Best Interventricular septal defect surgery cardiac surgeons: TOP 40 doctors

Education and Specialization

• 1989 - 1995 Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine
• Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine – Specialization
• 2006 - Associate Professorship, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine

Experience

• 1995 - 1996 - Assistant Doctor, Emergency Department, Ardahan State Hospital
• 1996 - 1997 - Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine
• 1997 - 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2003 - 2007 - Başkent University Konya Research and Application Center
• 2007 - 2012 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2012 - 2017 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2013 - 2014 - Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Rochester, MN, USA
• 2017 - 2020 - ASV Yaşam Hospital
• 2020 - 2021 - Antalya Anadolu Hospital

Education and Specialization

• 1989 - 1995 Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine
• Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine – Specialization
• 2006 - Associate Professorship, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine

Experience

• 1995 - 1996 - Assistant Doctor, Emergency Department, Ardahan State Hospital
• 1996 - 1997 - Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine
• 1997 - 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2002 - Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2003 - 2007 - Başkent University Konya Research and Application Center
• 2007 - 2012 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2012 - 2017 - Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology
• 2013 - 2014 - Mayo Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Rochester, MN, USA
• 2017 - 2020 - ASV Yaşam Hospital
• 2020 - 2021 - Antalya Anadolu Hospital

Education

Major degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) Medical School University of Perugia, Italy. (2000-2006)

Internship at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, “S. Maria della Misericordia” University Hospital, Perugia, Italy. (2005 – 2006)

Clinical registration for Medicine and Surgery, “S. Maria della Misericordia” University Hospital, Perugia, Italy. (2006 – 2007)

Completion of the Italian Board Exams for the Medical and Surgical profession (Esame di Stato). Marks 262.5 / 270. Medical School University of Perugia, Italy. (June 2007)

Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Cardiac Surgery. Marks 50/50. Thesis: “Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) – A single centre experience”. Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery “San Matteo” University Hospital, Pavia, Italy. (July 2014)

Training and Professional Experience

Junior Clinical Fellow in Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Surgery, “S. Maria della Misericordia” University Hospital, Perugia, Italy. (2007 – 2008)

Clinical Fellow in Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Surgery, “S. Maria della Misericordia” University Hospital, Perugia, Italy. (2008 – 2009)

Resident in Cardiac Surgery (CTh), Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, “San Matteo” University Hospital, Pavia, Italy. (2009 – 2014)

Cardiac Surgery Trainees Representative and Member of the Board of the School of Cardiac Surgery. “San Matteo” University Hospital, Pavia, Italy. (2011 – 2014)

Fellowship in Heart Transplant, Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery “San Matteo” University Hospital, Pavia, Italy. (2011 – 2012)

Fellowship in Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery “San Matteo” University Hospital, Pavia, Italy. (2013 – 2014)

Chief Resident in Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, “San Matteo” University Hospital, Pavia, Italy. (2013 – 2014)

Fellowship in Adult Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, St. Georges University Hospital, London, UK. (2014 – 2015)

Senior Specialty doctor in Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Hull and East Yorkshire University Hospital, Hull, UK. (2015 – 2022)

Lead of Trust Appointed Doctors to the SCTS for the Cardio-thoracic Unit, Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Hull and East Yorkshire University Hospital, Hull, UK. (2020 – 2022)

Director of the Cardiac Surgery Unit, German Medical Institute, Limassol, Cyprus. (2022 – present)

Scientific Activity

MD: Thesis: “The importance of the surgical timing on post-operative outcome in patients with acute endocarditis of native valve”. Medical School University of Perugia, Italy. (April 2005 – December 2006)

Collaborator at the multi-centre National project “Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Provision of Cardiac Surgery in the UK”. Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Hull and East Yorkshire University Hospital, Hull, UK. (2020 – 2022)

Co-investigator at the COMICs multi-centre International Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) comparing Mini-Bypass (MIECC) with conventional bypass. Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Hull and East Yorkshire University Hospital, Hull, UK. (2018 – 2022)

Co-investigator at the ROUTE multi-centre international registry, aimed to analyse the effectiveness and safety of Transaortic (TAo)-TAVI as a first line approach and to compare it to patients receiving TAo-TAVI as a last resort, which is current practice. Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, “San Matteo” University Hospital, Pavia, Italy. (2013 – 2014)

Special Interest

Myocardial revascularisation (coronary by-pass surgery with MIECC)

Aortic surgery (thoracic aorta aneurysm repair)

Aortic valve replacement or repair (minimal invasive, TAVI)

Mitral valve surgery (replacement or repair)

Heart transplant

Memberships

Founder member of the Cypriot Society of Cardiothoracic surgeons (CSCTS)  founded in 2023.

Member of the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS)

Member of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery (SCTS) in Great Britain and Ireland

Registration at the Cypriot Ministry of Health as Specialist in Cardiac Surgery (2016)

GMC-UK Specialist Register: Cardiothoracic Surgery (2014)

Italian Medical Council (Ordine dei Medici-Chirurghi): Full Registration with Licence to practise (2008 – 2014)

Dr. Sertac Cicek is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon with over 40 years of medical experience. He has spent more than 30 years specializing in cardiac surgery, focusing on complex congenital and pediatric heart procedures. He trained at leading centers worldwide and completed fellowships at Texas Heart Institute, Mayo Clinic, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This combination of fellowships is rare in the field.

