Saverio La Francesca, MD
Principal Cardiothoracic Surgeon at TransMedics, Inc.- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Italian Native or bilingual proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Credentials
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TransMedics OCS Lung Transport System Certified
TransMedics, Inc.Sep, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
TransMedics OCS Heart Transport System Certified
TransMedics, Inc.Oct, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Active Medical License in the US (New York)
American Medical Association - NYS MedicineJan, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
XVivo “Ex-Vivo” Lung Perfusion System Certified (US)
Indiana University HealthJan, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
UNOS Primary Lung Transplant Surgeon
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)Jan, 2011- Nov, 2024 -
Vivoline “Ex-vivo” Lung Perfusion System Certified
Vivoline Medical in Lund, SwedenDec, 2010- Nov, 2024 -
Certified Implanting Surgeon - Medtronic TALENT Thoracic Stent Graft System
Texas Heart InstituteNov, 2010- Nov, 2024 -
XVivo “Ex-Vivo” Lung Perfusion System Certified
Toronto General Hospital, CanadaJan, 2010- Nov, 2024 -
UNOS Primary Heart Transplant Surgeon
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)Jan, 2009- Nov, 2024 -
Certified Implanting Surgeon - Jarvik 2000 Left Ventricular Assist Device
Cullen Cardiovascular Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal HospitalDec, 2002- Nov, 2024 -
Certified Implanting Surgeon - Novacor Left Ventricular Assist Device
Stanford University School of MedicineOct, 1994- Nov, 2024 -
Certified Implanting Surgeon, HeartMate Left Ventricular Assist Device
Cullen Cardiovascular Laboratories | Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal HospitalAug, 1992- Nov, 2024 -
Certified in Cardiovascular Surgery
Italian Board of Cardiovascular SurgeryJul, 1991- Nov, 2024 -
Active Medical Licensure in the EU
ItalyJan, 1991- Nov, 2024 -
Certified Heart Transplant Surgeon
Italian Ministry of HealthJan, 1991- Nov, 2024
Experience
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TransMedics, Inc.
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United States
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Medical Equipment Manufacturing
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100 - 200 Employee
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Principal Cardiothoracic Surgeon
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Sep 2021 - Present
TransMedics is a commercial-stage medical technology company transforming organ transplant therapy (lung, heart, and liver) for end-stage organ failure patients across multiple disease states using innovative technology that replicates many aspects of the organ’s natural living and functioning environment outside of the human body. • As the company’s leading surgeon in California (one of 6 nationally), driving organ procurement and transferring life from donor to transplant locations by attaching hearts and lungs to system hardware by hand, restarting their function, and maximizing viability and safe transport. • Helping end-stage organ failure patients to extend their lives through organ transplant technology and therapies for multiple disease states including heart failure, heart cancer, coronary artery blockage, valve disease, arrhythmia, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, Sarcoidosis, pulmonary hypertension, and bronchiectasis, and Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. • Leveraging an expansive professional network (US and globally) and managing relationships with transplant center surgeons, senior medical industry professionals, UNOS, and not-for-profit, regional organ procurement organizations (OPOs) that recover organs from deceased donors for transplantation throughout the US. • Leading approximately 100 surgical interventions each year (strategy, planning, briefing surgical/perfusion teams, directing preservation and transport processes, etc.). Show less
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Longitude Mobility
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United States
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Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
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Co-Founder & President
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Jun 2021 - Present
Founded on the premise that one unused potentially lifesaving organ is too many, Longitude Mobility is committed to modernizing and optimizing transportation logistics specific to donated human organs and tissue. ● Serving as Chief Medical Advisor and partnering with medical aviation companies to improve their capacity, competitiveness, operations, and services to better align with the realities and needs of recovery facilities, hospitals, and transplant centers and surgeons. ● Developing business/operational models, logistics strategies, growth plans, and supporting infrastructure frameworks, technologies, and requirements to increase and facilitate successful organ donation and transplant within a complex, highly regulated sector. ● Leading collaborations and strategic relationships with experts in the field of aviation and transplantation to drive the evolution of ground and flight operations to make organ and tissue transportation quicker, safer, seamless, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and more cost effective. ● Leveraging innovation and evolving technologies to disrupt conventional logistics models that limit the number of successful transplantation surgeries. Show less
