CHRIAS

What CHRIAS does

CHRIAS (Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery) is an independent, physician-owned surgical practice founded in 1998 and headquartered in Newark, Delaware. The practice employs eight board-certified surgeons — co-founders Dr. Isaias Irgau and Dr. Gail M. Wynn, Vice-President Dr. Michael Peters Jr., and surgeons Dr. Rahul Singh, Dr. Sachin Vaid, Dr. Ellen Pekar, Dr. Donovan Hui, and Dr. Shreya Jammula — supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes an endocrinologist, psychologist, nutritionist, and exercise physiologist. CHRIAS operates four clinic locations across Delaware (Apex Medical Center in Newark, Downtown Wilmington, Dover, and the American Surgery Center in Wilmington) and performs procedures at three affiliated hospital systems (Christiana Care Health Systems, Saint Francis Health Care, and Bayhealth Medical Center), with the American Surgery Center designated as a Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery.

The practice's core offering is bariatric and metabolic surgery — gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band (LAP-BAND), and FDA-approved non-surgical options (Orbera Gastric Balloon, AspireAssist) — augmented by a broad general and specialty surgery portfolio that includes hernia repair, gallbladder surgery (including single-site cholecystectomy), colorectal surgery (including TAMIS for rectal tumors), cancer surgery, anti-reflux surgery, spleen surgery, and cancer screening. Procedures are executed using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques. The practice holds MBSAQIP accreditation, Blue Distinction Center+ status, and Aetna Institute of Quality recognition, and reports documented outcomes including 83.8% type-2 diabetes resolution after gastric bypass and 66%+ excess weight loss in 85% of gastric bypass patients.

Revenue is generated through insurance reimbursement from major payors (Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, Humana, United Health Care), supplemented by self-pay patients and Prosper Healthcare Lending financing. Patient acquisition runs through a seminar-driven field-sales motion (free community weight-loss seminars, physician referrals, insurance pre-approvals, and self-referrals) followed by consultations at CHRIAS clinics and surgical procedures at affiliated hospitals or the American Surgery Center. Post-operative support groups, nutrition counseling, and longitudinal follow-up round out a high-touch care model designed to retain patients across a multi-year relationship.

Name

CHRIAS

Legal name

Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery

Website

https://chrias.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CHRIAS is an independent Delaware-based surgical practice founded in 1998, employing eight board-certified surgeons who deliver bariatric, general, colorectal, and cancer surgery across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey via three hospital affiliations and a Center of Excellence ambulatory surgery center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Newark

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Bariatric/Weight Loss Surgery: Surgical weight loss procedures including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding. Revenue generated through insurance reimbursement, Medicare/Medicaid, and self-pay options. Many health plans including Medicare cover bariatric surgery costs.
2. General and Specialty Surgery: Advanced surgical procedures including cancer surgery, colorectal surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, spleen surgery, and anti-reflux surgery. Revenue generated through standard surgical reimbursement from insurance providers.
3. Non-Surgical Weight Loss: Non-surgical options including Orbera Gastric Balloon and AspireAssist devices. Patients pay for procedure and associated coaching programs.
4. Financing Programs: Partnership with Prosper Healthcare Lending for patient financing. CHRIAS facilitates third-party financing for patients without insurance coverage or those paying out of pocket.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CHRIAS (Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery) is a multi-specialty surgical practice delivering bariatric/weight loss procedures (Gastric Bypass, Gastric Band/LAP-BAND, Gastric Sleeve) and non-surgical weight loss options (Orbera Gastric Balloon, AspireAssist), alongside advanced general surgery services including cancer, colorectal, hernia, gallbladder, spleen, and anti-reflux procedures. The practice uses minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques, supported by a multidisciplinary team (endocrinologist, psychologist, nutritionist, exercise physiologist), and provides integrated preoperative evaluation, lifelong follow-up care, support groups, and educational seminars.

Product overview

CHRIAS (Christiana Institute of Advanced Surgery) is a multi-specialty surgical practice offering a comprehensive portfolio of bariatric/weight loss procedures and advanced surgical services. The core offerings include surgical weight loss options (Gastric Bypass, Gastric Band/LAP-BAND, Gastric Sleeve) and non-surgical alternatives (Orbera Gastric Balloon, AspireAssist). Surgical services span general surgery, cancer surgery, colorectal/colon surgery, gallbladder surgery, hernia repair, spleen surgery, and anti-reflux surgery. All procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopic and robotic surgery approaches. The practice provides integrated patient support through screening services, educational seminars, and support groups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gastric Bypass Surgery Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure that divides the stomach and creates a Y-shaped limb, bypassing a portion of the small intestine to reduce calorie absorption. Offered to morbidly obese patients as a bariatric weight loss solution.
• Gastric Band Surgery (LAP-BAND) Adjustable silicone band placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch, restricting food intake with an adjustable port system. Offered to morbidly obese patients as an adjustable bariatric weight loss solution.
• Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) Laparoscopic procedure creating a small sleeve-shaped stomach (3-4 ounces capacity) without intestinal rerouting, reducing hunger and food intake. Offered to morbidly obese patients as a bariatric weight loss solution.
• Orbera Gastric Balloon FDA-approved non-surgical weight loss option using an intragastric balloon filled with saline, lasting up to one year with comprehensive lifestyle coaching included. Offered to patients with BMI 30-40 seeking non-surgical weight loss.
• AspireAssist FDA-approved non-surgical, reversible weight loss procedure allowing patients to remove approximately 30% of stomach contents before calorie absorption. Offered as a more affordable alternative to bariatric surgery for some patients.
• Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program Comprehensive medical weight loss program including nutritional counseling, behavioral modification, and exercise therapy guidance. Offered to patients seeking weight loss without surgical intervention.
• General Surgery Abdominal surgery including appendix removal, hernias, gallbladder, stomach and intestinal issues, performed laparoscopically or robotically. Offered to patients requiring general abdominal surgical procedures.
• Gallbladder Surgery Laparoscopic or robotic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), including single-site cholecystectomy through the belly button. Offered to patients with gallbladder disease.
• Hernia Repair Minimally invasive laparoscopic repair for groin/inguinal hernias and incisional/ventral hernias using small incisions and mesh patches. Offered to patients with hernia conditions.
• Cancer Surgery Surgical treatment for various cancers using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Offered to cancer patients requiring surgical intervention.
• Colorectal/Colon Surgery Treatment of colon, rectum and anus disorders including cancer, using laparoscopic or robotic techniques by colorectal specialist Dr. Sachin Vaid. Offered to patients with colorectal conditions including cancer, IBD, and anorectal disease.
• Spleen Surgery (Splenectomy) Laparoscopic spleen removal for conditions including ITP, hemolytic anemia, and certain cancers. Offered to patients with conditions requiring splenectomy.
• Anti-Reflux Surgery (GERD Treatment) Minimally invasive laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when medications are ineffective. Offered to patients with severe GERD.
• Cancer Screening Genetic cancer testing, mammograms, MRI, and stereotactic biopsies offered at Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. Offered to patients seeking cancer screening services.
• Colorectal Screening Colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, fecal occult blood tests, and virtual colonoscopies for early cancer detection. Offered to patients seeking colorectal cancer screening.

