About Our Lead Doctor
Dr. Bittner is an advanced and highly experienced CVTS Duke University Medical Center trained surgeon. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures for cardiothoracic diseases with a focus on high-risk, advanced staged patients. Primarily, Dr. Bittner repairs and replaces mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves, performs surgeries to repair aortic aneurysms, restores arterial flow using off- and on-pump coronary bypass, and heart and lung transplantation. He is also the recipient of the Best in Medicine - Cardiothoracic Surgery for 2017 award by the American Health Council.
For 10 years, Dr. Bittner was the Professor of CV Surgery at the Heart Center of the University of Leipzig, Germany, one of the busiest and most modern facilities in the country. Dr. Bittner is board certified in general, cardiac, and thoracic surgery, and he has attained status as a Fellow of the American College of Surgery.

Procedures and Conditions
- Advanced Disease of the Heart and Lungs
- Heart and Lung Transplantation Aortic Surgery and Aneurysm Resection Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
- MAZE - Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Mitral and Aortic Valve
- Performs Surgeries to Repair Aortic Aneurysms
- Repairs and Replaces Mitral
- Restores Arterial Flow Using Off- and On-Pump Coronary Bypass
- Thoracic Surgery
- Tricuspid and Pulmonary Valves
- Valve Repair and Replacement
- VATS - Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Educational Background
- Medical School: University of Heidelberg Medical School in Heidelberg, Germany
- Internship: German Heart Institute in Berlin, Germany
- Residency: Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina
Delivering Quality Medical Service
Gulf Coast Cardiothoracic Surgery Institute (GCCSI) was formed in 2015 with the belief and professional commitment that the best cardiovascular surgical treatment occurs at the intersections of highly talented and experienced surgeons, leading-edge technology, and a philosophy of compassionate concern for our patients and their families. The surgeons and physician extenders of GCCSI are focused on providing a thorough presentation and discussion for our patients and families that highlight of all potential surgical alternatives with a focus on returning the patient to the best possible, quality of life.
How We Help Our Patients
The surgeons and staff of GCCSI is dedicated to providing two critical services to patients who require major surgical interventions. First, GCCSI is committed to providing excellent, state-of-the art technical interventions. As technology has advanced, so has our ability to provide more comprehensive surgical solutions for patients with serious cardiovascular disease. Of equal importance, GCCSI is committed to provide comprehensive information on the proposed surgical intervention as well as an understandable explanation of the benefits and risk of the procedure, so the patient and family can make a well-informed decision. We strive to maintain a focus on addressing the needs of the patient as a human being.
Unwavering Passion for Cardiovascular Health
Our company is extremely passionate about cardiovascular health. We go to great lengths to improve the ways we look at healing and prevent heart diseases.
Values We Uphold
Through the years, our solutions have been centered on our strong commitment to patient service and quality health care. We do our best to serve our clients with maintained dignity, unfaltering compassion, and continuing competence.
Explore Our Services
Learn more about how we can help you keep your heart and entire body healthy. You can browse our website and visit the Cardiovascular Health page to see what we can do for you.