The Society of Thoracic Surgeons today announced the 2025 Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Award recipients at its 61st Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. Now in its third year, the award is co-sponsored by STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) and honors women cardiothoracic surgeons who have demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise and made significant contributions to the field.
This year’s recipients are Jessica Donington, MD; Stephanie Fuller, MD; and Aya Saito, MD.
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2025 Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in CT Surgery Award recipients (l to r) Dr. Ayo Saito, Dr. Jessica Donington, and Dr. Stephanie Fuller.
“It is our privilege to honor these exceptional women and celebrate their achievements as surgeons, leaders, and mentors,” said STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS. “They inspire and empower the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons, both women and men, to reach new heights in their fields.”
Meet these exceptional women surgeons:
Dr. Jessica Donington, a thoracic surgeon specializing in benign and malignant chest diseases, is at the forefront of the fight against lung cancer. As professor of surgery and chief of thoracic surgery at UChicago Medicine and director of lung cancer screening at UChicago, she leads thoracic oncology research, focusing on early detection and innovative surgical approaches. Her groundbreaking clinical trials are transforming patient care by paving the way for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.
As an advocate for equitable access to screenings and life-saving treatments, particularly for underserved communities on Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Donington works tirelessly to ensure all individuals have the opportunity for timely intervention.
With a strong commitment to advancing the field, Dr. Donington has accepted leadership roles at prominent cardiothoracic surgery organizations. As a past president of Women in Thoracic Surgery, New York Society for Thoracic Surgery, and Western Thoracic Surgical Association, Dr. Donington has championed opportunities for future generations, especially women in the field. She is a member of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and serves on the editorial boards of the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, and CHEST.
Dr. Donington is not only an accomplished surgeon and researcher but also a dedicated educator, earning numerous awards for her exceptional ability to inspire students, residents, and fellows, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology Excellence in Teaching Award and the Distinguished Leader in Program Innovation from the University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Division. A sought-after speaker both locally and internationally, she continues to shape the future of thoracic surgery through her unwavering commitment to patient care, research, and education.
Several of Dr. Donington’s peers have noted that her influence will resonate for decades, underscoring her enduring impact on both the surgical community and her patients.
Dr. Stephanie Fuller serves as the Thomas L. Spray, MD, Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where she is known for her innovative approach to treating congenital heart conditions in both children and adults. Leading the Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center, she passionately advocates for lifelong care for adult survivors, ensuring they receive continuity in care from doctors familiar with the unique aspects of pediatric cancer survivorship. Her roles at the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital further underscore her dedication to patient care.
Dr. Fuller is a respected researcher who has significantly contributed to understanding neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life following heart surgery. Her research emphasizes the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional well-being of patients. She is considered a pioneer in pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge to advance a more holistic approach to cardiac care.
Beyond her clinical and research work, Dr. Fuller is a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of surgeons as program director for the Congenital Cardiothoracic Fellowship at CHOP. She instills in her trainees the same passion and dedication that characterize her own career. The success of her mentees, many of whom have assumed leadership positions, reflects her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Dr. Fuller’s leadership extends to national and international levels through her role as an oral examiner for the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and her position as the 2025 Chair of the STS Annual Meeting Workforce. She is a strong advocate for gender equity in healthcare, promoting an inclusive environment where all can thrive.
Dr. Aya Saito, a cardiac surgeon, is recognized as one whose remarkable career has redefined the landscape of a traditionally male-dominated field. In 2023, she made history as the first female chairperson of the department of surgery at Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, an achievement with far-reaching implications for Japanese and Asian medicine.
Dr. Saito’s impressive background includes training at Yokohama City University School of Medicine, a PhD in cryopreserved heart valves from the University of Tokyo, and a clinical fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery and heart transplantation at the University of Western Ontario Hospital. Specializing in adult cardiac surgery, she is recognized for her expertise in off-pump coronary artery bypass, valvular heart disease, and aortic surgery, providing exceptional and compassionate care, especially to high-risk elderly patients.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Saito is a trailblazing researcher. Her pivotal work on cryopreserved allogeneic vascular tissues, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, is highly regarded. She also spearheads the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database, which is influencing global clinical practices and raising standards in patient care.
