Post 1
Advancing cardiovascular care requires more than clinical expertise. It demands operational innovation grounded in evidence. The Electrophysiology Team at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth in partnership with Vector remote care will present their research study at the 2026 Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting!
This April in Chicago, they’ll share their findings from “Integrated Software and Service Improves Clinic Outcomes in a Growing Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) Remote Monitoring Program.”
Congratulations to:
- Thomas P. Carrigan, MD
- Jon C. Hays, MD
- Sylvia Hanna
- Rex Richmond
- Mohamad C. Sinno, MD
As cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) programs expand nationally, scale of remote monitoring infrastructure becomes critical. This research demonstrates how integrated software platforms and coordinated service models can improve clinic efficiency, enhance patient oversight and strengthen outcomes within a growing remote monitoring program.
The team looks forward to contributing these findings to the national electrophysiology community at HRS 2026.
Post 2
On National Doctors’ Day, we recognize the surgical leadership shaping the future of cardiac care. Cardiac surgery at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth is led by a coordinated team of regional physician leaders with world-class expertise.
Our Cardiac Surgery Team includes Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang, Dr. George Christensen, Dr. Mickey Ising, Dr. Michael Kasten, and Dr. Juan Penaranda-Canal. Our five surgeons bring unmatched expertise across the full spectrum of cardiovascular care—delivering advanced, minimally invasive options that improve outcomes and shorten recovery times. Together, they offer:
- Totally endoscopic single‑ and multi valve surgery, including complex mitral, tricuspid, and aortic procedures.
- Robotic‑assisted MIDCAB for coronary artery disease, providing a less invasive alternative to traditional bypass.
- Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via hemi‑sternotomy, combining precision with faster recovery.
- Leadership in robotic‑assisted atrial fibrillation and aortic surgery, advancing innovation in structural heart and arrhythmia treatment.
- Specialized expertise in coronary revascularization and minimally invasive mitral repair, delivering high‑quality outcomes backed by high‑volume experience.
Together, this team provides comprehensive, cutting‑edge surgical care with nationally benchmarked results—raising the standard for surgical heart treatment in our region.
Today, we recognize not only their individual expertise but the collective standard they set for cardiac surgery.
Meet the team leading the future of heart surgery:
stelizabeth.com/medical-services/heart-vascular/heart-surgery/meet-our-cardiac-surgeons/
Post 3
When patients require heart surgery, where they go and who they trust matters.
At the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth, cardiac surgery combines high-volume experience with advanced techniques to deliver nationally recognized outcomes and extensive coordinated care.
Our cardiac surgeons are unparalleled in performing a full spectrum of procedures, including:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting.
- Complex valve repair and replacement.
- MAZE procedures.
- Aortic aneurysm repair.
- Ventricular assist device implantation.
- Structural heart interventions.
Many cases are performed using minimally invasive and totally endoscopic approaches, supported by high-definition imaging and advanced technology designed to reduce physical trauma, shorten hospital stays and support faster recovery.
While minimally invasive techniques continue to redefine what is possible, our team ensures each patient receives the safest and most effective surgical plan for their condition.
The Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth continues to lead by investing in the technology, surgical expertise and multidisciplinary coordination required to elevate the standard of care.
Learn more at our newly revamped Heart & Vascular Surgery page: stelizabeth.com/medical-services/heart-vascular/heart-surgery/
Post 4
“Minimally invasive” has become a common term in cardiac surgery. But not all approaches preserve the chest wall or deliver the same recovery experience.
In a new six-part series, Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang, Surgical Director of Mitral Valve and Heart Failure Therapies at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth, outlines what distinguishes Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery (TECS) from other less-invasive techniques.
The critical difference? Bone preservation.
While some procedures require partial sternotomy or rib spreading, TECS is performed through a single small incision between the ribs—without cutting bone. High-definition 3D endoscopic visualization enhances precision while preserving the structural stability of the chest wall.
The result is not just a smaller incision but a fundamentally different recovery trajectory.
This series also addresses surgeon case volume, technical expertise and the expanding role of totally endoscopic techniques in treating complex valve and structural heart disease.
