Departmental Highlights & News
Drs. Norman Shumway, left, and Donald C. Harrison meet the press after they perform the first adult human transplant in the United States in January 1968.
Stanford is able to leverage a series of "firsts," including the first heart transplant in the US, the first heart-lung transplant in the world, and one of the first left ventricular assist device (LVAD) procedures in the world. Stanford dominates the market in programs involving a high percentage of complex procedures. Several of Stanford's most successful cardiac programs have a broad geographical base, with over 20% of the volume for heart transplants, aorta and valve procedures coming from outside the Bay Area. Stanford also has a strong international cardiac market with cardiac patients representing more than 50% of overall international business.
Dr. Bruce Reitz and his surgical team perform the world’s first successful combined adult human heart-lung transplant in 1981
2025
Department Thoracic Surgery Faculty Advance Lung Cancer Screening and Care
Because surgical treatment is critical for early-stage lung cancer, thoracic surgeons at Stanford Medicine are committed to advancing lung cancer research and clinical initiatives. To highlight these efforts, several faculty from the Thoracic Surgery Division share about their ongoing research and clinical practice.
November 30, 2025
Female Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Unlocking the Male Fortress
Less than 10 percent of heart and lung surgeons in the United States are women. A recent New York Times piece highlights the leaders changing that, featuring the Women in Thoracic Society and our very own thoracic surgeon Dr. Leah Backhus.
November 29, 2025 - New York Times
The Transformation of Adult Heart Transplantation in the United States and Western Europe
In nearly 60 years, heart transplantation has transformed from a daring vision to an established surgical procedure. Since the first adult heart transplant in the United States was performed at Stanford Hospital in 1968, the field has made significant strides. However, challenges remain, including a shortage of donor organs and socioeconomic disparities.
November 24, 2025
New Study Highlights Key Findings on Lung Cancer Surveillance Rates
Despite recommendations for posttreatment surveillance in lung cancer patients, there is wide variability in the follow-up care that lung cancer patients receive. A recent study, led by senior author Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, offers new insights on patient care and lung cancer surveillance rates.
November 20, 2025
2025 CTSNet Innovation Video Competition
Dr. Chawannuch Ruaengsri and her team recently submitted a video for the 2025 CTSNet Innovation Video Competition, demonstrating how en bloc heart and lung donation after circulatory death rapid recovery protocol combined with abdominal normothermic regional perfusion can be safe and feasible.
November 19, 2025 - CTSNet
Tiny Fighter Overcomes Early Heart Challenges
A team of heart specialists at Stanford Medicine Children's Health turned challenges into triumphs for Penelope Yee, who was born with heart defects. Dr. Shaun Setty was the pediatric heart surgeon for the young patient.
November 17, 2025 - Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Cardiothoracic Surgical Care at Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose
Stanford Medicine's expertise in advanced cardiovascular care is expanding at Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose. Dr. Anson Lee leads the cardiothoracic surgery services at the hospital's new multispecialty clinic.
November 12, 2025 - Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose
Lung Cancer Awareness Month: A Focus on Screening
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and when detected early, it can be highly treatable. Thoracic surgeons within the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine are driven to raise awareness about lung cancer, with a focus on a powerful, yet underutilized tool: early screening.
November 7, 2025
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., claims more lives annually than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, but early detection through screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives. Dr. Natalie Lui and her team are featured. November 1, 2025.
November 5, 2025 - StanfordMed Pulse
Department Welcomes Dr. Antonio Amodeo as Professor of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is pleased to welcome Antonio Amodeo, MD, to the department as Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery. He will serve as Director of Pediatric Thoracic Transplantation at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, effective November 1, 2025.
November 4, 2025
A Second Change at Life for Hazel
A team of heart specialists and surgeons at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford gave Hazel a second chance with a groundbreaking surgery. The story features Dr. Frank Hanley, pioneer of single-stage unifocalization, and Dr. Michael Ma, Hazel’s pediatric cardiac surgeon, who used 3D technology to help with surgical simulation.
