Departmental Highlights Archive
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2022 Winter
This issue highlights the latest news and updates in clinical care, research, and education.
December 20, 2022
Ngan F. Huang receives 2022 CVI Recognition Award
The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute awarded the 2022 CVI Recognition Award to Ngan F. Huang, PhD, for her efforts in leading and providing educational opportunities for CVI members and active participation in numerous activities to strengthen the CVI community. Congrats, Dr. Huang!
December 15, 2022
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Publications 2022
We invite you to explore some of our 2022 publications from our community of faculty, residents, and fellows.
December 15, 2022
Stanford Health Care, Tri-Valley hospitals earn top honors from Leapfrog Group
A leader in U.S. hospital quality ratings has given Stanford Health Care and Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley top grades for safety. Stanford Health Care was also named a top teaching hospital.
December 6, 2022
Dr. Naruhito Watanabe promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is excited to congratulate Naruhito Watanabe, MD, PhD, for his promotion to Clinical Associate Professor. Dr. Watanabe practices at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and Sutter Medical Center Sacramento, specializing in pediatric and adult congenital cardiothoracic surgery.
December 5, 2022
Ngan F. Huang receives NSF BRITE Award
The National Science Foundation has awarded Ngan F. Huang, PhD, the Boosting Research Ideas for Transformative and Equitable Advances in Engineering (BRITE) Award to support research how the mechanical properties of the scaffolding structure influence endothelial phenotypic change.
December 1, 2022
Clinical evidence shows reduced costs and improved outcomes in heart transplantation
A new clinical study illustrates that Paragonix advanced cardiac preservation technology is correlated with a significant reduction in post-transplant complications and average hospital expenses compared to conventional ice storage. Dr. Yasuhiro Shudo is a co-author of the study.
November 23, 2022
Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Lung cancer screening with Dr. Natalie Lui
In collaboration with the American Cancer Society and the California Dialogue for their November 2022 #GetScreenedCA lung cancer screening campaign, Stanford Health Care thoracic surgeon Natalie Lui, MD, shares how getting screened early saved many of her patients.
November 15, 2022
Department research presented at American Heart Association’s 2022 Scientific Sessions
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery showcased its clinical and research expertise at the American Heart Association’s 2022 Scientific Sessions from November 5 to 7, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. The three-day hybrid meeting brought together leading physicians, scientists, cardiologists, advanced practice nurses, and allied healthcare professionals from around the world.
November 7, 2022
Novel findings on extracellular matrix stiffness effects on endothelial cells and role in atherosclerosis at a single-cell level
A recent study led by Stanford School of Medicine researchers suggests that extracellular matrix effects on the phenotypic modulation of endothelial cells play a critical role in atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the artery walls that can narrow arteries and block blood flow.
November 4, 2022
Dr. Elan Burton promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is pleased to extend its congratulations to Elan C. Burton, MD, MHA, for her promotion to Clinical Associate Professor, effective November 1, 2022.
November 3, 2022
Department training demonstration at 2022 STS Boot Camp
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery showcased its clinical expertise at the 2022 Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Boot Camp in Chicago, Illinois, from September 29 to October 2, 2022. The STS Boot Camp provides hands-on practice in basic cardiothoracic operating skills facilitated by cardiothoracic surgery leaders.
November 1, 2022
Stanford Heart Transplant: Exceptional Growth, Outcomes and Accomplishments
Stanford Health Care continues to distinguish itself as a national leader in heart transplants following the release of 2021 reports from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. The number of adult heart transplantations performed by the Heart Transplant Program team climbed into triple digits, while outcomes surpassed the national average.
October 25, 2022
Preschooler with Down syndrome recovers well from open-heart surgery
Nearly 50 percent of children with Down syndrome can have an atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole between the right and left atria at birth. For Emmett, his was too large and required the skills of Michael Ma, MD, and a multidisciplinary team at the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center to help repair his ASD in an open-heart surgery.
