Dr. Hartmuth B. Bittner MD, Ph.D., FACS

Expert Publications

• Right ventricular dysfunction after cardiac transplantation: primarily related to status of donor heart.
• Surgical resection of an intracardiac rhabdomyoma.
• Hyperacute rejection in single lung transplantation--case report of successful management by means of plasmapheresis and antithymocyte globulin treatment.
• Coronary artery spasm and ventricular fibrillation after off-pump coronary surgery.
• Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with AIDS, acute myocardial infarction, and severe left main coronary artery disease.
• Effects of the Berlin Heart biventricular assist device on microvascular responses in pre-transplant patients.
• Assessment of immunosuppressive drug interactions: inhibition of lymphocyte function in peripheral human blood.
• C0h/C2h monitoring of the pharmacodynamics of cyclosporin plus mycophenolate mofetil in human heart transplant recipients.
• On-pump beating heart versus off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery-evidence of pump-induced myocardial injury.
• Successful management of two heart transplant recipients with mycobacterial pulmonary infections.
• Skin microcirculation and laser Doppler blood flow in patients supported by the Berlin heart biventricular assist device.
• Aprotinin decreases reperfusion injury and allograft dysfunction in clinical lung transplantation.
• Pharmacodynamic monitoring of the conversion of cyclosporine to tacrolimus in heart and lung transplant recipients.
• Coronary artery spasm of the native right coronary artery during off-pump coronary surgery of the left coronary artery system.
• Swan-Ganz catheter-induced severe complications in cardiac surgery: right ventricular perforation, knotting, and rupture of a pulmonary artery.

Media Releases

A Leader in Minimally Invasive Heart Procedures, Dr. Bittner Brings Over Three Decades of Experience to the Field

The Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute is proud to highlight the remarkable contributions of its president and founder, Hartmuth B. Bittner, MD, Ph.D., FACS, a leading figure in cardiothoracic surgery. With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Bittner is recognized as one of the top heart surgeons in the United States, specializing in minimally invasive procedures for high-risk and advanced-stage patients suffering from various cardiothoracic diseases. 

Dr. Bittner’s expertise encompasses a wide array of critical procedures, including coronary bypass surgeries, heart and lung transplants, and advanced valve repair and replacement surgeries. His innovative approach also includes catheter-based aortic and mitral valve interventions, providing patients with safer and less invasive options for treatment.

In addition to his clinical role at the Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute, Dr. Bittner serves as an Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. His academic involvement ensures that he remains at the forefront of surgical education and innovation, further contributing to the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

Dr. Bittner’s journey in medicine began in Germany, where he served as a diplomat, dissertation researcher, and cardiovascular researcher at the National Academy of Sports Sciences in Cologne in 1982. His passion for biology and medicine led him to enroll at Heidelberg University School of Medicine, earning his Medical Degree in 1989. His dedication to education continued as he served as a visiting anatomy lecturer at Harvard Medical School, sharing his extensive knowledge with future medical professionals.

After relocating to the United States, Dr. Bittner completed a residency and fellowship in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery at Duke University Medical Center in 1999. His career progressed as he took on an assistant professor role at the University of Minnesota, where he remained until 2002. Subsequently, he established and directed the thoracic transplant program at the Heart Center of the University of Leipzig in Germany, where he focused on minimally invasive cardiac surgery and advanced techniques for cardiac operations.

In 2012, Dr. Bittner returned to the United States, where he served as the director of heart and lung transplantation and mechanical circulatory support at AdventHealth Orlando. His commitment to patient care led him to accept the position of director of heart failure surgery at Largo Medical Center in 2016, followed by the director of cardiothoracic surgery in 2017, culminating in the establishment of the Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute in 2015.

Dr. Bittner is a Diplomate of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society for Thoracic Surgeons, the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, the International Society for Minimally-Invasive Surgery, the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Florida Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, the Sabiston Surgical Society at Duke University Medical Center, and the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, underscoring his dedication to maintaining the highest standards in surgical practice.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bittner has balanced his academic commitments with significant research contributions to the field. His work has resulted in numerous publications and presentations at both domestic and international events, where he has addressed critical topics such as therapeutic drug monitoring and thoracic transplantation donor options.

When he is not shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery, Dr. Bittner enjoys spending quality time with his family and engaging in recreational activities like tennis and golf.

Reflecting on his accomplished career, Dr. Bittner attributes his success to hard work, perseverance, and the meaningful interactions he has with patients and their families. Looking ahead, he is committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences while expanding his team to continue providing exceptional care at the Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute.

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