Dr. Saito is deeply committed to mentorship and has founded Women in Thoracic Surgery in Japan, creating a supportive and empowering community for aspiring female surgeons. Dr. Saito’s colleagues emphasize that many of the achievements of women thoracic surgeons in Japan are directly attributable to her mentorship, highlighting her significant role in advancing and supporting women in the specialty — demonstrating that the future of medicine thrives when diverse voices are heard and valued.
“These exceptional women are essential voices in cardiothoracic surgery,” said Daniela Molena, MD, president of Women in Thoracic Surgery. “Each of them exemplifies the qualities needed to advance our specialty and inspire the next generation of women cardiothoracic surgery leaders.”
At the 2025 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting, researchers will unveil a late-breaking study exploring the long-term survival outcomes of different surgical approaches for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The analysis leveraged the robust STS General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD), combined with long-term follow-up data, to evaluate the effectiveness of anatomic lung resections versus alternative techniques.
The study, to be presented by Dr. Christopher Seder, Rush University Medical Center, examined data from more than 32,000 patients, provides valuable real-world insights that complement existing randomized controlled trials, offering a comprehensive perspective on how surgical decisions influence outcomes over time. With findings drawn from diverse healthcare settings, this research underscores the potential of leveraging large-scale databases to refine treatment strategies and optimize patient care.
The STS GTSD remains a leading resource for capturing detailed surgical and patient data, driving advancements in cardiothoracic surgery. This latest study adds to its legacy by highlighting the importance of integrating real-world evidence into clinical practice.
The Congenital Heart Surgery Clark Paper, Understanding Mortality Following Congenital Heart Surgery: What Do Procedure-Specific Factors (PSF) Add? will assess the contribution of PSFs beyond standard risk factors in estimating mortality in this population.
Meena Nathan, MD, a pediatric cardiac surgeon at Children’s Hospital Boston, will present this paper on Friday, Jan. 24, from 2:16 to 2:24 p.m. as part of the "The Tribulations of Trials: Challenges in CHD Clinical Studies" session. During her talk, she will discuss data from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database, a crucial resource for enhancing the quality of congenital heart surgery. In 2013, the Database expanded to include 82 Patient Safety Factors (PSFs) for benchmark operations (BMOs), though the impact of these PSFs on mortality prediction has yet to be fully explored.
To address this knowledge gap, Dr. Nathan and her team analyzed the contribution of PSFs to mortality estimation beyond standard STS risk factors. The study included a large cohort of BMOs from 115 U.S. centers between 2017 and 2022.
Dr. Nathan will present study findings, which emphasize the complexity of mortality prediction in congenital heart surgery and highlight the need for continued research to identify the most relevant risk factors and PSFs for each procedure, with the goal of developing more accurate prediction models that enhance patient care and support informed decision-making.
In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a novel analysis evaluating surgeon preference for multi- versus single-arterial grafting may help explain the differing results between prior retrospective analyses and randomized controlled trials regarding long-term survival.
A novel study to be presented on Friday, Jan. 24, at The Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ 61st Annual Meeting by lead author Justin Schaffer, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Baylor Scott & White Health, offers fresh insights into the long-debated question of whether multi-arterial grafting (MAG) improves long-term survival compared to single-arterial grafting (SAG) in patients undergoing CABG. The analysis evaluates over one million Medicare beneficiaries and incorporates an innovative approach using surgeon preference as a tool to address unmeasured variables.
While the findings highlight nuances in interpreting retrospective and randomized trial data, they also underscore the need for future randomized studies, such as the forthcoming results of the ROMA trial, to definitively guide clinical decision-making.
The researchers emphasized that understanding the survival benefit of MAG over SAG requires randomized data, and it remains an important and open clinical question.
In today’s presentation of the Clark Memorial Paper for General Thoracic Surgery, Lobectomy versus Sublobar Resection Among Lung Cancer Patients Understudied in Recent Clinical Trials, Gavitt Woodard, MD, a thoracic surgeon at Yale Medicine, will discuss the findings of a comprehensive evaluation of lung cancer surgery outcomes.
