Pat Pappas MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon nationally recognized for his use of advanced robotic technology in heart surgery, particularly the repair of the heart's mitral valve, has been appointed medical director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill.

            Dr. Pappas has been an Advocate Christ Medical Center medical staff member for 19 years.  He and his team of surgeons, nurses and ancillary staff have conducted extensive studies on surgical treatment of congestive heart failure, heart valve disease and new techniques for coronary artery revascularization.

As the director, he will lead the institute, which is one of the top centers in the country for the implantation of left ventricular assist (mechanical heart assist) devices.  These devices are used for patients with severe heart failure.  Advocate Christ Medical Center is a major Midwestern referral center for complex heart problems, including diseases requiring heart transplantation. 

            "We are exceedingly fortunate to have a physician of Dr. Pappas' stature and talents assume the leadership of the Heart and Vascular Institute," said Barbara Perino RN, the institute's executive director.  "Under his leadership, the institute will be well positioned to advance national prominence in the study, treatment and prevention of heart and vascular disorders."

            Since joining Advocate Christ Medical Center in 1990, Dr. Pappas has assembled a notable team of surgeons and other health care professionals.  In addition to establishing the medical center's reputation for robotic heart valve repair and the use of mechanical heart devices, this team has led the way in the evaluation of new mechanical and tissue valves for the heart and the perfection of techniques for the mechanical reconnection of vessels during coronary artery bypass.  The team's work and leadership also resulted in establishment of a heart transplant program at Christ Medical Center in 2007.

            Besides his clinical acumen, Dr. Pappas is well-known for his teaching and mentoring.  In fact, he was a key force in the creation of an innovative partnership between the medical center and Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.  That partnership led to Live...from the Heart, an ongoing program in which high-school and junior high-school students learn more about the heart and the impact of lifestyles on the heart by watching heart surgery performed "live" at Christ Medical Center from a classroom at the museum or through the Internet.

            A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Pappas completed his internship and residency training in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

            He has held academic appointments at the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago; Rush University Medical Center; and Midwestern University, and is a member of such professional organizations as the American College of Surgeons, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Chicago Surgical Society and the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs.

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