Avoid a Heart Attack
Cardiac Rehabilitation | Chest Pain Center
Electrophysiology Lab | Heart Attack Rapid Response Team
Heart Disease in Women | Vascular Services
Christian Hospital performed the first open-heart surgery in the St. Louis area in 1983. Today, more than 5,000 heart procedures are performed annually.
Christian Hospital exceeds all national and state best practice averages relating to Emergency Department care for heart attack and congestive heart failure.*
Our heart program offers:
- Multidisciplinary heart team available 24 hours a day
- More than 25 cardiologists on staff to provide the latest in treatment options
- Efficient and well-staffed Cardiac Catheterization Lab equipped with the latest technology
- A state-of-the-art Surgery Center with dedicated heart surgery suites and amenities designed with patients and families in mind
- A nationally recognized Intensive Care Unit with a team of critical care physicians and nurses
- A dedicated cardiac floor with specially trained nurses and therapists
- A Cardiac Wellness Center to help patients return to a full and active life after heart surgery
- Community education programs, lectures and screenings
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Our cardiothoracic surgeons have years of specialized training, and are experienced in performing the most complex surgical procedures. Our program is affiliated with the nationally renowned Washington University School of Medicine, bringing academic excellence to a community hospital setting.
Christian Hospital offers many outpatient diagnostic tests in a convenient environment for patients. Tests are conducted and reviewed by a team of specially trained health-care professionals and board-certified cardiologists.
Following diagnosis, our doctors and staff work with patients and their families to determine the best course of treatment. Often, cardiologists recommend non-surgical treatments such as medication and rehabilitation. In other cases, more invasive procedures such as balloon angioplasty or coronary stents may be used.
Key Surgeons
Christian Hospital's team of heart surgeons is specially trained and experienced in performing the most complex heart surgeries. They are active members in a number of professional associations and societies. Additionally, each participates in seminars and educational programs, which help keep them abreast of new developments and technologies. Collectively, they have been extensively published and have received many awards and honors. Here's a brief introduction to each surgeon.
Nabil Munfakh, MD
Dr. Munfakh is director of the cardiothoracic surgery program at Christian Hospital and is board-certified in surgery, thoracic surgery and medical examinations. He has a special interest in mitral valve repair, as well as expertise in esophageal surgery. Before joining the Christian Hospital medical staff in 2001, Dr. Munfakh practiced cardiothoracic surgery for eight years in New Orleans, Louisiana, and served as an associate professor at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Munfakh is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his surgical and cardiothoracic training at the University of Kentucky.
I-Wen Wang, MD, PhD
Dr. Wang completed his fellowship in cardiothoracic transplantation and ventricular assist device at Washington University School of Medicine, where he will be on the faculty of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He was a cardiothoracic resident at the University of Michigan Medical Center and served as chief resident in general surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
*U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