This study examined survival outcomes across groups to determine whether the trial’s results are widely applicable to a broader population, including older patients, those with reduced pulmonary function, and non-smokers.
Researchers analyzed data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database, linking it with Medicare survival data to evaluate patient outcomes. The study included a diverse group of patients who underwent different surgical resections, including lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection.
“The study found that sublobar resection and lobectomy offer similar survival outcomes for many patients, including those over 75, with poor lung function, or who are lifelong nonsmokers,” said Dr. Woodard. "Inadequate lymph node evaluation during sublobar resection was associated with worse survival. These findings highlight the need for better nodal assessment, particularly for patients with compromised lungs or minimal lymph node spread."
On Thursday, Jan. 23, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) kicked off its pre-conference for STS 2025. The program featured three concurrent half-day symposia designed to enhance attendees' educational experience at this year's Annual Meeting.
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The symposium, Lung Cancer: Clinical Trials Meet Clinical Practice, explored the rapidly evolving landscape of early-stage and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Through interactive formats, participants examined recent diagnostic breakthroughs and key clinical trials, gaining practical strategies to integrate this knowledge into their daily practice.
The STS APP Conference: Redesigning the Future Together marked the inaugural program dedicated to advanced practice providers (APPs) in cardiothoracic surgery. This event focused on innovative ways to enhance the role of APPs, strengthen clinical management, and present strategies for professional success and leadership. Expert-led sessions and collaborative discussions provided attendees with valuable insights into improving patient care, driving clinical excellence, and fostering career development.
The Aortic Universe: From Birth to Adulthood symposium provided a comprehensive overview of aortic disease across all age groups. Participants learned about diagnosing, treating, and managing the full spectrum of congenital and acquired aortic conditions. "Through videos, detailed case-based presentations, and surgical techniques, these courses helped strengthen our ability to provide the highest level of care to those affected by aortic disease," said course co-director Ibrahim Sultan, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is thrilled to reassemble for its 61st Annual Meeting Jan. 24-26 in Los Angeles, which brings together cardiothoracic surgeons from around the globe and features late-breaking scientific research, cutting-edge technologies, innovative cardiothoracic surgery products, dynamic and interactive training, and impactful networking and mentorship opportunities.
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STS 2025 will take place in Los Angeles.
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the meeting offers attendees — more than 2,000 professionals at all career stages— a seamless experience with plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and the exhibit hall all conveniently located. That makes it easy for attendees to navigate and connect with colleagues and industry leaders.
On Thursday, Jan. 23, three concurrent half-day pre-conference symposia will enhance the educational experience. These sessions will cover advancements in lung cancer, the diagnosis and treatment of aortic disease for patients of all ages, and more.
The first day of the Annual Meeting will kick off with the Nina Starr Braunwald Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards breakfast. The event, co-hosted by STS and Women in Thoracic Surgery, will celebrate women cardiothoracic surgeons who have excelled in clinical practice, made significant contributions to the field, and demonstrated leadership, mentorship, integrity, creativity, and expertise.
The inaugural Nina Starr Braunwald Lecture will be presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist renowned for her pioneering work in gene editing. She will explore how scientific innovation is shaping the future of medicine. The Vivien T. Thomas Lecture will feature award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker Ami Vitale. A passionate advocate for social responsibility, she will demonstrate how authentic storytelling can drive meaningful, positive change.
The Society will honor President Jennifer Romano, MD, MS, for her invaluable contributions to the organization as the first female president to hold the office. A special reception will be held at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, amidst a majestic backdrop of North American wildlife dioramas that adorn the hall. Space is limited for this event, so attendees are encouraged to add the reception to their cart during registration.
STS 2025 will offer practical courses on various surgical procedures, delivering an engaging and immersive learning experience for residents, early career surgeons, and all surgeons seeking to enhance their skills. The topics include aortic annular enlargement, TEVAR techniques for aneurysms and dissections, mitral valve repair, complex central airway reconstruction, and the Ross procedure.