Dr. Cicek is the Chief of Pediatric and Adult Cardiovascular Surgery at Liv Hospital Vadistanbul. He leads advanced surgical programs and performs specialized operations, including Ozaki aortic valve reconstructions, Ebstein anomaly repairs, and minimally invasive heart surgeries. He is also a pioneer in hybrid coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Dr. Cicek holds ECFMG certification and active medical licenses in Turkey, Minnesota, and West Virginia. He has received several awards, such as the GATA 100th Anniversary Scientific Achievement Award and a Presidential Citation from the Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery. He is a founding member of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery and has been listed in Who’s Who in Medicine & Healthcare for 20 years.

Dr. Moni Shuvi is an Interventional Cardiologist at Hadassah Medical Center. He specializes in Valvular Heart Disease, with a focus on Mitral Valve interventions. Dr. Shuvi is known for his skills in PCI, Myocardial Infarction management, and Coronary Angiography.

He has performed more than 2,000 interventional procedures. His work has helped reduce patient complications. Dr. Shuvi is certified by top cardiology boards. He also takes part in international research on structural heart interventions.

Dr. Ahmed then, traveled to the Italian city of Modena to prepare the Fellowship of Interventional Cardiology and Endovascular therapy from the University of Modena and Reggo Emelia, where he was appointed as a lecturer for postgraduate students, in Interventional Cardiology. Then he traveled to Milan, Italy, in 2012 to prepare a fellowship in structural heart diseases.

The Journey continues to the Japanese city of Tokyo in the year 2013 to start training in the field of chronic total coronary oclusions and complex interventions. Finally, he returned to Cairo in 2013, where he obtained a doctorate degree in the field of cardiovascular medicine from Ain Shams University.

Member of the European Heart Association since 2007.

Dr. Ahmed attended many international medical conferences and was a lecturer in several important international forums.

He contributed to publishing important books, articles and medical research in international magazines.

Dr. Sangiorgi graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 1990 from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”.

He then specialized in Cardiology  at the same University in 1990. He held the role of  Fellow in Interventional Cardiology  and  Research  Associate  at the Haemodynamics Laboratory of the Mayo Clinic and Foundation in Rochester (USA) from 1991 to 1998.

Back in Italy, he became Assistant at the Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Laboratory of the San Donato Polyclinic Institute from 1998 to 2002, while from 2003 to 2009 he was Co-Director at the Columbus Heart Center and the Hemodynamics Laboratory of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Between 2009 and 2011 he worked as Head of the Hemodynamics Laboratory of the Modena Polyclinic, while in the following three years he worked at the Casilino Polyclinic  in Rome. Since 2014 he has been part of the GVM group and works at various private and accredited facilities throughout the country. Dr. Sangiorgi has been a confirmed Researcher  since 1998, and in 2010 he obtained the qualification to Associate Professor of Cardiology  at the University of Padua.  He is  Professor of Cardiovascular Pathology  at the School of Specialization in Pathological Anatomy of the University of Tor Vergata and Contract Professor for the Peripheral Interventional Course at the Department of Vascular Surgery of the University of Sassari.  He is  also the author of  270 works in national and international journals, 50 book chapters and approximately 900  abstracts . 

Education and Training

• Degree in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Rome Tor Vergata on 07/25/90
• Specialization in Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Rome Tor Vergata on 01/07/94
• Specialization in Pathological Anatomy at the University of Rome Tor Vergata on 01/10/99
• Enrolled in the Master in Aesthetic Medicine at the University of Rome Tor Vergata for the academic year 2015/2016

Associations and Scientific Societies

• Fellow of the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC)
• Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
• Fellow of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (SICI-GISE)
• Fellow of the American Society of Interventional Angiography (SCAI)
• Honorary Member of the Romanian Society of Cardiology

Scientific Activity

Dr. Sangiorgi's scientific activity mainly concerns the pathology and physiopathology of the cardiovascular sy, with particular reference to coronary and carotid atherosclerotic disease and restenosis after interventional procedures. Furthermore, Dr. Sangiorgi has constantly dealt with issues related to interventional cardiology with particular reference to the medium and long-term results of the use of various platforms of implantable medical devices.

In carrying out these activities he used anatomo-pathological, histochemical and ultrastructural methods. He also dedicated himself particularly to morphometric techniques applied to cardiovascular pathology.

Since September 1993 he has had the opportunity to dedicate himself, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (USA), in the Laboratory of Experimental Interventional Cardiology directed by Dr. Robert Schwartz, to the study of the morphology, physiopathology and pathology of restenosis and vascular remodeling mechanical revascularization interventions.

His research focuses on the following main themes:

• Application of morphometric techniques to experimental and human cardiovascular pathology

The research carried out mainly concerned the development of new methods:

1. for the evaluation of smooth muscle cells in the arterial wall during hypertension
2. for the evaluation of the optical density of histological preparations and tissues and for the morphometric evaluation of the size and shape of the nucleus using image analyzers
3. for the evaluation of the cell population of human atherosclerotic plaque by flow cytometry
4. on the application of quantitative immunohistochemical techniques

• Studies on the morphology and pathology of coronary and carotid atherosclerotic disease

In particular, his studies concerned:

1. Experimental atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of pigs
2. the study of human atheromatous lesions and the relationship between calcific plaque assessed by computed tomography (EBCT) and critical coronary stenoses studied with histological, autoradiographic and morphological methods
3. Morphological study of chronic occlusive coronary lesions in humans
4. Study of the remodeling of human coronary arteries after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stent implantation
5. Pathogenetic mechanisms of vascular restenosis after interventional procedures
6. the correlation between the morphological aspects of the human fibroatheroma plaque and the various risk factors
7. Thrombophilia in patients with solid tumors and acute coronary syndromes

• Studies on programmed cell death (apoptosis) in experimental and human atherosclerosis  with immunohistochemical methods and molecular biology techniques
• Studies on the expression of metalloproteinases in human coronary atherosclerosis and aortic diseases  with immunoenzymatic, immunohistochemical and molecular biology methods
• Studies in interventional cardiology  and in particular on the short- and long-term results of implantable medical devices in the coronary and peripheral areas both in spontaneous studies and in randomized trials

Dr. Giuseppe Sangiorgi has also participated in the following Research Projects in competition of the National Research Center, National Committee for Biological and Medical Sciences:

• Effect of myocardial revascularization by PTCA on global and segmental left ventricular function in patients with severe coronary artery disease and severely dysfunctional left ventricle.; September 1993- August 1996
• Study on the extent and location of calcium accumulation in samples of pathological human coronary arteries correlating morphometric aspects with images obtained by tomographic method; May 1994- August 1995.