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Stanford University School of Medicine
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
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May 2020 - Sep 2021
A leader in the biomedical revolution, Stanford University School of Medicine is a private medical school ranked fourth in the nation for research by US News & World, and part of Stanford Medicine (med.stanford.edu). • Contributed to a strong interdisciplinary clinical and research program and collaborated with general and thoracic surgery residency program with a focus on instructing residents in heart and lung transplantation, thoracic surgery, organ perfusion and preservation, regenerative medicine, and cardiac assist devices. • Oversaw organ procurement for the Thoracic Transplant Program, including organ transport and preservation systems. • Served as procurement surgeon for Lucile Packard Children hospital (Stanford University). • Analyzed and provided expertise, guidance, recommendations, and scientific support to research programs to promote continuous improvements in quality of procedures. • Drove the development of new medical techniques in thoracic transplantation in collaboration with fellow surgeons. Show less
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The Ohio State University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Assistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Feb 2019 - Apr 2020
A top 20 public university nationally, Ohio State operates a world-class academic medical center that offers integrated/traditional residency programs in Cardiothoracic surgery and intensive fellowships in cardiopulmonary transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and the surgical management of end-stage cardiopulmonary failure (medicine.osu.edu). • Partnered with the institution in analyzing faculty requirements, supervising work of medical and resident students, and providing instruction for all research and clinical surgery requirements. • Oversaw all aspects of organ procurement, logistics and preservation for the transplant program and drove the refinement of associated techniques through continuous research with fellow surgeons. • Collaborated in the development of residents in the fields of heart and lung transplants, thoracic surgery, regenerative medicine, and the implantation of ventricular assist devices. • Spearheaded streamlining of the center’s organ transportation logistics and established a committee that developed parameters for evaluating broker bids for transportation by ground and air (e.g., defining types of jets needed according to time sensitivity, determining mile range, factoring in avionics and degree of engine maintenance, risk mitigation, etc.). Show less
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Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, Inc.
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United States
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Biotechnology
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1 - 100 Employee
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President & Chief Medical Officer
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Mar 2017 - Oct 2017
Biostage (NASDAQ: BSTG) develops bioengineered organ implants to treat congenital defects, cancers, and life-threatening conditions of the esophagus, bronchus, and trachea (biostage.com). • Led all facets of the company, clinical enterprises, and technology advancement across multiple indications in complex regulatory environments.• Invented Cellframe™ technology and flagship implant product Cellspan™ (bioartificial esophagus) from ideation to world-first status and winning two NI Engineering Impact awards.• Owned strategic planning, financial governance, R&D, medical affairs, business development, manufacturing, growth/scaling, tech strategy, branding, partnering, stakeholder relations, board reporting, culture, HR, and KOL development with P&L responsibility. • Led capital raising using proficiency in investment offerings including traditional underwritten, PIPEs, RDOs, rights offerings, and ATM offerings.• Managed a $15M budget, 8 facilities, and 24 direct reports (VP Ops, Director Program Management, engineering and clinical associates, heads of Biomaterial/Biology/Stem Cell labs, and QA and Manufacturing managers). • Led advancement of the company's lead program (Cellspan esophageal implants) into human clinical trials.• Represented the company to medical/regulatory communities, CMOs, contract research facilities, surgeons, academia. biotech industry, and investors including investment banks and retail/large private investors.• Developed research protocols for large animal experiments approved by IRB committees and then developed clinical trials for expanded use and subsequent Phase 2 studies. • Secured partnerships with UT Health Houston, the Mayo Clinic, Connecticut Children's Hospital, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.• Managed FDA approval for an expanded use case that enabled the first human implant of a bioengineered esophagus and obtained orphan product designation from the FDA and European Medical Agency. Show less