Quantifiable outcome

• 83.8% resolution of type 2 diabetes after gastric bypass
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The American Surgery CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmbulatory surgery center where multiple CHRIAS surgeons (Dr. Wynn, Dr. Vaid, Dr. Pekar, Dr. Singh) perform procedures. Dr. Irgau played a leading role in establishing Center Of Excellence designation here. One of few ambulatory surgery centers in the US with this designation.
• Christiana Care Health SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor hospital system where CHRIAS established Bariatric Surgery Program. Procedures performed at Christiana Hospital locations in Newark and Wilmington. Dr. Peters served as past Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery for Christiana Care.
• Saint Francis Health CarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHospital where CHRIAS established Bariatric Surgery Program. Dr. Wynn serves as Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Saint Francis Bariatric Surgery Center. One of Delaware's leading medical centers.
• Bayhealth Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelaware hospital where CHRIAS established Bariatric Surgery Program. Dr. Singh previously served as Medical Director for Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence until 2020.
• Helen F. Graham Cancer CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCancer center offering genetic cancer testing and screening tests including mammograms and MRI. CHRIAS refers patients for cancer screening services.
• PaychexminorOthersHR and payroll services provider used for employee management. Links provided for Paychex Flex, online registration, and access to pay stubs and W-2 forms.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bayhealth Weight Loss Surgery Center: Dover, Delaware-based bariatric surgery program within Bayhealth Medical Center, directly competing with CHRIAS for patients in Kent County and the southern Delaware market. CHRIAS surgeons previously held the Medical Director role there, evidencing direct overlap.
• ChristianaCare Bariatric Surgery Program: Hospital-based bariatric surgery program at ChristianaCare's Newark campus, where CHRIAS surgeons hold privileges and where Dr. Peters previously served as Medical Director. Operates in the same primary catchment as CHRIAS with overlapping surgeon talent.

Broad incumbents

• Penn Medicine Bariatric Surgery Program: Large academic bariatric and metabolic surgery program serving the greater Philadelphia and Mid-Atlantic region, overlapping CHRIAS's Pennsylvania market with a broader multi-disciplinary portfolio and brand recognition.
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Bariatric Surgery: Academic bariatric surgery program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, where CHRIAS surgeon Dr. Vaid holds a Clinical Associate Professor appointment. Competes for advanced minimally invasive and bariatric patients across the Mid-Atlantic.

Regional players

• Tower Health Reading Hospital Bariatric and Metabolic Institute: Regional bariatric surgery program in Reading, Pennsylvania, where CHRIAS surgeon Dr. Pekar completed her bariatric fellowship. Competes for bariatric patients in the Pennsylvania portion of CHRIAS's service area.
• Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center Bariatrics: Philadelphia-area bariatric surgery program serving the western Philadelphia suburbs, overlapping CHRIAS's Pennsylvania patient base with comparable minimally invasive and robotic surgery offerings.
• AtlantiCare Bariatric Surgery Center: Regional bariatric surgery program in southeastern New Jersey, operating within CHRIAS's stated Mid-Atlantic service region and competing for New Jersey bariatric patients.
• Geisinger Bariatric Surgery Program: Central Pennsylvania bariatric program where CHRIAS surgeon Dr. Jammula completed her general surgery training; serves the central PA market that overlaps with CHRIAS's Pennsylvania catchment.

Others

• Apollo Endosurgery (Orbera): Manufacturer of the Orbera intragastric balloon, one of CHRIAS's non-surgical weight-loss offerings. Relevant as a device-supplier peer shaping the competitive landscape for non-surgical bariatric options.

Emerging players

• Allurion Technologies: Developer of the Allurion gastric balloon, a competing non-surgical weight-loss device that targets the same patient segment as CHRIAS's Orbera program; a relevant emerging alternative in the practice's non-surgical portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/teamchrias
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCwXlYwqEd842gF50-HG8Jqg
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChriasDE

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CHRIAS