 Professional Assignments

• From February 1998 to January 2003 he carried out his healthcare and research activities as an assistant at the Hemodynamics Laboratory of the San Donato Polyclinic Institute, directed by Prof. Luigi Inglese.
• Since September 1998 he has held the position of Researcher at the Department of Internal Medicine of the II University of Rome “Tor Vergata” for the disciplinary sector MED/11 Diseases of the Cardiovascular Sy. Since December 2002 he has been a confirmed Researcher at the Chair of Diseases of the Cardiovascular Sy of the II University of Rome Tor Vergata. He has held a position for healthcare purposes since 2.5.2007 at the AFA of Medicine – Discipline of Cardiology at the Policlinico Tor Vergata.
• From January 2003 to February 2009 he was assistant with the qualification of Associate Director of the Hemodynamics Laboratory of the Columbus Clinic and the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. At the moment he has more than 7000 coronary interventional procedures and 3500 peripheral procedures as first operator.
• Since 2007 he has been responsible for the Cardiovascular Pathological Anatomy course at the School of Specialization in Pathological Anatomy of the University of Rome Tor Vergata
• He was responsible for the course of Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology at the School of Specialization in Cardiology of the University of Rome Tor Vergata for the academic years 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007 and for the course in Cardiovascular Diseases for the School of Specialization in Sports Medicine for the academic year 2006-2007.
• From 2005 to 2009 he was scientific director and teacher of the Master in Interventional Cardiology at the Vita e Salute University of San Raffaele in Milan and head of the peripheral program of the haemodynamics laboratory of the San Raffaele Hospital
• From February 2009 to April 2011 he was responsible for the Haemodynamics Laboratory of the Modena Polyclinic and Director of the Master in Interventional Cardiology
• From 2011 to 2013 he carried out assistance activities at the Hemodynamics Laboratory of the Casilino Polyclinic – Rome
• From 2013 to today he has carried out healthcare activities in the Villa Maria group and in particular in the facilities of Rome (Private Nursing Home), Florence (SSN accredited) and Cotignola (SSN accredited)

Research Activities Abroad

• In the summer of 1989, having won a scholarship abroad, offered by the European Community within the framework of the ERASMUS programme, he attended for four months as a medical student the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics of the Charring Cross and Westminster Medical School in London (UK).
• Since September 1993, having won a grant for other interventions from the National Research Council, he spent the last year of the specialization course at the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota (USA), where he carried out research activities under the direction of Dr. Robert Schwartz with the qualification of Research fellow.
• In March 1994, he was awarded a grant for other interventions by the National Research Council, which allowed him to continue his research at the Laboratory of Experimental Interventional Cardiology under the direction of Dr. Robert S. Schwartz as a research fellow.
• From October 1995 to today he has worked and continues to collaborate with the Interventional Cardiology laboratory of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, with the qualification of “Research Associate” under the direction of Dr. David R. Holmes Jr.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions

• Finalist for Outstanding Investigator of the American Society of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (1996)
• 3rd American Heart Association Outstanding Researcher Award (1998)
• 1st Prize Best Researcher Italian Society of Cardiology (2001)

Editorial and Corporate Assignments

• From 2005 to 2009 he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology and from 2006 to 2015 he was Vice President of the GISE Foundation.
• Since 1999 he has been a member of the editorial and editorial committee of the Italian Medical Encyclopedia
• Since October 2003 he has been Associate Editor of the journal Cardiology International
• Since June 2005 he has been Associate Editor of the journal Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine
• Since January 2008 he has been a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Imaging and of the Journal of Endovascular Therapy, of the Journal of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology.
• He is an anonymous reviewer of the major international Cardiology journals.
• He was the lead editor of the book “Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease: Pathologic Basis for treatment” published by Informa Health Care in February 2008

 Awards and Recognitions

In 1998 he received the third prize as “ Young Researcher ” from the American Heart Association  for the discovery  of cellular apoptosis in aortic valves  in patients affected by aortic stenosis and the first prize from the  Italian Society of Cardiology  as “Young Researcher” for the discovery of a  new serum marker for the risk of STROKE  in December 2001.

Biography

Chief of Cardiac Surgery

Highly regarded medical professional with extensive experience in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, performing groundbreaking procedures, and leading highly successful departments to advance healthcare treatments worldwide. Accomplished professional that has pioneered surgeries, published over 100 papers in international journals, and presented over 2K lectures worldwide. Expert surgeon with strong record of founding and leading associations, creating departments to support cardiovascular treatments, and facilitating comprehensive instruction to bolster student knowledge and practice of advanced medical procedures/treatments.