October 24, 2022
NICH Program gives parents of medically-complex baby wings to fly
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health supports families of babies with chronic health needs, including Xander, who was born with congenital heart disease. As an infant, he needed heart surgery from Michael Ma, MD, at the world-renowned Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center to help his heart perform better.
October 20, 2022
Stanford Lung Transplant Outcomes Continue to Improve as Volumes Increase
As a high-volume program with excellent outcomes, the Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Program at Stanford Health Care leads the nation in successful transplantation services. Stanford Medicine transplant specialists care for people with all types of advanced lung disease, from common to rare. The team specializes in transplanting high-risk candidates and treating patients who have been turned away from other centers.
October 18, 2022
Passing of renowned cardiovascular surgeon with deep Stanford ties, Dr. Hans Georg Borst
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is sad to announce the passing of Hans Georg Borst, MD, who died on September 8, 2022, at the age of 94. An internationally renowned and prominent cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Borst's work produced major contributions to the surgical advancements of thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections, and cardiac transplantation.
October 11, 2022
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2022 Summer
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery releases its summer issue of the quarterly newsletter! This issue highlights the latest news and updates in clinical care, research, and education. View online or PDF version.
October 6, 2022
Eligibility for lung cancer screening among women receiving breast cancer screening
In this retrospective study published in JAMA, Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery researchers examined how many women with smoking histories seen at Stanford for mammogram screening were also eligible for low-dose CT lung screening. The study was highlighted in Health Imaging and QuadShot News.
October 5, 2022
Embryologic origin influences smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation in Marfan syndrome
Researchers from the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery recently published their findings looking at how embryologic origin influences smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation signatures in Marfan syndrome. Michael Fischbein, MD, PhD, is the paper's senior author.
October 5, 2022
Passing of Renowned Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Randall B. Griepp
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is sad to announce the passing of Randall B. Griepp, MD, who died on Sept. 8, 2022, at the age of 82. Dr. Griepp was a world renowned cardiovascular surgeon whose clinical and research contributions advanced the surgical treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, and heart transplantation. A pioneering surgeon and researcher, Dr. Griepp’s laboratory and clinical efforts concerning brain and spinal cord protection led to major advances in the field.
October 4, 2022
A value-based approach to optimize red blood cell transfusion in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
In this retrospective study, Stanford Medicine researchers review RBC blood product utilization in ECMO patients using data from its institutional ECMO database. The team collaborated with hospital quality administration to establish optimal transfusion criteria and protocols for patients supported with ECMO.
September 23, 2022
Micropreemie Survives Lifesaving Heart Surgery for Rare Fetal Heart Tumor
Angelina Anna Torres-Valencia was born at 26 weeks and three days, weighing around 2 pounds. On the operating table, her mother, Amanda, was surrounded by a large team of doctors, ready to act quickly to support her and to save her baby’s life. The cesarean birth went without a hitch, but Angelina needed immediate life support. The neonatal critical care team acted fast to perform CPR to save her life and transfer her to Dr. Michael Ma, who was waiting in the operating room next door.
September 22, 2022
A novel metabolic pathway to treat heart failure
In a recent study published in the European Heart Journal, Ioannis Karakikes, PhD, and colleagues created heart cells from patients’ skin to model the disease in the lab. Using these patient 'avatars,' the investigators had direct access to the heart tissue without requiring invasive experiments in patients. They then grew those cells in the lab and established a new screening platform to identify drugs that can treat the disease.
September 19, 2022
Virtual surgical skills training in Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery recently published a report describing the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery’s approach to a virtual curriculum for its Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship over the past few years.
September 16, 2022
Department clinical research expertise showcased at 5th North American AVRS Symposium
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery showcased its clinical and research expertise at the 5th North American Aortic Valve Repair Symposium in September of 2022. Michael Fischbein, MD, PhD, was an invited speaker for the event. See the AVRS Symposium program.
