Science and Technology

Celebrating Innovation in Cardiac Surgery Research

The Division of Cardiac Surgery is pushing the boundaries of organ preservation and surgical innovation, from pioneering Ex situ Heart and Ex vivo Lung Perfusion to advancing stem cell–enhanced Tissue Engineered Heart Valves. Its teams drive major international clinical trials across the full cardiac spectrum while mentoring emerging surgeon scientists pursuing PhDs in next generation transplant and valve technologies.

25 March 2026

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The Division of Cardiac Surgery engages in research at the forefront of basic science, surgical innovation, and education. A cornerstone of the Division’s research is the advancement of Ex‑situ Heart Perfusion (ESHP) and Ex‑vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP), led by Drs. Jayan Nagendran and Darren Freed. These organ preservation technologies allow for prolonged organ preservation, evaluation of organ function before transplant, and therapeutic interventions to improve organ function prior to transplantation.

To address the limited durability of current tissue heart valve replacements, Dr. Jeevan Nagendran leads Tissue‑Engineered Heart Valve (TEHV) research using mesenchymal stem cells to enhance bioprosthetic valve durability.

The Division actively contributes to high‑impact international clinical trials, with key ongoing studies including TitanSVS, BEEFBURGER, LeAAPS, SAFE, PACeS, PREDICT‑TAA, TIARA‑I, TR, ROMA: Women, HEADSTART, and ARTEMIS, spanning the full spectrum of the cardiac surgery specialty. Central to the Division’s mission is the mentorship of the next generation, supporting residents pursuing PhDs in advanced cardiac techniques, organ transplantation, and surgical education. Drs. Jimmy Kang and Ryaan El‑Andari are currently completing PhDs in TEHV and EVLP, respectively.

Through innovative research, clinical excellence, and education, the Division continues to shape the future of cardiac surgery and thoracic organ transplantation.