Professional Expertise Fields

Pioneering Accomplishments in Surgery

Professional Experience

1989-2023 (Present) – Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

2004-2023 (Present) – President, Heart and Health Foundation of Turkey

2014-2016 – President, European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery

2009 – Heart Transplantation Center License Renewal, Dokuz Eylül University

2000 – Launched Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Program for Adult Patients, Dokuz Eylul University

1996 – Assigned as Professor at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylül University

1996 – Launched Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Program for Child Patients, Dokuz Eylul University

1990 – Founded Pediatric and Newborn Heart Surgery Program, Dokuz Eylul University

1989-2001 – Founding Chairman of Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University

1989 – House Surgeon, Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, Royal Infirmary Hospital, Edinburgh

Education

2011 – Received Ministry of Health of Turkey Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Certificate

1996 – Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University

1990 – Associate Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University

1986-1989 – Military Service at Gülhane Military Academy Hospital and Compulsory Service at Higher Specialization Hospital of Turkey

1980-1986 – Specialization Training in Cardiovascular Surgery (Clinical Directors: Prof. Dr. Aydın Aytac and Prof. Dr. Yüksel Bozer), Hacettepe University

1974-1980 – School of Medicine, Hacettepe University

Professional Affiliations

2004 – Fellow, American College of Cardiology (FACC)

2002 – Member, European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery (ESCVS)

2001 – Fellow, European Society of Cardiology (FESC)

2000 – Member, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

1996 – Member, Turkish Association of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

1995 – Member, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery

1993 – Member, National Society of Vascular and Cardiovascular Surgery

1992 – Member, European Organ Transplant Association

1992 – Member, European Society of Vascular Surgery

1992 – Member, European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS)

1987 – Member, Turkish Society of Vascular Surgery

1987 – Board Member, Mediterranean Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

International and National Duties and Professional Activities

2023 – Chairman, Asian Heart Society Council on Cardiovascular Surgery

2005-2024 – President, International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (UCCVS) (Annual congress organization of Heart and Heart Foundation of Turkey)

2012-2014 – President, of European Society for Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery

2011 – Director of Transplantation Institute, Dokuz Eylul University

2010 – Treasurer, European Society for Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery

2010 – President, 59th Congress of the European Society for Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery in conjunction with 6th International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

2009 – Board Member, European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery Cardiac

2008-2009 – 1st and 2nd Training Courses of GUCH Working Group in European Society of Cardiology in conjunction with 4th and 5th International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

2007 – ISMICS Winter Workshop Presidency 3th International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

2007 – Treasurer, Working Group of GUCH in European Society of Cardiology

2005 – Cardiovascular Advisory to the Board of the European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, European Society of Cardiology Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group Treasurer, Founder President

2004-2023 (Present) – Founder of Heart and Health Foundation of Turkey

2004 – Founder President, Turkish Society of Cardiology, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group

2002-2004 – Chairman, Working Group of Cardiovascular Surgery in European Society of Cardiology

2002 – Chair of the European Society of Cardiology Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group

2000 – 2002 Vice Chairman, Working Group of Cardiovascular Surgery in European Society of Cardiology,

1998 – Vice President, Cardiovascular Working Group of the European Society of Cardiology

1998 – Vice President, European Society of Cardiology Adult Congenital Heart Disease Working Group

1996-1998 – President, Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Symposiums in Izmir

1996 – President, 8th National Vascular Surgery Congress

1996 – Board Member, National Society of Pediatric Cardiology

1995-1999 – President, Local Monthly Cardiovascular Surgery Meetings in Izmir

1995 – Establishment and Presidency, National Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Association Izmir Branch

1993 – President, European Society of Cardiology Cardiovascular Surgery Working Group

1987 – Board Member, Mediterranean Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

International Editorial Duties

Heart Surgery Forum

Innovations

E-Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Editor-in-Chief)

Congress Scientific Programme Committee Membership

European Society of Cardiology Congress (ESC)

International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Congress (ISMICS)

World Congress of Cardiology (WCC)

The European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery Congress (ESCVS)

International Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (UCCVS)

Scholarships – Certificates – Awards

2011 – Best Innovative Surgeon Award, Euro – Asian Bridge Meeting

1974 – Cumhuriyet High School, Ankara “First Degree Graduation”

I am an experienced pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry of Istanbul, Turkey. My skills encompass pediatric heart surgery, minimally invasive heart surgery, full arterial revascularization in CABG (sclerotonized bilateral mammaria and radial artery usage), vascular surgery and endovascular procedures, medical education, and management of cardiac surgery patients in the intensive care unit. 

Publications: 

1- K.A. Kara The learning curve in minimally invasive cardiac surgery procedures: a single surgeon experience. J Clin Anal Med 2018; DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.6043.

2- K.A Kara. Bilateral Semi-Skeletonized IMA; Less Thermal Injury, Easier to Harvest, Early Post Operative Comparison with Single IMA Patients After CABG. American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Vol. 6, No. 5, 2018, pp. 107-112.

doi: 10.11648/j.ajcem.20180605.11

3- K.A. Kara Use of multiple artery grafts to ensure long-term graft patency in coronary bypass surgeries. J Clin Anal Med 2018; DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.6001.

4-  Kara KA, Caner T. Comparison of pain in the early post-operative period using VAS score in patients after cardiac surgery who had minimally invasive incisions vs. full median sternotomy. Ann Ital Chir. 2018 Oct 29;7. pii: S0003469X18029706. 

5-  Kara K. A, Fatma Ferda Kartufan, Soner Sanioğlu, Hakan Öntaş, Halit Yerebakan. A Novel and Low-Cost Modified Sternal Closure Technique in Open Heart Surgery (Yerebakan Technique). Biomed J Sci&Tech Res 9(2)-2018. BJSTR. MS.ID.001785. DOI: 10.26717/ BJSTR.2018.09.001785.