September 15, 2022
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Celebrates Women in Medicine Luncheon
September marks the American Medical Association’s Women in Medicine Month—an annual celebration of women physicians, residents, and trainees. This inspired the DEI Staff Committee to organize the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Celebrates Women in Medicine Luncheon in appreciation of the women in medicine who have paved the way for future leaders in cardiothoracic surgery.
September 1, 2022
Stanford Hospital named among top ten for cardiology and heart surgery
In a recent news release, Stanford Health Care was ranked among the top ten hospitals in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report for cardiology and heart surgery, according to the 2022-2023 Best Hospitals rankings.
August 30, 2022
Pig to human heart transplants are the future. Are we ready for it?
Xenotransplantation promises to solve organ shortage and to reshape how we think about human longevity, but also raises a host of question. Clinical Assistant Professor Brandon Guenthart, MD, is highlighted in this article as he performs a human-to-human heart transplant.
August 4, 2022
NIH grant renewal supports Fischbein Lab with research opportunities in aortic aneurysm development
Michael Fischbein, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, recently received a four-year grant renewal from NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to study aortic aneurysm development in patients with Marfan syndrome and other genetic connective tissue disorders.
August 4, 2022
Dr. Natalie Liu appointed as Associate Medical Director for Surgical Services
Natalie Lui, MD, will be appointed Associate Medical Director for Surgical Services as part of the cancer destination service line (DSL) at Stanford Health Care. This position recognizes the need for dedicated surgical leadership on key issues such as clinical care, quality, operations, and strategy. Dr. Lui will work collaboratively with cancer DSL leadership and key stakeholders throughout Stanford Medicine to ensure a robust and consistent representation of surgical oncology.
August 2, 2022
Department welcomes four new clinical faculty
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is excited to welcome four clinical faculty to the department. Please join us in welcoming Drs. Irmina Elliott, Brandon Guenthart, and Yihan Lin, who will join as Clinical Assistant Professors, and Dr. Pierre Theodore as Clinical Associate Professor.
August 1, 2022
New residents and fellows join department starting summer 2022
We are excited to welcome the newest residents and fellows to the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery! Please welcome Drs. Ioana Baiu, Kelly Higa, Hannah McMullen, Alexander Reed, and Matthew Wingo. Read about our residents and fellows.
August 1, 2022
Study supports the first automated chest tube clearance system for cardiac surgery
A study led by PI Jack Boyd, MD, shows that the Centese Thoraguard chest tube system is a viable option for surgical chest drainage and effective when used in routine cardiac surgery operations.
July 26, 2022
Stanford Health Care ranked in top 10 by U.S. News & World Report
For eighth year running, U.S. News & World Report ranks Stanford Health Care one of the nation’s highest-rated hospitals.
July 26, 2022
Assessing bias in patient safety reporting systems
Stanford researchers, including Elan Burton, MD, MHA, examined whether bias exists in patient safety reporting systems based on demographic characteristics of physicians who are the subject of the event report.
July 18, 2022
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2022 Spring
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery releases its spring issue of the quarterly newsletter! This issue highlights the latest news and updates in clinical care, research, and education. View online or PDF version.
July 14, 2022
Department celebrates graduating cardiothoracic surgery fellows and resident
Earlier this month, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery celebrated five individuals who completed the Traditional Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship and Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgical Training Program. Congratulations to our trainees!
June 22, 2022
Stanford's successful heart transplantation using COVID-19 positive donor
A team of heart surgeons and health care specialists from the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery recently performed their first reported heart transplant on a patient using a COVID-19 positive donor.
June 21, 2022
For the Third Consecutive Year: ‘U.S. News & World Report’ Names Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Among Top 10 Children’s Hospitals in the Nation
The rankings place Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as the top children’s hospital in Northern California and include it on the Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll, a designation awarded to pediatric centers that deliver exceptionally high-quality care across multiple specialties. In addition, the 2022–23 survey once again announced state and regional rankings; Packard Children’s Hospital ranked second among all Pacific-region and California children’s hospitals.