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Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
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Aug 2015 - Mar 2017
• Similar to above role in terms of leading all aspects of a well-financed growth stage biotechnology company and owning strategy, direction and execution of clinical development plans but with slightly less focus on managing various programs.• Drove operational execution and excellence as flagship products transitioned to clinical development. • Managed material science and biology labs, new product development, and product design.• Orchestrated and managed clinical aspects of regulatory strategies and interactions with health authorities.• Designed studies and directed the analysis and interpretation of clinical trial data and the reporting of results. • Led interactions with academic thought leaders, technical consultants, media, investigators, cooperative groups, and clinical stakeholders.• Partnered with other senior leaders in developing and communicating overall corporate strategy.• Negotiated $14M of private investment. Show less
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Chief Medical Officer
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Apr 2014 - Jul 2015
• Recruited for unique skillset as a surgeon, researcher, and executive to lead programs, processes, corporate buildout, and go-to-market strategy for innovative technologies targeted to underserved patients.• Leveraged broad scientific and technical knowledge, extensive clinical experience, and unique 360° perspective as creator, customer, and leader to propel innovation, R&D process, and the development of second-generation bioengineered organ implant products, including a bioengineered esophagus and trachea. • Oversaw completion of preclinical work necessary for the commencement of clinical trials in the US and UK.• Led outreach and discussions with clinical leaders and specialized FDA law firms to identify key therapeutic indications.• Managed 5 direct reports, three facilities, and the company’s operating and R&D budgets with full autonomy.• Led business scaling, strategic partnering, and recruitment.• Instrumental in capital raising (traditional underwritten, PIPEs, RDOs, rights offerings, ATM offerings, etc.) and securing $5M of investment through Wall Street roadshows and presentations to investment banks, hedge funds, and private investors. Show less
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Houston Methodist
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United States
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Hospitals and Health Care
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700 & Above Employee
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Co-Director, Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion Laboratory - Houston Methodist Research Institute
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Sep 2011 - Dec 2013
With 20 core facilities and 100+ clinical trials underway, Houston Methodist’s Research Institute division empowers researchers with exceptional scientific technology to discover, develop, test and validate innovative drugs and devices for clinical application. • Built and co-led operations of the La Francesca-Sakamoto Laboratory within the Dept of Nanomedicine, a one-of-a-kind Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion/Ventilation laboratory with a clinical system (Vivoline) approved for human use in Europe, a custom-made pre-clinical version, and 2 large 3D organ bioreactors for decellularization/recellularization.• Directed R&D of technology to better assess, preserve, and prepare donor lungs considered marginal for transplantation, expand a limited donor pool, and reduce chronic shortages and the ever-growing number of end-stage respiratory failure patients on the waiting list. • Guided collaborations that minimized/mitigated complications and improved upon ≈20% of donor lungs deemed viable for transplantation and ≈40% rejected as suboptimal for transplant when they may have actually been suitable. • Enhanced processes for pre-conditioning of lungs to improve transplant potential: main research lines were organ ischemia-reperfusion injury, cell therapy with stem cells, ex-vivo organ gene therapy, and tissue engineering/regenerative medicine.• Invented a patented process for using stem cells to treat and improve lungs prior to transplant. • Developed surgical and perfusion techniques for thoracic organ procurement and preservation that delivered a ≈200% increase in the number of organs successfully recovered for transplant and significant improvements in post-transplant function. • Won a $250K US DOD/TATRC grant, secured a collaboration with UCLA, and earned funding for studies/research from Athersys, Mendez National Institute of Transplantation, Biostage, Miltenyi Biotec, and Harvest Technologies. Show less
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Attending Surgeon, DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center | Faculty Member, Dept of Cardiovascular Surgery
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Jul 2010 - Dec 2013