October 31, 2025 - Lucile Packard Foundation
Dr. Leonard Girardi Honored Speaker at Stanford's Eighth Dr. Lawrence H. and Mrs. Roberta Cohn Visiting Professor Lecture
Dr. Girardi is the O. Wayne Isom Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. He is also the Cardiothoracic Surgeon-in-Chief at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
October 30, 2025
Hope Leads the Way for Girl with Rare Lung Disorder
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health performs first-in-world simultaneous lung transplant and chest wall expansion surgery on a young child. Dr. Michael Ma, Division Chief of Pediatric Heart Surgery and Surgical Director of Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant at Stanford Children’s is featured.
October 29, 2025 - Healthier, Happier Lives Blog
New Webpage for the Stanford Center for Bloodless Cardiac Surgery
The Stanford Center for Bloodless Cardiac Surgery offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that brings together cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, hematologists, and perfusionists to perform complex cardiac surgeries without the use of blood products.
October 24, 2025
Shots on Goal: Improving Screening and Clinical Decision-Making
In the Department of Medicine annual report, Dr. Natalie Lui is mentioned in this feature on Dr. Bryant Lin, who received a diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer despite never having smoked. Dr. Lui was one of first guest speakers in the Dr. Lin’s new class MED 27: A Doctor’s Journey with Lung Cancer.
October 22, 2025
Cellular Patch That can be Prepared in the Operating Room Helps Hearts Heal After Ischemic Injury
A team of Stanford Medicine researchers has created a rapidly manufacturable, compressed collagen patch that can be laid over damaged heart tissue to help it heal. The research, led by senior author Dr. Yasuhiro Shudo, was published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine.
October 16, 2025
Dr. Ngan F. Huang Receives Funding to Advance Research on Stem Cell Therapies for Treating Cardiovascular Disease
Dr. Huang leads a laboratory that investigates how stem cells interact with the extracellular matrix to engineer cardiovascular tissues for treating cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases. A versatile researcher, Dr. Huang combines her expertise in cardiovascular medicine, chemistry, and bioengineering to explore multidisciplinary approaches that advance regenerative medicine.
October 13, 2025
Stanford Leads the Way in Advancing Minimally Invasive Options for CABG to Best Care for Patients
Across the nation, referring cardiologists and patients are seeking minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery, for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) - a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. At Stanford Medicine, cardiothoracic surgeons are meeting that demand for advanced options in CABG. For patients, these minimally invasive CABG surgeries often mean less pain and a faster recovery.
October 8, 2025
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford Again Recognized Among Nation's Best Children's Hospitals
For the 21st consecutive year, Packard Children's Hospital has been recognized for exceptional care and patient outcomes, ranked in every pediatric specialty by U.S. News & World Report for the 10th year in a row. The hospital also ranked in Cardiology and Heart Surgery.
October 7, 2025 - Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2025 Summer
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery presents its latest quarterly newsletter, featuring key updates in clinical care, research, and education.
October 7, 2025
Dr. Anson Lee promoted to Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr. Lee joined the department in 2015, bringing his specialty in surgically treating all heart diseases, including arrhythmias, structural heart disease, aortic disease, and ischemic heart disease. He leads the Surgical Arrhythmia Program at Stanford Hospital and has a special interest in the surgical treatment of abnormal heart rhythms using minimally invasive techniques.
October 1, 2025
Department Welcomes Dr. Lillian Tsai as Clinical Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Tsai will provide expert thoracic surgery services for patients at Sequoia Hospital, Stanford Hospital, and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Her clinical practice is dedicated to all aspects of general thoracic surgery, with a special focus on applying robotics and minimally invasive techniques to treat complex thoracic diseases.
October 1, 2025
Dr. Hiroo Kinami Appointed Clinical Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr. Kinami practices at Stanford Medicine Children's Health and serves as the Director of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. His clinical focus is on delivering comprehensive surgical care for children with complex congenital heart disease while fostering strong, multidisciplinary collaborations across specialities and teams.
September 30, 2025
World Heart Day and Women in Medicine Month: Faculty Spotlights
September is Women in Medicine Month, and World Heart Day is on September 29. We extend our gratitude to all our faculty, residents, trainees, and staff who continue to advance the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Meet three faculty members whose contributions are shaping the field.