June 14, 2022
Faculty Spotlight: Leah Backhus, MD, MPH
In this Faculty Spotlight, Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, highlights the importance of mentorship, experience in research and leadership, and opportunities for underrepresented surgeons.
June 9, 2022
Dr. Leah Backhus named 2022-2023 ELAM Executive Leadership in Health Care Fellow
The Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® (ELAM) Program for Women at Drexel University College of Medicine has selected Leah Backhus, MD, to its 2022-2023 Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH), a program is designed for senior-level women leaders interested in advancing in hospitals and healthcare systems to positions such as CEO, CMO, CNO and CFO. Congrats, Dr. Backhus!
June 1, 2022
Oscar Abilez receives Andrew Olson Scientific Image Award Honorable Mention for "Heart Star"
Oscar Abilez, MD, PhD, Senior Research Scientist in the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, was among the ten recipients whose art images were selected as winners of the inaugural Andrew Olson Scientific Image Awards, presented by the Neuroscience Microscopy Service (NMS) and sponsored by the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and Carl Zeiss.
May 25, 2022
Department clinical and research expertise showcased at ISHLT 42nd Annual Meeting
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery showcased its clinical and research expertise at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions in Boston, Massachusetts, from April 27-30, 2022. ISHLT is a leading organization providing education for medical professionals involved in caring for and treating patients with advanced heart or lung disease.
May 24, 2022
Demystifying egg freezing in medicine
For women in demanding careers, the opportunity to freeze one's eggs can be life-changing. Cardiothoracic surgery fellow Ioana Baiu, MD, shares her experience in this post.
May 23, 2022
Tech News: Intraoperative Molecular Imaging: The Next Frontier in Thoracic Surgical Oncology
By Natalie S. Lui, MD, from Stanford University School of Medicine in California; and Sunil Singhal, MD, from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia
Intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) is a promising technology with several potential applications in thoracic surgical oncology.
May 19, 2022
Dr. Leah Backhus captained the Cardinal Chest Cutters, the top fundraising team for the 2022 TSF 5K Fun Run
"I’m always proud to see how enthusiastically the STS community participates in this event,” said STS Immediate Past President Sean C. Grondin, MD, MPH, FRCSC. "It shows their commitment to the community, to supporting the specialty, and to literally 'walking the walk' when it comes to cardiovascular health."
May 19, 2022
Kiah Williams receives WTS Thistlethwaite Scholarship and Dartmouth National Implementation Science Scholarship
Kiah Williams, MD, a cardiothoracic surgery resident in the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, was recently awarded the 2022 Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) Thistlethwaite Scholarship and Dartmouth National Implementation Science Scholarship. Congrats, Kiah!
May 19, 2022
Department clinical and research expertise showcased at AATS 102nd Annual Meeting
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery showcased its clinical and research expertise at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 102nd Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, from May 14 - 17, 2022. The in-person event was an opportunity to bring surgeons back together to learn about the latest ideas and perspectives in cardiothoracic surgery, reflecting this year’s meeting theme, "Innovation."
May 19, 2022
Stanford Health Care receives 2022 Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center award
The American Heart Association and the Mitral Foundation have recognized Stanford Health Care as a reference center for mitral valve repair surgery. Stanford Health Care was the first hospital in the West to receive the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center award, a collaborative recognition program of the AHA and Mitral Foundation. This is the third consecutive year that Stanford Health Care has achieved this recognition (2020, 2021, 2022) since the program launched in November of 2019.
May 17, 2022
Stanford named top state hospital for cardiac surgery in 2022 Healthgrades Award Ranking
The Cardiac Surgery specialty award recognizes hospitals with superior clinical outcomes in heart bypass surgery and heart valve surgery. The Cardiac Surgery specialty award is based on Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery and Valve Surgery.