6- Kara K. A., Fatma Ferda K. Superior Septal Approach for Mitral Valve Surgery Incase of Better Left Atrial Exposure. Biomed J Sci&Tech Res 9(5)-2018. BJSTR. MS.ID.001867. DOI: 10.26717/ BJSTR.2018.09.001867.

7-  Kara K A, Hafız E, Deniz H, Arı M, Polat M, Güzel G. Successfully  Surgical Repair of Giant Unruptured Aneursym of the Sinus of Valsalva. UCCVS’16, J Clin Case Rep 7:985. Doi: 10.4172/2165-7920.1000985

8- Kara K.A, Diliçıkık U., Sarıkaya B., Gulmen Ş. Treatment of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome with a new anticoagulant therapy in young sportsman. UCCVS’ 2017, EJCM-2017-06-010

9- Kara K.A., Erk Z., Koçyiğit A., Gulmen Ş.,Öcal A., Okutan H. The Comparison Between Two Sternum Closure Techniques after Coronary Bypass Surgery; Sterna-band (Peninsula) and Sternum Band (Ethicon) UCCVS’2017, EJCM-2017-06-08, Adv Card Res 1(2)- 2018. ACR.MS.ID.000106

10- Kara K.A., Tuna M.B., Gudelci T., Argun Ö. B., Duygu E., Şener M.  Erectile Dysfunction Severity and SYNTAX Score in Coronary Artery Disease. UCCVS’ 2017, J Anesth Crit Care Open Access 2017, 8(5): 00296,  The American Journal of Cardiology119(8):e35-e36-April 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2017.03.119       

11- Kara K.A. Successful endovascular Left iliac vein stent insertion treatment of Acute 

DVT –May Thurner Syndrome 27th European Cardiology Conference – Oct22-Oct24 2018 Rome, Italy

12- K.A. Kara Sternal wound healing for bilateral IMA harvesting after CABG. World Heart Rhythm Conference November 15-17 Istanbul, Turkey, Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases & Diagnosis, november 2018 | Volume 6 | ISSN: 2329-9517

13- K. A. Kara M.D.,Süha S. Özdilek M.D., Hakan Öntaş M.D., Erhan Hafız M.D., Dinçer Uysal M.D., Zafer Erk M.D., Halit Yerebakan M.D.  Successfully Endovascular repair of Giant Unruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm  . Case Presentation 28th Annual Congress of the World Society of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons

14- K. A. Kara, S. Sanioğlu, O.M. Topcuoglu, B. Sarıkaya, H.Ontas, S. Ozdilek, H. Yerebakan. Successfully surgical management of EVAR infection, with endograft removal and extra-anatomic bypass. Case Presentation 28th Annual Congress of the World Society of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons

15- S. Colak, D. Azboy, Z. Temizturk, H. Atalay, O. F.Dogan, D.Dogan, E. Khalil, K. A. Kara Renal Outcomes and Myocardial Performance after On-pump Beating Heart versus Conventional On-Pump Surgery in Patients With Preoperative Low Glomerular Filtration Rate. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2016, 6, 433-445

16- H. B. Altinsoy, O Alatas , E Khalil , K. A. Kara, C. C. Okten , O F Dogan, A Very Rare Cause of Lower Limb Ischemia in Young People: Popliteal Artery Entrapment The Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal, 2018, 12, 3-00

17- Aminoacid Enriched Cardioplegia Decreased The Amount Of İntramyocardial Leucocytes İn Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery. O.F. Doğan,E. Khalil,,K. A. Kara, E. Hafız, U.Duman.  UCCVS 2018, The American Journal of Cardiology 121(8):e27-April 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2018.03.085 

18- Özkan H, Kiriş İ, Gülmen Ş, Okutan H, Solmaz Alkaya F, Kara Abdurrahman K. Incidence of development of aspirin resistance in the early postoperative period after coronary artery bypass surgery and inadequate inhibition of thromboxane A2 production. Turk Gogus Kalp Dama 2016;1: DOI : 10.5606/tgkdc.dergisi.2018.15489

19-A Case of Hydatid Cyst Localized at the Left Ventricle and Right Superior Pulmonary Vein: Case Report Gulmen S., Kiris I, Ozkan H., Kara K A, Okutan H.Heart Surg. Forum. 14.,S95. : Case Report. 7. Kardiyoloji ve Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Yenilikler Kongresi, 24-27 Mart 2011, Antalya

20-Late Term Complication After Axillo-Bifemoral Bypass: Proximal Anastomosis and Pseudoaneurysm . Gulmen S, Kara K.A., Erk Z, Yıldırım M, Alkaya F. The Heart Surgery Forum 15,S125,2012, 8th International Congress of Update in Cardiology Cardiovascular Surgery, Antalya, 2012

21-Effect of Preoperative Preparation for Early Extubation and Discharge of Intensive Care Unit Solmaz F.A., Karabacak P., Kara K.A, Gulmen Ş., Okutan H. The Heart Surgery Forum March 2012, J Clin Anal Med 2015;6(6) 746-9. Uluslararası 8. Kardiyoloji ve Kardiyovasküler Cerrahide Yenilikler Kongresi, 1- 4 Mart 12, Antalya, Türkiye

22-The Alternative Way to Reach to the Mitral Valve in Patients with Small Left Atrium;Superior Septal Approach. Ketenciler S., Kara K., Yamak B. ASCVTS’14

23-The Comparison Between Conventional Sternum Closure Technique And Sterna Band Closure Technique. Kara K.A., Erk Z.,Hafız E., Arı M., Özkan H, Koçyiğit A. UCCVS’16