September 29, 2025
Newborn Undergoes Lifesaving Open Heart Surgery at 3 Days Old
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and network cardiology teams acted quickly to save a newborn born with congenital heart disease, who underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery performed by Dr. Michael Ma.
September 25, 2025 - Healthier, Happier Lives Blog
2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer
Faculty and trainees from the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery were at the forefront of global lung cancer innovation at the IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Discussions highlighted the latest breakthroughs in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, precision medicine, and prevention strategies.
September 24, 2025
Stanford Medicine Surgeons Pioneer Beating-Heart Transplantation to Expand Donor Pool and Improve Outcomes
In 2022, Stanford Medicine cardiothoracic surgeons performed the world’s first beating-heart transplant in an adult using a donor heart after circulatory death with the support of an organ perfusion system. Watch interviews with Stanford Medicine surgeons involved in the first beating-heart transplant.
September 19, 2025
Vizient Recognizes Stanford Medicine with Top Rankings for Patient Care
Stanford Medicine has again been recognized among the top institutions for patient care by Vizient, a national health care performance improvement organization.
September 17, 2025 - Stanford Medicine News Center
Advancing Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills: Stanford at the 2025 STS Boot Camp
Over four days, 60 junior residents from across the country received intensive, hands-on guidance from leading cardiothoracic surgeons, including several from Stanford. Attendees engaged in high-fidelity simulations of real-world and emergency scenarios, gaining valuable experience in a structured instructional framework.
September 15, 2025
2025 AATS Mechanical Support and Thoracic Transplantation Summit
Faculty members from the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery presented at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery 2025 Mechanical Support and Thoracic Transplantation Summit, held September 5–6, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. The two-day, state-of-the-art summit focused on contemporary and novel mechanical oxygenation and circulatory support devices — technologies that support the heart and lungs, both inside and outside the body.
September 9, 2025
Internationally Renowned Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson Featured at the Inaugural Dr. D. Craig Miller Visiting Professorship Lecture
Respected worldwide for his expertise and research in cardiac surgery and prolific scientific research, Dr. Svensson has accomplished significant advances in protecting the brain, spinal cord, and kidneys during major cardiac and aortic surgery, and has been instrumental in developing minimally invasive keyhole surgical techniques (J-incision).
September 8, 2025
Breaking the cycle: A new approach to treating cardiac fibrosis
Stanford Cardiovascular Institute researchers, including Dr. Joseph Woo, have uncovered a new mechanosensing-based mechanism that reduces fibrosis in mice.
August 26, 2025
Innovating to Save Young Lives: Dr. Michael Ma Awarded 2024-2025 Biodesign Faculty Fellowship
This program provides advanced training and mentoring to motivated Stanford University faculty members from medicine, engineering, or other schools at Stanford, with a focus on health technology innovation.
August 21, 2025
School of Medicine honors staff members for outstanding service and leadership
Cliff David is this year's recipients of the Anne G. Crowe Spirit Award. He was recognized in the StanfordMed Pulse newsletter.
August 20, 2025 - StanfordMed Pulse
Globally Renowned Congenital Heart Surgeon Dr. Emile A. Bacha Featured at the Dr. Bruce A. Reitz Visiting Professorship
Respected worldwide for his expertise in pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery, prolific scientific research, and innovative medical inventions, Dr. Bacha has dedicated his distinguished career to expanding therapies and improving outcomes for aortic valve disease in children and young adults.
August 18, 2025
Stanford Receives Five-Star Quality Rating From CMS
Stanford Receives Five-Star Quality Rating from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which publishes its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings annually. The star ratings reflect a hospital’s performance across five quality measures: mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
August 11, 2025 - Becker's Hospital Review
Department Staff Member Cliff David Honored with 2025 Anne G. Crowe Spirit Award
Each year, the Stanford School of Medicine honors two exceptional staff members with the Anne G. Crowe Spirit Award. Recipients are selected for their outstanding dedication, initiative, motivation, positive attitude, and commitment to customer service. This year, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is proud to recognize Cliff David as one of the award recipients.
