Dr. Marc Gerdisch - Heart Surgeon

Hello! My name is Dr. Marc Gerdisch and I am a heart surgeon having graduated from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in 1987. To date, I have performed approximately 3,500 cardiac surgeries, of which 1,500 involved heart valve procedures. I perform surgery at hospitals including Franciscan St. Francis Health, St. Francis Heart Valve Center, St. Francis Heart Center.

"Dr. Marc Gerdisch is the most wonderful and caring heart surgeon. I can say that because this was my 2nd heart surgery. Dr. Gerdisch and his staff treated me and my family like family. He truly has a great love for what he does and his patients. Thank you Dr. Gerdisch for making my life better."

"As I approach the one year anniversary of my surgery to repair a diseased aortic valve I am reminded of a number of things. The first is that I am blest with each new day and thankful to God for the ongoing enjoyment of life. Along the way however, from the very first realization that I had a problem, to the understanding of the extent of the damage to my valve, to replacing the valve, to today when I feel so blessed, there are many who have contributed to the success.

Chief among those would be Dr. Marc Gerdisch of Franciscan St. Francis Health and his team for the fine job on removing my damaged aortic valve and replacing it with the On-X valve. The great surgical skill that was displayed during the surgery, further evidenced during my recovery and the manner which my incision has healed are evidence of the great care taken throughout the procedure. The healing of my incision has left me with essentially no lingering effects, neither physical nor cosmetic. For this I am very thankful.

The skill of Dr. Gerdisch was not relegated to surgery alone. The pre and post operative care was just that, concerned care. Dr. Gerdisch is a care giver fully aware of the trust that I sought in my surgeon at such a critical time when life seemed so frail and fragile. That trust was never violated and has only grown as my vitality has increased. This entire experience bodes well for an active life for many years.

The caring spirit of Dr. Gerdisch would have been welcome anywhere. However, as a part of the excellent care and service of the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center, the expression of competence and care I received was seamless. A totally curative environment and experience. "

"After losing confidence in my own cardiac team in KY, I began a search for a better surgeon. Research led me to Dr. Marc Gerdisch, an acclaimed heart valve surgeon in Indianapolis. I reached out to him and he personally contacted me within hours. All of my questions were answered before and after my mitral valve repair. I owe my outstanding recovery and current health to him. I haven’t felt this healthy in 15 years!"

"Dr. Marc Gerdisch’s bedside manner was impeccable. All of my questions were answered before and after my mitral valve repair.

I haven’t felt this healthy in 15 years! I feel youthful and energetic. I feel like I have my life back but even better than before."

"On November 7, 2009, I became one of Dr. Gerdisch's patients. Dr. Gerdisch evaluated me and immediately realized that unless I had immediate surgical intervention that my life was at great risk. I had no idea that I was in atrial fibrillation and heart failure. On November 9, Dr. Gerdisch repaired my mitral valve, replaced my aortic valve and performed the Maze procedure. I know that Dr. Gerdisch through his training, expertise, talent, concern and compassion saved my life. Dr. Gerdisch also cared for my family both pre and post operation in that he patiently explained the surgical procedure to them, answered their many questions, and reported to them immediately after the operation concluded. My operation has been a complete success and my family and I will be forever grateful. "

"Dr. Marc Gerdisch was an amazingly gifted surgeon. Doctor Gerdisch was able to not only explain to me what valve I needed but also got my insurance company to understand the new valves. He actually gave me his personal cell number while I was fighting with the insurance company. Doctor Gerdisch saved my life and got me back to my normal life."

My cardiac specialties include:

• Mitral valve repair and reconstruction
• Aortic valve and root surgery
• Complex multi-valve and redo operations

Relative to heart valve surgery, I have the following clinical interests:

• Cardiac tissue regeneration
• Next generation heart valves
• Atrial Fibrillation

"I believe my greatest strength as a heart surgeon is my relationships with my partners, associates, staff and patients. During the past several years, my practice has become 90% valve surgery. I have developed a specialized set of operative skills that allow me to reconstruct the heart. My creativity coupled with an understanding of the inter-dependence of the heart structures has directed my unique experience as an individual surgeon. Returning someone to their life is an incredible experience that I share with my entire team and the patient. Perhaps beyond my surgical expertise, my greatest strength is my central role in developing a program with a pervasive theme of excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease. I have the luxury and my patients have the benefit, of being part of a process based on excellent communication and partnership among some of the finest health care professionals working in cardiac care. My practice spans from minimally invasive valve procedures to complex multi-valve operations in patients with advanced disease. Preserving and restoring cardiac architecture and function is my highest priority. I have had the good fortune to participate in trials and research that have enhanced our ability to achieve these goals. We currently have studies on-going with next generation heart valves, treatment of atrial fibrillation and the use of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) in tissue reconstruction. In 2007, we were the first in the world to use the ECM bio-scaffold to rebuild or replace cardiac tissue and in 2008 we performed the first operations using ECM in patients with valve disease. In the lab, we are evaluating mechanisms for cardiac tissue re-growth that we hope will have a profound impact on the future. My team and I deliver the care we would want for our own family. Our patients know our commitment, and our greatest reward is their health and life-long friendship."

Dr. Marc Gerdisch, heart surgeon, graduated from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in 1987.

Dr. Marc Gerdisch is the Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at St. Francis Heart Center and the Surgical Director of the Heart Valve Center at Franciscan St. Francis Health. Dr. Marc Gerdisch is an independent physician with Cardiac Surgery Associates, who chooses to practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

I have relationships with several insurance providers including:

• Medical and surgical procedures conducted at the St. Francis Heart Center, the St. Francis Heart Valve Center or other St. Francis Health facilities are covered by most major medical insurance. Please view http://www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=101

The office of Dr. Marc Gerdisch is located at:

Franciscan St. Francis Health
5255 East Stop 11 Road
Indianapolis, IN 46237
(866) 306-6530

A map of our clinic is provided below.