Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program

University Hospital is proud to be the first hospital in the tri-state region to receive Advanced Disease-Specific Care Certification for Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) by the Joint Commission. With this certification, the less-invasive HeartMate II and our dedicated VAD multidisciplinary clinical team, we have the capability to provide more options for those with advanced heart failure. Now, patients have access to the full range of therapies for heart failure without having to leave Cincinnati.

Since performing the first successful VAD procedure nearly 25 years ago, we have been leading the region in the research and implantation of mechanical assist devices. Our expertise and our determination to provide coordinated, collaborative care allow us to provide the best care available.

Our Physicians

Louis B. Louis, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Mechanical Cardiac Support Program Director

Medical School & Residencies

  • University of Miami School of Medicine
  • University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital (Surgery)
  • Ohio State University (Cardiothoracic Surgery)

Fellowships

  • University of Miami School of Medicine (Research Fellow)
  • Ohio State University (Cardiac Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support)

Certifications

  • American Board of Surgery, 2006
  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery, 2008
  • Fellow American College of Surgeons

Stephanie Dunlap, DO

Medical Director, Heart Failure/Transplant/ Mechanical Cardiac Support Clinic

Medical School & Residency

  • West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Southeastern Medical Center, North Miami Beach (Internal Medicine)

Fellowship

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Cardiology, Heart Failure)
  • Cleveland Clinic (Heart Transplant)

Certifications

  • Diplomate, American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine for Cardiology, 2010-2020
  • American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, Diplomate 1991, Certificate valid indefinitely

Lynn Weishaupt, RN, MSN NE-BC

Director Cardiovascular Services

Over 25 years of cardiology experience from bedside nursing to managing the CCU, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cardiac Cath Lab and Electrophysiology, Outpatient Diagnostic Services, and Heart Failure.

Ginny Beckenhaupt, RN, BSN

VAD Program Coordinator

Over 30 years of cardiology experience including CCU, Open Heart Recovery, Cardiovascular Step Down, Cath Lab and private practice. Positions held include staff nurse, manager and nurse clinician.

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  • Contact Us

    For more information, contact the VAD Program at
    (513) 584-HART (4278).

  • The HeartMate II is the newest FDA-approved left ventricular assist device offering long-term support for patients ineligible or waiting for cardiac transplant. This device provides circulatory support for a broad range of advanced heart failure conditions, while offering patients improved survival and quality of life.

    Read the VAD Fact Sheet

    Mission

    At the UC Cardiovascular Institute, our mission is to deliver innovative heart disease management options directly to our patients to help them meet their optimum level of health as quickly as possible.

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