For the second consecutive year, The Hub will serve as the focal point for cardiothoracic surgery trainees. The Hub’s lounge area will offer a variety of engaging sessions, including mock oral Interviews, job interview preparation, early career surgeon roundtable discussions, a trainee symposium with a luncheon, and more.
Attendees can also enjoy creative activities in The Hub, such as the collaborative mural project “Splashes of Hope,” where participants can contribute their creativity to artwork that will be donated to a local children's hospital. For those eager to capture memorable moments, the selfie station will offer a fun and interactive backdrop perfect for sharing on social media.
Additionally, a scavenger hunt will inspire attendees to engage in challenges via the Annual Meeting app, with opportunities to win prizes.
There’s still time to register, add ticketed events, and start planning your Los Angeles experience at sts.org/annualmeeting.
On day three of the STS 2025 Annual Meeting, Dr. Jeremiah Hayanga, professor of thoracic surgery, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, West Virginia University, will present a session titled, Endobronchial Valve Therapy (EVT) versus Lung Volume Reduction Survey (LVRS) in the US. In this presentation, Dr. Hayanga and his research team will share new, risk-adjusted study results that provide fresh insights into treatments for severe emphysema.
Recent findings suggest that as surgical practices evolve, LVRS may offer better long-term results for patients with advanced emphysema compared to EBV therapy. Although EBV patients had shorter hospital stays, lower charges, and fewer pre-existing conditions, the study revealed they experienced more complications and a higher risk of death over time than those who underwent LVRS.
To be held Sunday, Jan. 25, at 8 a.m. during the larger “Modernized Solutions for Lung Failure, From Bench to Bedside” session, Dr. Hayanga will also discuss the limitations of lung transplantation as a solution for severe emphysema due to the shortage of donor organs.
“Surgical lung volume reduction, explored in the late 1990s, did not gain widespread acceptance due to its associated risks and the small pool of patients who were thought to benefit,” says Dr. Hayanga. “However, with advancements in surgical techniques and risk management, LVRS has seen improved outcomes, offering hope for patients who are not candidates for lung transplants.”
Ready to level up your STS experience? The Hub is back for STS 2025. A fun and vibrant space, The Hub will be the center of activity for programs, sessions, networking, and mentoring specifically for cardiothoracic surgery trainees and early surgeons. Check out the following schedule of daily activities.
Friday, January 24 LTTF Medical Students Program 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Small Theatre
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The Hub made its debut at STS 2024.
By invitation only for the 2025 Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholars, this session offers LTTF medical student scholars the chance to hear from CT surgeons and residents about the cardiothoracic field, including insights into their application and residency experiences. Upon completion of the session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to navigate the application process for thoracic residency programs and the various types of CT surgery residency programs available.
Learn more about the LTTF program and how you can become a LTTF Scholar.
Photo Station 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lounge Area
Update your professional headshot or have some fun with props at our selfie station. Be sure to share your pictures on social media!
STS Trainee Luncheon 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. Big Theatre
Leaders in CT surgery, including members of the STS Board of Directors, workforces, and task forces, will be seated with trainees to discuss topics of interest to residents. Discussion topics include subspecialty training, dedicated research time, interventional and catheter-based skills during training, gaps in diversity, training paradigms, the current job market, and addressing non-clinical training needs. Attendance is limited to trainees (residents, fellows, medical students, LTTF scholars) and invited faculty.
STS Trainee Symposium: Setting Yourself Up for a Successful Career 1 - 2:30 p.m. Big Theatre
Presented by the Workforce on Thoracic Surgery Resident Development, this essential session in The Hub will help residents and fellows learn how to find mentors, maintain professionalism, transition from resident to attending, interview for their first job, and manage student loans. Participants will gain the tools to secure mentorship for career transitions, maintain professionalism across settings, interview effectively, and manage student debt.
Heart Surgery 101: Concepts Your Faculty Wants You To Know 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Small Theatre
In this session, you will explore a range of essential topics including Imaging 101, where you'll learn to read echos and understand guided CTAs and PA numbers. The session will also cover the process of writing and publishing a paper, determining when to call the surgeon, and identifying post-residency career pathways with a focus on advanced fellowships. Additionally, there will be insights into perfecting your anastomoses, understanding PTTAVR and TEVAR, and opportunities to get involved in robotic cardiothoracic surgery.
