March 04, 2022

After much planning and preparation, TriHealth has successfully launched the Left-Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program. The first patient was implanted and discharged after a below-average length of stay from Bethesda North Hospital in February, to the cheers and celebration of many. Bringing the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a treatment for a weakened heart pump adds to the already robust offerings of TriHealth’s heart program. Patients are the winners, as our rapidly evolving Advanced Heart Failure program at our new destination Heart Hospital provides personalized care through a full range of surgical and non-surgical options.

This successful milestone was made possible through the collective effort of Kathryn O’Keefe MD, Surgical Director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support and LVAD Program (who completed training on LVAD implantation at the Cleveland Clinic), and Sateesh Kesari MD, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist and Medical Director of the LVAD program. This group effort from teams in cardiology, critical care medicine and cardiothoracic surgery, along with administration support, brings the highest level of expertise to the TriHealth Heart Failure program.

The program accreditation received in December was the culmination of amazing teamwork that included many team members. The surveyors repeatedly commented on the enthusiasm, excitement, system support, and teamwork surrounding the LVAD program. In fact, one surveyor described it as “One of the best initial surveys I’ve been on.”

This clinical landmark further establishes TriHealth as having the most comprehensive and highest quality heart program in the region.

Pictured above: Sateesh Kesari MD, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist and Medical Director of the LVAD program, LVAD first patient and his wife, Kathryn O’Keefe MD, Surgical Director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support and LVAD Program

The TriHealth Heart Institute LVAD Team