Director,
Electrophysiology
Dr. Schloss is the medical director of
electrophysiology at The Christ Hospital
and has been a cardiologist with the
Ohio Heart & Vascular Center, Inc., since
1997. He completed his undergraduate
degree with honors from Northwestern
University in Evanston, Illinois, and also
received his medical degree from the
Northwestern University Medical School.
He completed an internship, residency
and fellowship in cardiovascular diseases
at University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center, as well as a fellowship in cardiac
electrophysiology at the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation. Dr. Schloss has a wealth of
research experience and has published
a variety of cardiology-related articles
in such publications as the Journal of
the American College of Cardiology and
Pacing and Cardiac Electrophysiology.
25

An Award Winning Hospital
Cardiac Care
2008, Greater Cincinnati Health Council’s Best Innovative Healthcare
Solutions for The Christ Hospital Heart Link Program (Honorable Mention)
2000-2008, Selected annually as one of America’s Best Hospitals: Top 50
in Heart & Heart Surgery, U.S.News & World Report
2007, The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center physicians from the
Ohio Heart and Vascular Center and The Lindner Clinical Trials Center
presented the results from late-breaking, multi-center clinical trials at
the American Heart Association meeting (Theodore Chow, M.D., for the
MASTER-1 Trial), Transcatheter Cardiovascualr Therapeutics meeting
(Dean Kereiakes, M.D., for the AMETHYST Trial) and The Heart Failure
Society of America (Eugene Chung, M.D. for the PROSPECT Trial).
2007, Heart Center named Anthem’s Ohio Hospital Quality Program’s
Successful Practice Award for “Minimizing Time Delays to Percutaneous
Coronary Intervention (PCI) in a Community Hospital.”
2007, Anthem Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care
2007, VHA Leadership award for the Heart Attack Program
2007, 2005, Christ Hospital Named UnitedHealth Premium Cardiac
Specialty Center
The United Health Premium cardiac specialty centers program identifies
hospitals nationwide that are leaders in providing cardiac care.
1999-2006, Selected annually as Top 100 Cardiovascular Hospitals in the
US presented by Solucient (formerly presented by HCIA-Sachs).
1998, Top Hospital in Cincinnati for Overall Cardiology Services
Presented by HCIA, Inc. and America’s Health Network (No longer awarded)
1999, Consumer Choice Award, Heart Care Services
Greater Cincinnati’s Most Preferred Hospital for Heart Care Services
presented by National Research Corporation. (No longer awarded)
Overall Quality
2007, Ohio Hospital Association Safety Award
2005, Ernest Armory Codman Award
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
named the Greater Cincinnati Patient Safety ICU Collaborative, including
member The Christ Hospital, a 2005 recipient of the ninth annual Ernest
Amory Codman Award to recognize excellence in the use of outcomes
measurement by health care organizations to achieve improvements in
the quality and safety of health care.
1996-2007, Selected annually as Most Preferred Hospital for Overall
Healthcare Services.
Presented by National Research Corporation.
2001, Top 100 Hospitals. Presented by Thompson, (formerly Solucient)
1998, 2000, Top Hospital in Cincinnati for Overall Performance.
Presented by HCIA, Inc. and America’s Health Network.
26

How to Reach Us
The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center
Heart and Vascular Center Information
513-585-1000
Patient Transfers
513-585-2337
The Lindner Clinical Trial Center
513-585-1777
Heart Aware Risk Assessment
513-585-4700
Heart Scan
513-585-2668
Vascular Screenings
513-936-5291
General Information about The Christ Hospital
513-585-2000
www.TheChristHospital.com
27

The Christ Hospital
2139 Auburn Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
Non Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Cincinnati, OH
Permit # 5489
The Christ Hospital
Heart and Vascular Center SM
Annual Report / 2008