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The Hub will be the center of activity at STS 2025.
Saturday, January 25 How Medical Providers Can Build Wealth, Pay Off Debt, and Reduce Burnout
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Small Theatre
In this presentation, James M. Dahle, MD, FACEP, a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor, will offer valuable insights into financial wellness. He will share a basic framework and actionable strategies to help attendees understand the link between financial stress and burnout.
Dr. Dahle will also provide practical advice on how to protect your most valuable assets and safeguard your loved ones from financial catastrophe. Additionally, he will discuss effective ways to build a nest egg, lower taxes, make smart investments, and ultimately achieve financial independence.
Challenges and Success of Parental Policies for CT Trainees 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Small Theatre
This session will explore parental policies for cardiothoracic trainees, highlighting the difficulties of parenthood and family planning in this demanding field. It will provide insights into the experiences of partners of women cardiothoracic surgeons and feature a moderated panel discussion with program directors and trainees, offering a platform to discuss how to navigate the balance between career and family life in the specialty.
Winning Research: Presentations by TSF Awardees 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Small Theatre
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation (TSF), STS's charitable arm, provides grants and scholarships that support research, skill development, and access to top mentors and cutting-edge technology. Join us for this session where recent awardees will present their research projects in 5–10-minute presentations, followed by a feedback session.
Early Career Roundtables 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Big Theatre
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Make a point to engage with new people at The Hub!
Engage in focused, topic-driven discussions with experienced, senior surgeons and expand your professional network while learning how to advance your career. You will have the opportunity to explore subjects such as making the most of the STS Annual Meeting, discovering fellowship and award opportunities, and understanding the pathway to involvement and leadership within STS. Additionally, you'll learn strategies for managing your time effectively, negotiating contracts, transitioning from your first job, and gaining valuable networking tips.
LTTF General Surgery Residents Program 3 - 4 p.m. Small Theatre
By invitation only for the 2025 Looking to the Future (LTTF) Scholars, this session offers an opportunity for Looking to the Future General Surgery Resident Scholars to hear from CT surgeons and residents about the future of cardiothoracic (CT) surgery, their residency experiences, and the job search process. Participants will gain insights into navigating the application process for thoracic residency programs, as well as a deeper understanding of the CT surgery field and the job search process.
Learn more about the LTTF program and how you can become an LTTF Scholar.
Fiscal Issues Surrounding Modern Healthcare 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Small Theatre
In this session, attendees will explore a variety of financial challenges facing contemporary healthcare, including the impact of government and private insurance, obstacles in academia and independent practice, the evolution since Medicare's introduction, and insights into future developments in the healthcare industry.
Sunday, January 26 Early Career Roundtables 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Big Theatre
Participate in targeted, focused discussions with experienced surgeons on topics like becoming an OR team leader, avoiding burnout, personal wellness, financial health, knowing when to say "yes" or "no," building successful systems, and achieving early clinical success while networking and advancing your career.
This program is designed to help reduce Board exam stress by helping trainees prepare for the oral exam format. It includes online modules and resources that cover effective test-taking strategies, the structure of an oral exam, and key dos and don’ts. These materials are provided 1-2 weeks before the live session.
The course also features a live, 1.5-hour virtual role-playing session, where trainees work with mock examiners who present case scenarios, ask questions, and offer personalized feedback. Participants also receive a recording of the session for review.
Limited spots are available, and priority will be given to cardiothoracic surgery residents who are registered for the Annual Meeting and scheduled to take the ABTS oral examination in June 2025.
Hone your suture skills at the Suture Table! STS is offering this opportunity in collaboration with the Thoracic Surgery Medical Students Association (TSMA).
Learn everything you need to know about board exams and your path to certification. Visit the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) info table where the ABTS team will answer your questions, provide valuable resources, and offer guidance on taking the board exams.
