Kathryn O'Keefe, MD, surgical director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support and LVAD Program, has advanced the Heart Failure program at TriHealth, most significantly with the addition of the left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgical procedure to treat patients with advanced heart failure. This procedure implants a device in the left ventricle to assist with weakened heart pumps. Dr. O’Keefe recently completed training at the Cleveland Clinic to obtain additional experience in this important advancement to ensure that TriHealth is at the forefront of heart care in offering patients a comprehensive, high-quality program. The collaborative effort necessary for successful advanced heart procedures is exactly what inspired Dr. O’Keefe to pursue the medical profession, namely surgery, during her medical school training. She enjoys partnering with other providers to work toward a common focus - the patient’s health.
As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. O'Keefe specializes in:
As the director of the ECMO program, Dr. O’Keefe leads others at TriHealth in the treatment of patients with cardiac shock and lung failure. She utilizes minimally invasive surgical procedures when appropriate, using small incisions to allow patients a quicker, easier recovery. She is advancing the entire profession by teaching and training other surgeons across the country in atrial fibrillation surgery.
Awarded during her residency for excellence in practice, ethics and integrity, Dr. O'Keefe understands the great responsibility patients and their families place in her hands. She wants to build an environment of trust and open communication with her patients and enjoys seeing them progress toward better health.
Dr. O'Keefe promotes regular exercise, a healthy diet and a moderate lifestyle to her patients as keys for a healthier life. In her free time, she enjoys needlepoint, quilting, gardening and rooting on the Cincinnati Reds.