ChristianaCare, local physicians to open outpatient heart surgery center in Newark

ChristianaCare, Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware and US Health Partners plan a new cardiovascular surgery center in Newark, expected to open in late 2027. (Photo courtesy of ChristianaCare.)

ChristianaCare, Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware and US Health Partners have announced a joint venture to develop a cardiovascular ambulatory surgery center in Newark, aimed at expanding access to same-day heart procedures.

The facility will be developed through ChristianaCare’s Atlas ambulatory surgery center partnership and is expected to open in late 2027. It will be located on the second floor of the HealthCare Center at Christiana, across from Christiana Hospital.

Officials said the center will focus on outpatient cardiovascular procedures, allowing some services traditionally performed in hospitals to be completed in a same-day setting.

“This is a pivotal moment showcasing the power of a local health system, strength of a national ASC management company, and expert community-based physicians working together to deliver a lower cost, easy-to-access model of care to our community.”

“The ChristianaCare Cardiovascular Surgery Center at Newark represents a deep partnership between ChristianaCare and community cardiovascular experts who are truly committed to caring for this region,” said Kert Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, chief physician executive and president of The Medical Group at ChristianaCare. “By working side by side with trusted community physicians, we are aligning expertise and decision making to strengthen heart care across the region and ensure it continues to evolve with the needs of the people we serve.”

“By expanding access to outpatient heart care, we can reduce wait times, improve the patient experience and lower the overall cost of care—while using our hospital resources more wisely and preserving capacity for patients who need complex or urgent cardiac services,” Anzilotti added.

“With over 30 years of providing cardiac care to Delaware residents, we are proud to collaborate on this center,” said Brian Sarter, M.D., president of Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware. “For patients, this is about getting the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Patients will receive specialized heart care in a focused setting designed for same-day procedures, with a smoother experience, faster recovery and seamless coordination with hospital care if it’s ever needed.”

“This joint venture brings together ChristianaCare and Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware’s strong clinical leadership and a proven outpatient care model,” said Aaron Snyder, M.D., chief executive officer of US Health Partners. “Our aim is to build and run a center that is efficient, reliable and patient-focused from day one, so physicians can focus on care and patients can count on a high-quality same-day experience close to home.”

Ambulatory surgery centers are designed to perform procedures outside of traditional hospital settings. Industry data indicates outpatient procedures in these centers can cost 30% to 40% less than those performed in hospitals, while allowing hospitals to focus resources on more complex or urgent cases.

The announcement comes as demand for cardiovascular care continues to grow. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Delaware, and the number of New Castle County residents age 65 and older is projected to increase by 23% by 2035, according to the Delaware Population Consortium.

Forecasts from healthcare analytics firm Sg2 estimate outpatient heart and vascular procedures could reach nearly 10,800 annually for New Castle County residents by 2029 and more than 24,000 across the broader region.

The planned 9,000-square-foot facility will include two cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs, along with pre- and post-procedure care areas and on-site support services. The project is estimated to cost $9.3 million and is expected to create 14 full-time jobs.

Officials said hospital-based cardiac care will continue for patients requiring emergency or more complex treatment, while the new center is intended to handle appropriate outpatient procedures such as diagnostic catheterizations, vascular interventions and device implantations.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.