Explore the full series of questions that patients and referring providers should be asking when evaluating minimally invasive options: stelizabeth.com/truly-minimally-invasive-heart-surgery/
Post 5
During National Physicians Week and Women’s History Month, we recognize Dr. Shola Adekoya, whose work in cardiology reflects clinical rigor and a focused commitment to women’s cardiovascular health.
Drawn to cardiology early in her training, Dr. Adekoya was fascinated by the heart’s physiology and its essential role in sustaining the entire body. Influenced by strong mentors, she pursued the specialty with purpose, knowing there was no alternate path.
A growing focus of her practice is reproductive health and cardio-obstetrics, addressing cardiovascular risk in women from early adulthood through pregnancy and beyond. She emphasizes identifying and managing cardiac risk before and during pregnancy, particularly as maternal morbidity and mortality continue to rise.
Her approach centers on listening first. By understanding each patient’s full story, including stress, sleep and life circumstances, she integrates whole-person insight into cardiovascular decision-making.
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Adekoya or schedule an appointment:
stelizabeth.com/providers/bio/olusolaadekoya/
Post 6
When it comes to heart health, women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms and experience diagnostic delays. Hormonal transitions, pregnancy-related complications and autoimmune conditions further complicate risk assessment across lifespans.
Nicole Schadler’s case underscores this reality.
A Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Nicole experienced escalating symptoms initially attributed to hypertension. She later developed atrial fibrillation and progressive instability. With a family history of premature coronary disease, she was undergoing further evaluation when she suddenly collapsed.
She arrived at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in cardiogenic shock—a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Dr. Abiodun Ishola initiated Impella CP support before Nicole underwent emergency coronary artery bypass and VA-ECMO, all of which helped take over for her heart and maintain oxygenated blood flow.
In the days that followed, Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang and Dr. Mohanjit Brar escalated mechanical support to Impella 5.5 while managing ECMO to stabilize her recovery in the Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit, giving her heart a chance to rest and recover.
Her survival reflects rapid recognition, advanced mechanical circulatory support and seamless multidisciplinary coordination.
Nicole returned home neurologically intact and back to work within six months.
On International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing cardiovascular care that reflects the unique physiology and risk patterns of women.
Learn more about how heart health uniquely affects women: https://www.stelizabeth.com/medical-services/heart-vascular/take-time-for-your-heart/women-and-heart-health/
Post 7
Cardiac surgery at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth has grown 27% over the past four years—reflecting rising demand for advanced surgical care and strong recognition of our exceptional outcomes. Patients are experiencing less pain, shorter recovery times, and highly coordinated, patient-centered care.
High volume alone doesn’t define success—consistency does. This level of growth is possible only because of a deeply aligned team of surgeons, APPs, nurses, and medical assistants who guide patients through every step of their heart surgery journey.
In 2025, our 30-day readmission rate fell to 8.4%, outperforming the national benchmark of 9.5–10%. As our volume expands, we remain focused on disciplined execution, seamless perioperative and postoperative coordination, and measurable results.
Sustained growth matters—but sustained performance is what defines a leading program. We’re proud to deliver outcomes that exceed national benchmarks while continuing to expand access to high‑quality surgical care for our community.
Post 8
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s First Fully Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Center.
In just five years, cardiac surgery at St. Elizabeth Healthcare has fundamentally shifted, from selective minimally invasive cases to a comprehensive, fully integrated minimally invasive hub.
Today, every major cardiac pathology has an advanced surgical pathway:
- Totally endoscopic valve surgery for complex mitral, tricuspid and multivalve disease.
- Robotic-assisted MIDCAB for coronary artery disease.
- Hemisternotomy approaches for aortic valve and aortic pathology.
- Robotic and totally endoscopic ablation strategies for atrial fibrillation.
- Totally endoscopic repair of select tumors and structural defects.
This is not limited-access innovation. It is a complete minimally invasive offering, supported by STS 3-star outcomes in CABG and mitral valve surgery.
Not just smaller incisions but measurable performance.
At the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth, we are advancing cardiac surgery right here.