24-The Effect of Ozone on Remote Organ Myocardial Injury Caused by Experimental Ischemia Reperfusion Model Kara K.A., Koçyiğit A., Özkan H ,Erk Z., Gülmen Ş, Öcal A.UCCVS’16

25- Successfully Endovascular repair of Giant Unruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm  . Kenan A. Kara M.D.,Süha S. Özdilek M.D., Hakan Öntaş M.D., Erhan Hafız M.D., Dinçer Uysal M.D., Zafer Erk M.D., Halit Yerebakan M.D. Internatıonal Conference on Medical İmaging and Case Reports MICR-2018

26- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Learning Curve:The Experiences of One Surgeon

Kenan A. Kara. M.D. POSTER PRESENTATIONS,MIRC 2018, Istanbul, Turkey

27-Removal of Intracardiac Foreign Bodies via Femoral Vein, 59th ESCVS International Congress,Vol 10 Suppl 1,S122, April 15,İzmir, 2010. Yavuz T,Kara A, Etli M,Sağlam U,Akbay E,Uysal D

28- Katetere Bağlı Superior Vena Cava Okluzyonunda Balon ve Stent Tedavimiz, 15. Ulusal Vasküler CerrahiKongresi, 27-30ekim2011,Antalya,P028,S52,M.Etli,U.Sağlam,M.Yıldırım,H.Öntaş,A.Kara,T.Yavuz

29-Phlegmasya Sendromunda Gelişmekte Olan V.Cava İnferior Okluzyonunda Endovenöz Tedavi 7 15.Ulusal Vasküler Cerrahi Kongresi 27-30 Ekim 2011, Antalya,P029,S52, M.Etli,U.Sağlam,A.Kara,H.Öntaş,M.Yıldırım,E.Akbay,T.Yavuz

30- Trasfemoral Pulmoner Embelektomi Olgusu, 15. Ulusal Vasküler Cerrahi Kongresi 27-30 Ekim 2011, Antalya,P030,S52,T.Yavuz,U.Sağlam, M.Etli,H.Öntaş, E.Akbay, M.Yıldırım, A.Kara,Z.Erk

31- Early Outcomes Of urgent Cabg Patients With Pre-op Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel Usage. K.A.Kara 5th International Coronary Congress New York December 2019

32- Pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy treatment for patients with acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. Z. Erk, K.A.Kara. 15th International congress of update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular surgery. March 2019

33-Kara KA, Öntaş H. Tranexamic Acid, a Low-cost and Practical Hemostatic Agent Against Diffuse Microvascular Bleeding Due to Coagulopathy in Heart Surgery. EJCM 2019;7(1):16-21. DOI: 10.32596/ejcm.galenos.2019.00003

33- Kartufan FF, Kara KA. Intraoperatively Taken and Used Blood Transfusion; A Cost-Effective and Beneficial Way of Blood Transfusion in Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Clinical Trial. J Ann Eu Med 2019; DOI: 10.4328/AEMED.152.

34- Peker O, Baydar Ç, Uysal D, Kara A, Öcal A. Femur kırığının neden olduğu mortalite ile sonuçlanan kompartman sendromu: Otopsi olgusu. Damar Cerrahisi Dergisi 200;18(2), 132

35-Dinçer Uysal, Seçil Bulun, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara. Arteriyovenöz fistül anevrizmaları ve rüptürlerine yaklaşım deneyimlerimiz. Türk Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi 15. Kongresi 26-29 Ekim 2018, Belek, Antalya S:33

36-Arslanoğlu E, Çine N, Kara KA, Tunçer E, Ukil Işıldak F, Yavuz Y, Yılmaz AA, Tomrukcu F, Arkan C, Yigit F, Ceyran H. Do platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have a predictive value on pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) results? Cardiol Young. 2021 May 21:1-6. doi: 10.1017/S1047951121001918. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34018477.

37- Arslanoglu E, Cine N, Kara KA, Yılmaz AA, Tomrukcu F, Bicer M, Tuncer E, Yavuz Y, Ceyran H. Temperate approach to ASD closure in pulmonary arterial hypertension: the fenestrated patch technique. Cardiol Young. 2021 Apr 8:1-5. doi: 10.1017/S1047951121001207. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33827741.

38- Arslanoglu E, Tuncer E, Cine N, Kara KA, Ozbek B, Yılmaz AA, Tomrukcu F, Savluk Faruk O, Ukil F, Ceyran H. Impact of platelet population behaviours in patients undergoing the Glenn procedure. Cardiol Young. 2021 Apr 12:1-5. doi: 10.1017/S104795112100086X. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33843534.

39-Babürhan Özbek, Kenan Öztürker, Fatih Tomrukçu, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Ömer Faruk Şavluk, Deniz Çevirme, Eylem Tunçer, Nihat Çine, Hakan Ceyran (0000). Cone Reconstruction With Successful One And A Half Ventricle Repair For Ebstein Anomaly. Koşuyolu Heart Journal, 1(1), 000. doi:10.51645/khj.2021.m75

40- Ergi̇n Arslanoğlu, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Ali Can Hatemi, Berrra Zümrüt Tan, Ömer Faruk Şavluk, Fatma Ukil Işıldak, Eylem Tunçer, Nihat Çine, Hakan Ceyran (0000). The importance of gestational age as a prognostic factor on Norwood Stage 1 outcome. Koşuyolu Heart Journal, 1(1), 000. doi:10.51645/khj.2021.m102