May 16, 2022
Ngan F. Huang receives 2022 CVI Seed Grant Award
The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute has awarded Ngan F. Huang, PhD, the 2022 Seed Grant Award for the project, “Engineering protease-guided drug delivery to implanted stem cells for treatment of peripheral arterial disease.” Dr. Huang will serve as the principal investigator on the project, along with co-principal investigator Xiaojing Gao, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering.
May 13, 2022
Fellows Match Day 2022: Department welcomes two new cardiothoracic surgery fellows
On May 11, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomed two new fellows to the Traditional Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship. We are thrilled to have matched with Katherine (Kate) Giuliano Verde from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for the Adult Cardiac Surgery Track and Lillian Tsai from Emory University School of Medicine for the General Thoracic Track.
May 12, 2022
Toddler Takes on Jungle Gym After Life-Changing Heart Reconstruction
Highly specialized program offers exciting alternative for kids with single ventricle hearts
May 2, 2022
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2022
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery introduces its first quarterly newsletter! Each issue will highlight the latest news, patient stories, research developments, education updates, and publications reflecting our department’s mission in clinical care, research, and education. View online or the PDF version.
April 21, 2022
A Heart Ready for Anything
Frank Hanley, MD, and the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health hosted a donor event, “A Heart Ready for Anything,” on April 5 at Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. Attended by a number of patient families and supporters of the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center, the event featured three speakers who described innovative work happening at Packard Children’s Hospital. A graphic recorder was on hand to illustrate the points made during the presentations.
April 14, 2022
Faculty Spotlight: Ngan F. Huang, PhD
In this Faculty Spotlight, Ngan F. Huang, PhD, shares her research experience in bioengineering and cardiovascular regenerative medicine.
April 13, 2022
Researcher Spotlight: Michael Ma, MD
Michael Ma, MD, was featured in the spring issue of the Children’s Fund Update put out by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health. He received a Pilot/Early Career Award from the Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI), which is funded in large part by the Children’s Fund.
Full LPCH Spring 2022 Newsletter
April 11, 2022
Stanford Children’s Health Celebrates Women’s History Month
Stanford Children’s Health celebrates outstanding women, including Elisabeth Martin, MD, co-director of the Pediatric Bloodless Cardiac Surgery Program and one of the few female pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons.
April 11, 2022
Match Day 2022: Department welcomes new interns to cardiothoracic surgery residency program
On Friday, March 18, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomed three new residents to the Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgical Training Program as part of the 2022 National Resident Matching Program. Kelly Higa, Hannah McMullen, and Alexander Reed will start their training at the end of June 2022. Congratulations to our new interns!
April 8, 2022
Ngan Huang promoted to Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery extends its congratulations to Ngan F. Huang, PhD, for her promotion to Associate Professor with tenure, effective April 1, 2022. Dr. Huang has built her extensive research career in bioengineering, stem cell biology, and cardiovascular medicine. Learn more about Dr. Ngan Huang.
April 1, 2022
JAMA Surgery appoints Leah Backhus as inaugural Deputy Editor of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
JAMA Surgery recently announced the appointment of Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, as the inaugural deputy editor of diversity, equity, and inclusion, effective March 1, 2022.
March 30, 2022
Becoming a heart surgeon: A study on cardiothoracic surgery residency programs
A group of Stanford cardiothoracic physicians and scientists surveyed US cardiothoracic surgery residency program directors about the characteristics of successful candidates. Their study, by first author Oluwatomisin Obafemi, MD, and senior author Anson Lee, MD, was recently published in Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
March 21, 2022
Stanford Health Care named 2021 Top Hospital by Leapfrog Group: Meeting quality standards in high-risk surgeries
Stanford Health Care was named a 2021 Top Hospital by Leapfrog Group, a leading watchdog organization focused on the quality and safety of U.S. hospitals. Hospitals must fulfill criteria for high-risk surgeries and procedures - this includes meeting standards for robust volume, processes of care, and patient outcomes.