Globally recognized and consistently listed as “One of America's Best Hospitals" according to US News & World Report, Houston Methodist comprises 8 hospitals, an academic institute, 300+ locations, and a primary care group (www.houstonmethodist.org). With multiple locations across the Greater Houston area, its DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center sets international benchmarks by combining some of the nation's most highly respected experts in cardiology and heart surgery with the most advanced cardiac imaging and treatment options available. • Created the role of a Dedicated Procurement Surgeon that propelled the hospital to become the largest US center in lung transplantation overnight and increased its annual number of lung transplants from 50 to 143 (subsequently all major transplant centers eventually hired a dedicated surgeon specialized in organ procurement).• Planned, led, and directed patient care and heart procedures, surgeries, and cardiac interventions with final responsibility with focus on heart and lung transplants, aortic dissection, and aneurysm repair. • Supervised, trained, and taught fellows, residents, and nurses in areas including surgical and perfusion techniques, cardiac imaging and treatment, patient care, and thoracic organ procurement and preservation.• As a faculty member within the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, defined best practices and collaborated in approvals of fellows, residents, and medical equipment/devices. • Collaborated in building the Aortic Surgery Network: a program created to manage the workflow of patients affected by aortic dissection and aneurysm (complex acute and chronic diseases of the aorta). • Completed approximately 600 surgeries. Show less
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Director of Organ Procurement, Perfusion and Preservation - JC Walter Transplant Center
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Jul 2010 - Dec 2013
One of one of Houston Methodist’s six centers of excellence, the JC Walter Transplant Center is a world-leading transplant facility dedicated to providing outstanding care, resources, and support relating to organ/tissue transplant and advanced organ failure management. • Planned, improved, and led operations, strategies, programs, and protocols to optimize all aspects of heart and lung organ and tissue procurement and the processes by which they are kept viable after removal and before transplantation.• Led clinical management of organ donation and programs and protocols for gaining/verifying permission to recover organs.• Supervised a 3-person team.• Introduced Exvivo lung perfusion in Houston.• Perfected organ perfusion techniques in general and significantly streamlined processes involved with transporting donated organs by air. Show less
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)
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United States
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Hospitals and Health Care
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700 & Above Employee
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Associate Professor of Surgery, Dept of Surgery, Division of Immunology & Organ Transplantation
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Jun 2008 - Jun 2010
Located in the Texas Medical Center (one of the largest medical centers in the world) and consisting of more than 60 owned buildings, UTHealth Houston is one of the nation’s most comprehensive academic health centers, a health science university, and Texas’ resource for health care education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care (uth.edu). • Introduced, developed, and refined new medical procedures and techniques in organ perfusion and preservation within a UT facility that did not yet have a thoracic transplant program. • Contributed to a strong interdisciplinary clinical and research program in collaboration with fellow surgeons and the general surgery residency program. Show less
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The Texas Heart Institute
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United States
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Research Services
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100 - 200 Employee
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Attending Surgeon, Department of Cardiopulmonary Transplantation
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Jun 2008 - Jun 2010
Performing more than 10,000 diagnostic and therapeutic procedures annually, the Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center is one of the largest cardiovascular centers in the country and consistently ranked as one of the leading institutions in the country for cardiovascular care. Having completed more than 1,450 heart transplantations, THI’s transplant center is one of the largest in the world (www.texasheart.org). • Planned and performed cardiopulmonary transplantation (a life prolonging treatment for patients with end stage cardiac or respiratory failure) within a program directed by pioneer surgeon O. H. "Bud" Frazier. • Supervised, trained, and taught fellows, residents, and medical students in the latest techniques in cardiopulmonary transplantation and facilitated their gaining practical experience through guidance and direction. Show less
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Ospedale Sant’ Andrea (Sant’Andrea Hospital)
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Rome, Latium, Italy