41-Ergi̇n Arslanoğlu, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Fatih Yiğit, Babürhan Özbek, Yasemin Yavuz, Fatma Ukil Işıldak, Eylem Tunçer, Nihat Çine, Hakan Ceyran (0000). Disease oriented ECMO results; specific considerations for different pathologies. Koşuyolu Heart Journal, 1(1), 000. doi:10.51645/khj.2021.m103

42- Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Ergi̇n Arslanoğlu, Fatih Tomrukçu, Abdullah Arif Yılmaz, Fatih Yiğit, Hakan Ceyran (0000). Scimittar Syndrome; Right time to operate? and mid-term results.. Koşuyolu Heart Journal, 1(1), 000. doi:10.51645/khj.2021.m162

43- Arslanoğlu E, Kara KA, Bakhshaliyev S, Altunyuva K, Canbay Sarılar Ç, Yılmaz V, et al. The psychocognitive, biochemical, and electrophysiological effects of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy accompanied by cervical block. Turk J Vasc Surg 2021;30(x):i-vii

44- Arslanoğlu, E., Işık, M., Kara, K., Yigit, F., Çine, N., Tunçer, E., & Ceyran, H. (2021). Preoperative monocytosis is predictable at diagnosis for RT-PCR negative COVİD-19 paediatric cardiac surgery patients. Cardiology in the Young, 1-5. doi:10.1017/S104795112100319X

 

45- Ergin Arslanoğlu, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Fatih Yiğit, Cüneyt Arkan, Ufuk Uslu, Ömer FarukŞavluk,Abdullah Arif Yılmaz, Eylem Tunçer, Nihat Çine, Hakan Ceyran. Neurological complications after pediatriccardiac surgery, The Cardiothoracic Surgeon  (2021) 29:19, https://doi.org/10.1186/s43057-021-00056-1

46- Ergin Arslanoğlu, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Fatih Yigit, Ömer Faruk Şavluk, Nihat Çine, Eylem Tunçer, Hakan Ceyran. Mechanical ventilation management in patients diagnosed with Covid-19 who underwent pediatric open-heart surgery. J Clin Med Kaz 2021; 18(5):82-87  (E-ISSN 2313-1519), DOI: https://doi.org/10.23950/jcmk/11242

47- Yenidoğanda kalp cerrahisi sonrası yoğun bakımda vasküler erişim sonrası görülen ekstremite iskemisine yaklaşım. Ergin arslanoğlu, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Nihat Çine, Ömer Faruk Doğan, Hakan Ceyran. 20. Ulusal Vasküler ve Endovasküler Cerrahi Kongresi 11. Ulusal Fleboloji Kongresi UVECD2021 

48- Çine N, Kara KA. New trend: surgical correction of Ebstein's anomaly using modified cone repair and a combination of different techniques. J Card Surg. 2022; 1‐7. doi:10.1111/jocs.16382

49- Cone onarımı yapılan Ebstein’s anomali hastalarında ring anuloplasty. Nihat Çine, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Ergin Arslanoğlu.  20. Ulusal pediatrik kardioloji ve pediatrik kalp cerrahisi kongresi 10-13 Mart 2022

50- Pediatrik kalp cerrahisi sonrası nörolojik komplikasyonlar. Ergin Arslanoğlu, Kenan Abdurrahman Kara, Nihat Çine, Fatih Yiğit, Babürhan Özbek, Eylem Tunçer, Cüneyt Arkan, Ömer Faruk Şavluk, Fariz Cefereov, Ebsar Ergenç, Hakan Ceyran. 20. Ulusal Pediatrik Kardioloji ve Pediatrik Kalp Cerrahisi Kongresi 10-13 Mart 2022

51- Congenital left ventrikular aneurysm repair: a case report on a rare condition AEPC 2022-55th Annual Meeting of the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology  25-28may 2022 Geneva, Switzerland.

52- Işık ME, Arslanoğlu E,Menekşe Ş, Uygun-Kızmaz Y, Şavluk ÖF,Kara KA, Türkmen-Karaağaç A, and Ceyran H(2022). Infection profile of patients withextracorporeal membrane oxygenation inpaediatric cardiac surgery ICU. Cardiology in theYoung, page 1 of 6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1047951122001263

53-  Arslanoğlu E, Işık ME, Kara KA, Çine N, Tunçer E, Ceyran H. Surgical Approach and Management Strategies in a Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 2022 - Ahead of print: 1-6 DOI: 10.21470/1678-9741-2020-0614 

54- Arslanoğlu E, Kara KA, Işık ME, Yigit F, Uslu U, Tunçer E, Çine N, Ceyran H. Effects of patient blood management in pediatric heart surgery. Cirugía y Cirujanos. 2022;90(S1) Ahead of print

Dr. Ahmet Yavuz Balci is an experienced Orthopedic Surgeon at Medistate Hospital Istanbul. He treats injuries of the bones, ligaments, joints, and tendons. He is skilled in advanced orthopedic procedures. These include knee arthroscopy, ankle fusion surgery, ACL reconstruction, carpal tunnel release, and meniscus repair.

Dr. Balci has performed many complex surgeries with excellent patient outcomes. He holds accreditation from top medical boards. He uses minimally invasive techniques to support faster recovery. Dr. Balci is known for his dedication to high standards in orthopedic care in Turkey.