March 21, 2022
Long-term success: Stanford's experience in heart transplantation over five decades
A study led by researchers at the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery found long-term survival after heart transplantation has improved over the last 50 years at the longest-running heart transplant center in the United States. "Stanford has a decades-long history of pioneering, leading, and advancing the field of cardiac transplantation," said Joseph Woo, MD, the Norman E. Shumway Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and senior author on the paper.
March 16, 2022
Celebrating Women in Medicine | Guest: Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, FACS
Celebrating Women's History Month, Stanford Medcast Episode 37 features Stanford thoracic surgeon, Dr. Leah Backhus.
March 8, 2022
Helping Women Surgeons Succeed at Negotiation
Johnson & Johnson Institute and the Women’s Leadership and Inclusion (WLI) network hosted a virtual program that shared the experiences of leading surgeons, including Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, and advice from a negotiation expert.
March 1, 2022
SCVMC chief of cardiothoracic surgery David Ogden retires after 13 years at Stanford
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery extends its appreciation to Dr. David Ogden, Clinical Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, for his 13 years of service at Stanford Medicine, who retired on February 28.
March 1, 2022
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children Welcomes Dr. Louis Capecci as its First Full-Time Pediatric Heart Surgeon
Stanford Children’s Health has a long-standing relationship with Kapi'olani Medical Center, which includes providing cardiac surgery, neurology, genetics services, and solid organ transplants to patients. Dr. Capecci is working as Kapi'olani’s first full-time pediatric heart surgeon and will consult regularly with the Stanford Children’s Health Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center care team over highly complex pediatric heart cases.
February 28, 2022
Woman With Heart Problem Achieves Dream of Becoming a Mother, Twice Over
Stanford hospitals collaborated closely to provide deeply specialized care to expectant mom with heart condition.
February 23, 2022
Groundbreaking Heart-Lung Procedure Gives Toddler a Chance at a Full Life
The heart team at Stanford Children’s Hospital performed a lifesaving surgical procedure for Santana with both heart failure and lung complications. Dr. Elisabeth Martin, MD, was the pediatric cardiovascular surgeon.
February 15, 2022
Alumna shares cross-disciplinary research experience in bioengineering and cardiothoracic surgery
Lyndsay (Stapleton) Smith, PhD, is a former graduate research fellow in Dr. Joseph Woo's laboratory. She received her PhD in Bioengineering from Stanford's Department of Bioengineering in 2020. She shares her story in the next installment of the Educational Excellence Spotlight series.
February 15, 2022
Celebrate Heart Month with food
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. This February, Stanford Health Care celebrates Heart Month at every meal with small, easy changes to advocate cardiovascular health and raise awareness about heart disease.
February 9, 2022
Department fundraises for TSF cardiothoracic surgery research programs
For the second time this year, the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery participated in the Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF) Virtual 5K Fun Run & Walk and was named the Top Fund-Raising Team with $1,665! The "Cardinal Chest Cutters" was led by team captain Leah Backhus, MD, and participated in the virtual 5K run or walk during the week of Jan. 21- Feb 1, 2022. All fundraising proceeds benefited the TSF cardiothoracic surgery research programs.
February 8, 2022
New Heart, New Chance for Young Man with Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Heart specialists at Stanford Children’s Health’s acted boldly to care for Serafin, who had advanced heart failure. Elisabeth Martin, MD performed Serafin’s heart transplant almost a year to the day of his VAD surgery performed by Michael Ma, MD.
February 8, 2022
Feisty Micropreemie With Heart Defect Beats Incredible Odds
Michael Ma, MD, specializes in performing heart surgeries on tiny babies at Stanford Children’s Health, including Emmett Watanabe, who had a congenital heart defect. Working closely with an interdisciplinary team of pediatric cardiologists, heart surgeons, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, and other specialists, Dr. Ma performed open-heart surgery on Emmett to save his life.
Video: 14-Month-Old Baby Thrives Despite Rare Heart Condition
February 1, 2022
Celebrating Black History Month
In recognition of Black History Month, we celebrate the many accomplishments of our colleagues and their central role at Stanford Medicine. We are grateful to all our extraordinary faculty, staff, residents, trainees, and students for their knowledge, skill, and perspectives.