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Associate Professor of Surgery, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
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Jan 2001 - Jun 2008
Ranked 55th on Newsweek’s 2022 World's Best Specialized Hospitals, Sant’Andrea Hospital is the teaching hospital of the Second Medicine Faculty of University “La Sapienza” in Rome and is renowned for being a hospital of reference for the study, diagnosis and treatment in emergency medicine (with emphasis on cardiovascular, neurovascular and nephro-urological) and surgery for high-complexity clinical technology (www.ospedalesantandrea.it). • Served as active surgeon and Director for both the hospital’s Mechanical Circulatory Support Program and the Cardiovascular Residency at The University of Rome. • Drove the development of new medical procedures and techniques in transplantation and aortic dissection/aneurysm. • Designed research projects for all surgical critical care programs and helped to establish and strengthen interdisciplinary clinical and research programs. • Led support of surgical services and partnered with the institution in analyzing faculty requirements, supervising work of all medical/resident students, providing instruction for all research and clinical surgery requirements, and recruiting/interviewing residents. • Prepared teaching programs for 100 undergraduates in areas including cardiovascular surgery, thoracic and general surgery, and emergency medicine. • As tasked by the Chairman, directed the hospital team and supervised construction of a state-of-the-art cardiac surgery facility in a newly acquired Hospital and served as superintendent (established OR, ICU, and regular floor layouts, specified hardware, and oversaw bids for all equipment ranging from locker rooms to OR instrumentation and beds). • Secured $240K in donations to purchase a Jarvik 2000 LVAD, negotiated contract, and led a team from Rome that trained in Houston. • Completed hundreds of surgeries. • Managed relations with hospital CEO, senior staff, board members, and vendors. Show less
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Policlinico Umberto I
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Italy
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Hospitals and Health Care
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700 & Above Employee
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Staff Member, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
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Jan 1991 - Jun 2001
The Policlinico Umberto I of Rome is the second largest public hospital in Italy and the polyclinic of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the Sapienza Università di Roma (policlinicoumberto1.it). • During this period, participated in a cardiovascular surgery residency program in the US (1991-1994) and was an active staff surgeon with on-call duties and responsibility for teaching residents while in Italy (7 years). • Completed various fellowships in Texas from 1991 to 1994: Cardiopulmonary Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Aortic Surgery. • Was trained by Denton Cooley, a world-famous heart surgeon who performed more operations than anyone else, practically invented the field, performed the first implantation of a total artificial heart, founded and served as surgeon in-chief of The Texas Heart Institute, and received the René Leriche Prize (highest honor of the International Surgical Society), the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the nation's highest civilian award), and the National Medal of Technology. • From 1991 to 1993, worked very closely with O. H. "Bud" Frazier, a world pioneer in the field of heart transplantation and assist devices who was best known for his work in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) of failing hearts using left ventricular assist devices (implanted the first long-term LVAD) and totally artificial hearts (first to replace a diseased heart with a continuous flow device). • Upon return from the US, led the acquisition of a Novacor LVAD and established/served as Director of the hospital’s LVAD and Mechanical Support Service programs. • Built an emergency response for the treatment of acute aortic conditions covering a large referral area in the region. • Introduced minimally invasive techniques and established protocols for the extracorporeal circulation of the lung transplant team in the Thoracic department. • Completed ≈3,000 surgeries. Show less
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Education
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Baylor College of Medicine
Fellowship, Aortic Surgery -
1993 - 1993
McGill University
Fellowship, Clinical/Research Lung Transplant -
Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital
Fellowship, Cardiovascular Surgery -
Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital
Fellowship, Cardiopulmonary Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support -
Texas Heart Institute
Fellowship, Cardiopulmonary Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support -
Sapienza Università di Roma
MD, Residency in Cardiovascular Surgery -
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
ECFMG Certification -
University of Palermo
Doctor of Medicine - MD, Medicine and Surgery -
Cornell University
Certificate in Financial Management
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