Join us for this new program designed to help trainees and early-career surgeons enhance their interview skills. Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one mock interview session, including 20 minutes of practice and 10 minutes of feedback. Participants can choose between an academic-focused or non-academic session. Once your slot is confirmed, you'll receive preparation instructions, including a short online course on "pitfalls to avoid during interviews" and a reminder to bring your most recent CV.
During the Saturday, Jan. 25 presentation of the James S. Tweddell Memorial Paper for Congenital Heart Surgery, Reilly Hobbs, MD, from the University of Utah Medical Center will explore the relationship between the volume of Norwood procedures performed at a center and patient outcomes based on findings from the National Pediatric Cardiology – Quality Improvement Collaborative Database study.
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Dr. Reilly Hobbs presented the Tweddell Memorial Paper on day two of STS 2025.
The Norwood procedure, a critical surgery for infants with single ventricle defects, has been extensively studied, but findings on how case volume affects outcomes have been inconsistent. This study examines data that clarifies the relationship between center case volume and survival and morbidity in patients undergoing this complex surgery.
In presenting the findings of the study, Congenital Heart Surgery, Volume-Outcome Relationship of Norwood Procedures: Insights from the National Pediatric Cardiology – Quality Improvement Collaborative Database, Dr. Hobbs will explain how centers were grouped based on their annual case volume—low, medium, and high—and how preoperative risk factors, complications, and survival outcomes were compared. He will also highlight how patients at high-volume centers had better outcomes than those at low-volume centers, including higher survival rates and lower mortality, particularly among patients with additional high-risk features.
“The findings indicate that the number of Norwood procedures performed at a center significantly impacts patient outcomes with high-volume centers consistently achieving better results than low-volume centers,” says Dr. Hobbs. “It’s essential to emphasize the role of case volume in complex congenital heart surgeries and explore the potential benefits of directing high-risk patients to more experienced centers. Further research is needed to identify the key factors that contribute to improved outcomes at high-volume centers, ultimately enhancing care for single ventricle patients.”
In a landmark achievement for healthcare in Southeast Asia, St. Luke's Medical Center has launched the region's first robotic cardiac surgery program. This historic initiative was made possible through a collaborative effort between St. Luke's multidisciplinary team, led by Drs. Marvin Martinez and Ramiro Pablo, and the expert team from West Virginia University's (WVU) Heart and Vascular Institute, including Dr. Vinay Badhwar, Dr. Lawrence Wei, and physician assistant Herald Fe.
The program debuted with a series of innovative robotic-assisted cardiac procedures, showcasing the transformative potential of this advanced technology. Among the groundbreaking surgeries performed were:
Robotic MIDCAB (Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass)
Robotic bileaflet mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to bileaflet myxomatous disease
Robotic mitral valve repair for endocarditis, including anterior mitral leaflet perforation
Robotic adult congenital atrial septal reconstruction using a bovine patch for a patient with a common atrium
Robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) for a patient from Papua New Guinea
The first robotic valve surgery—a repair of a severely regurgitant mitral valve in a 40-year-old patient—marked a defining moment in the program's success. With guidance from WVU's Heart and Vascular Institute, the procedure was completed with precision and excellence, underscoring the collaboration's impact.
Dr. Pablo expressed his excitement, saying, "This is a monumental step forward for cardiac care in Southeast Asia. Our partnership with the WVU team has empowered us to provide patients with less invasive, highly precise procedures and faster recoveries."
Dr. Martinez added, "Establishing this robotic cardiac surgery program has been a dream realized through our team's dedication and the invaluable expertise of our WVU partners. This is just the beginning of a new era in cardiac care."
Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Badhwar remarked, "Teamwork truly makes the dream work. The exceptional multidisciplinary team at St. Luke's has shown that vision, determination, and collaboration can achieve extraordinary outcomes."
St. Luke's Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program is set to advance care across the region, offering minimally invasive options that reduce pain, recovery time, and the risk of complications.
In December, lawmakers passed a short-term funding bill to keep the government running through March 14, 2025. However, last-minute chaos drastically reduced the size and scope of the year-end package, which resulted in many critical healthcare priorities being left out.