February 1, 2022
Donor Hearts Can Withstand Longer Ischemic Times
Longer allograft ischemic times didn't have to mean worse outcomes for patients in the long run, one heart transplant program found.
January 31, 2022
StanfordMed Pulse: A Message from the Leaders
Dear Community, On the eve of American Heart Month, we want to express our deep gratitude to all those at Stanford Medicine working to prevent, treat, and better understand heart disease. The exemplary care and innovative research emerging from our community continues to benefit patients around the world.
January 31, 2022
Hiesinger Lab awarded NIH grant to develop AI-based platform to predict cardiovascular surgery and heart failure outcomes
William Hiesinger, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Stanford School of Medicine, is the principal investigator of this award. He currently serves as the Surgical Director of the Stanford Mechanical Circulatory Support Program, where he leads and directs the surgical implantation of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in patients with end-stage heart failure.
January 31, 2022
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford achieves highest level of surgical verification
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the center of Stanford Children’s Health, has been verified as a Level I children’s surgery center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Children’s Surgery Verification Program—the highest designation a hospital can receive.
January 26, 2022
Department research and speaker presentations featured at the 2022 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery will present the latest research at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons 58th Annual Meeting from January 29 to 30, 2022. The two-day virtual meeting will feature high-quality research and science and more than 150 virtual posters in all cardiothoracic surgery disciplines. The following speaker and presentations will be showcased at the meeting
January 26, 2022
Translational research in cardiothoracic surgery and bioengineering
Amanda Steele, PhD, a former postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Joseph Woo's laboratory, talks about her research experience in the Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Bioengineering. She received her PhD in bioengineering from Stanford in 2019.
January 13, 2022
Cardiothoracic surgery resident pursues doctorate in bioengineering
After completing medical school, Yuanjia Zhu, MD, wanted to pursue an PhD in bioengineering to help her on her path to becoming an academic surgeon. She shares her story in the next installment of the Educational Excellence Spotlight series.
January 13, 2022
Cardiothoracic surgeon obtains master's degree in healthcare administration
Elan Burton, MD, MHA, practices at SHC, VAPAHCS, and SCVMC and specializes in coronary bypass grafting, valve surgery, aortic surgery, and minimally invasive coronary bypass grafting. In the next Educational Excellence Spotlight series, Dr. Burton shares her experience pursuing a master's degree in healthcare administration.
January 13, 2022
Pediatric-trained cardiac surgeon reflects on graduate training in clinical research
This new Educational Excellence Spotlight series features individuals who pursue advanced degrees while in practice, training, or residency. Andrew Goldstone, MD, PhD, reflects on his graduate training as a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Joseph Woo's lab.
January 13, 2022
Educational Excellence Spotlights
In this new Educational Excellence Spotlight series, we feature individuals who pursue advanced degrees while in practice, training, or residency within the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Read insights from current and graduated students' experience within their graduate programs, research experience, and reflections.
January 13, 2022
Stanford’s expertise in rare and complicated heart surgeries provides life-saving options for patients
Stanford has a reputation for excelling at complex heart procedures and often receives referrals such as these, said Foss’ surgeon, Joseph Woo, MD, professor and chair of cardiothoracic surgery and the Norman E. Shumway Professor. It’s a big part of the reason U.S. News & World Report has ranked Stanford Health Care among the top 10 best cardiology and heart surgery programs for three years running, Woo said. This year, Stanford Health Care ranked No. 8.
January 5, 2022
Scaffolding as a Platform for Cell Delivery for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Therapy
A group of CVI member researchers, led by first authors Joscha Mulorz and Mahdis Shayan and senior author Ngan F. Huang, recently highlighted a promising means of cell delivery to serve as a therapeutic strategy for AAA treatment. Their findings were published in Biomaterials Science.
January 4, 2022