Physicians

Marc W. Gerdisch, M.D., is an innovator in cardiovascular surgery and the chief of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the St. Francis Heart Center, a partner of Cardiac Surgery Associates and the surgical director of the Heart Valve Center and Atrial Fibrillation Center at Franciscan St. Francis Health .

Dr. Gerdisch, who specializes in complex heart valve surgery, is clinical assistant professor of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.

During the last 19 years, Dr. Gerdisch has contributed to advancements in cardiac surgery, being one of the first to perform many less invasive and innovative procedures. He presents nationally and internationally on novel heart valve repair techniques and cardiac tissue regrowth. Preserving and reconstructing cardiac architecture and function are the focus of Dr. Gerdisch's practice. He is participating in ongoing research in next-generation heart valves and cardiac tissue regeneration.

• In 2013, Dr. Gerdisch was the first surgeon in the United States to implant the On-X® Aortic Prosthetic Valve with Anatomic Sewing Ring. The innovative valve is the only mechanical valve that matches the contour of the heart.
• From 2007 to 2013, Dr. Gerdisch has been a leading surgeon in the PROACT trial, which may soon offer patients an option of lower anticoagulation with the On-X mechanical heart valve. He will be presenting results internationally this year. 
•  Atrial fibrillation commonly occurs in patients with heart valve disease and Dr. Gerdisch serves on the national educational steering committee to train surgeons in the use of the device and technique approved by the FDA for treating atrial fibrillation.
• In 2011, Dr. Gerdisch was the first cardiovascular surgeon in the United States to use CARDIOROOT to replace the aorta in a critically ill patient. He also performed the first surgery in the country using a new device, the Contour 3DTM Annuloplasty Ring, which restores the shape of a tricuspid heart valve.
•  In 2007, Dr. Gerdisch was first in the world to apply the ECM bio-scaffold patch inside the heart, repairing a congenital defect. In 2008, he was first in the world to use the ECM technology in patients with damaged heart valves. He has ongoing research directed at allowing regeneration of an entire heart valve.
• Dr. Gerdisch was honored for his work and named a “Health Care Hero” by the Indianapolis Business Journal in 2010. Dr. Gerdisch has been named to America’s Top Doctor by Castle Connelly (2006-2012) and received the Excellence in Health Science Research Award at the annual Tony and Mary Hulman Health Achievement Awards.
  
  Dr. Gerdisch earned his medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Ill., where he also completed his residency and fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Dr. Gerdisch had post-doctoral training at various institutions in the United States and abroad.
  
  Dr. Gerdisch is an independent physician, who chooses to practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health and has several professional memberships and has been widely published in medical journals and publications. He has presented nationally and internationally on new technology in cardiac surgery and surgical treatment of heart disease.