The prof. Giuseppe Speziale holds the positions of the National Coordinator of Cardiac Surgery of GVM Care & Research, the Director of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Anthea Hospital and Città di Lecce Hospital, and Director of the Department of Cardiac Surgery of the Santa Maria Hospital. He works at the Cardiological Clinical Institute (ICC) and San Carlo di Nancy Hospital in Rome. Since 2011 he has also held the position of Vice President of GVM Care & Research. In 2012 he occupied the charge of President of Confindustria Puglia, Health Section, and since 2018 he is Vice President of Aiop Puglia (Italian association of private hospitals). The prof. Speziale is a cardiac surgeon specializing in the minimally invasive surgical treatment of valve diseases, expert in minimally invasive repair of the mitral valve, in On and Off Pump myocardial revascularization, in thoracic aortic surgery. He is Co - Founder and President of the Scientific Committee of Mitral Academy, an independent association born from the passion for mitral surgery and the desire to pursue and share excellence in restorative surgery, with particular attention to minimally invasive techniques and the evaluation of potential therapeutic treatments deriving from the use of new technologies. Until 2016 he was elected Director of the Italian Society of Cardiac Surgery. He is part of the following associations: AATS (American Association for Thoracic Surgery), Italian Society of Cardiology Accredited Hospital, SICOA (active member), ISMICS (International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery). Since 2004 he has held the position of Scientific Director of the Italian Cardiopathic Association onlus.

In the field of scientific research, he focuses on new approaches, applicable in the field of minimally invasive and non-invasive mitral, aortic, cardiac arrhythmias and tricuspid surgery. He was the coordinator and researcher of the various projects of the National Research Council on Myocardial Infarction, on the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, on new technologies for carrying out coronary, cardiopulmonary and normothermic bypass. He was an adjunct professor at the Sapienza University of Rome where he held the Chair of Cardiology II, and at the University of Ferrara, where he teaches Cardiac Surgery. He has presented numerous scientific papers at national and international congresses of cardiology and cardiac surgery.

Bibliography: He is co-author of 6 books known nationally and internationally. The most recent one is Advances in Treatments for Aortic Valve and Root Diseases, publisher Springer International Publishing, 2018.

He is Reviewer and author of over 90 publications of multiple journals, such as Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, Heart & Lung: The Journal of Cardiopulmonary and Acute Care, European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Journal on Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery etc.

Awards: “Top Doctors Awards”, 2021

Dr. Jenap Zeybek is a Professor of Pediatric Cardiology. She is the Chief of Pediatrics and Pediatric Cardiology at Istanbul Atlas University, Faculty of Medicine, and Private Medicine Hospital. She earned her medical degree from Hacettepe University Medical Faculty (English). She completed her Pediatrics residency at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty.

Dr. Zeybek completed her fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at Siyami Ersek Cardiovascular Training Hospital. She has held leadership roles at Biruni and Yeni Yuzyil Universities. She became an Associate Professor in 2011 and a full Professor in 2017. Dr. Zeybek is known for her clinical skills, academic leadership, and contributions to pediatric cardiology in Turkey.

Dr. Murat Saygi is a pediatric cardiologist. He graduated from Cukurova University School of Medicine in 2002. He completed his pediatrics residency at Dokuz Eylul University in 2008. In 2015, he specialized in pediatric cardiology at Istanbul Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery Hospital.

Dr. Saygi has worked at several leading hospitals. These include the Ministry of Health Şanlıurfa Pediatric Hospital, Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Education and Research Hospital, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, and Medicana International Hospital in Istanbul. He is known for his expertise in pediatric cardiology. Dr. Saygi is respected for his clinical skills and commitment to pediatric heart care.

Dr. Ilker Kiris is a cardiovascular surgeon with expertise in phlebology and aesthetic phlebology. He earned his Master of Science from Dokuz Eylül University in 1995. He completed his cardiovascular surgery residency at Süleyman Demirel University in 2002. In 2011, he became an associate professor after passing national board and proficiency exams.

Dr. Kiris is a member of the European Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. He has published scientific papers and supervised clinical research. In 2007, he received the First Prize for oral presentation at the 3rd Annual Congress of Update in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery.

He has trained internationally, including at Oxford University. Dr. Kiris often speaks and trains at major phlebology congresses. He is known for his skills in vascular surgery and minimally invasive vein treatments.

Director of the Pediatric Cardiology Center, Cardiologist

Cardiac Surgeon, Specialist in congenital heart disease treatment

Dr. Murat Yalçın is an experienced cardiologist with 20 years in the field. He specializes in cardiovascular medicine. He graduated from Gulhane Military Medical Academy. He also completed advanced training at Gulhane Training and Research Hospital in Turkey.

Dr. Yalçın has worked at several leading hospitals in Turkey. These include Kirklareli Hospital, Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Izmir Military Hospital, Medicana Camlica Hospital, and Medicana Atasehir Hospital. He has also held academic positions up to Associate Professor. This highlights his expertise and leadership in cardiology.

He is a certified member of the Turkish Society of Cardiology. This shows his dedication to high standards and quality care in cardiology.

Dr. Blanco is an experienced pediatric cardiac surgeon specializing in cardiovascular surgery with extensive academic and professional experience, including positions as Head of the UCC and Head of the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Services at various hospitals.

Dr. Fernando Villagrá is a respected cardiovascular surgeon who specializes in pediatric cardiac surgery. He completed his medical degree at the Complutense University of Madrid. He later earned his specialization in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Autonomous University of Madrid. His doctoral thesis received the distinction of “Outstanding Cum Laude.”

Dr. Villagrá has more than 40 years of experience. He has led pediatric cardiac surgery departments at top hospitals in Spain, including Hospital Universitario La Paz and Montepríncipe University Hospital. He has performed thousands of complex surgeries. He has also contributed to over 100 scientific publications in both international and national journals.

He is a member of the Spanish Society of Cardiology. He also serves on the editorial boards of leading medical journals. This reflects his dedication to advancing cardiovascular medicine.