August 6, 2025
Department Welcomes Two New Clinical Instructors
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is pleased to welcome Albert “AJ” Pedroza, MD, and Katherine Verdi, MD, as Clinical Instructors. We are thrilled to have them both continue their journeys at Stanford Medicine, having recently completed their training within the department.
August 1, 2025
2025 Department Celebrates Graduating Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident and Fellows
Last month, the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery celebrated the graduation of residents and fellows from the Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program and the Traditional Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship Program. The graduates included Albert “AJ” Pedroza, MD, Lillian Tsai, MD, and Katherine Verdi, MD.
July 30, 2025
SHC again achieves national honors from U.S. News & World Report
Stanford Health Care (SHC) was named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll for the 11th consecutive year, "reaffirming our standing among the nation's top 20 hospitals," said David Entwistle, SHC president and CEO.
July 29, 2025 - StanfordMed Pulse
Many Lung Cancers Are Now in Nonsmokers. Scientists Want to Know Why
In the United States, routine screening is recommended only for people ages 50 to 80 who smoked at least the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years. Because of that, lung cancer in nonsmokers is often not caught until it’s advanced. Thoracic surgeon Dr. Natalie Lui is quoted in this article. (New York Times subscription required. For a copy, email roxannav@stanford.edu)
July 22, 2025 - The New York Times
Stanford Medicine: Sustained Excellence as a Global Leader in Adult and Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation
Stanford Medicine is a worldwide leader in medical innovation, education, and patient care. Its track record of excellence across both adult and pediatric solid organ transplant programs exemplifies its commitment to constant improvement.
July 18, 2025 - StanfordMed Pulse
Department Quarterly Newsletter 2025 Spring
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery presents its latest quarterly newsletter, featuring key updates in clinical care, research, and education
July 18, 2025
AHA Adds Two New Directors
The American Heart Association has appointed two leading health and science leaders, including Joseph Woo, M.D., FAHA, to its volunteer Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.
July 16, 2025 - AHA
Research at Stanford: A Legacy of Impact
Stanford researchers have been at the forefront of innovation for decades. This Stanford Report highlights groundbreaking research and a lasting legacy of impact, including the first adult heart transplant in the United States performed at Stanford.
July 11, 2025 - Stanford Report
Stem Cells in Space: Muscle Regeneration in Microgravity
In this Stem Cell Report podcast, Dr. Ngan F. Huang discusses muscle regeneration, her lab’s muscle-on-a-chip platform that replicates key aspects of impaired muscle regeneration, and the potential for drug screening in microgravity.
July 8, 2025 - The Stem Cell Report
Department Highlights Clinical and Research Excellence at WTSA 51st Annual Meeting
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery presented its latest clinical and research advancements at the 51st Annual Meeting of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association (WTSA), held in Dana Point, CA, from June 25 to 28, 2025.
July 8, 2025
Department Welcomes Dr. Carol Chen as Clinical Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Surgical Director of Heart Transplantation
Dr. Chen will lead the heart transplant surgical program at Stanford Hospital, bringing a strong record of surgical excellence and expertise in managing the most complex cases. She will also see and treat patients at Stanford Hospital and at Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, California.
July 7, 2025
Department Welcomes New Cardiothoracic Surgery Residents and Fellows Starting 2025
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is excited to welcome five exceptional new residents and fellows who will begin their programs in summer 2025.
June 25, 2025
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Residents’ Research Achievements Recognized by the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
The Stanford Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) administers several training awards for postdoctoral research through the National Institutes of Health, including programs that focus on delivering translational research experiences to residents. The CVI supported several cardiothoracic surgery residents through the CVI-administered T32 and R38 training programs.
June 25, 2025
Inaugural Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Research Symposium
Held on Stanford campus, the event brought together approximately 50 attendees to highlight innovative research in the field. The symposium featured poster presentations from Stanford-affiliated researchers, with the top three abstracts selected for oral presentations. Awards were presented to the top-rated abstracts.
June 12, 2025
Inaugural Health Impact Symposium Champions Broader Access to Quality Cancer Care, Brings Surgery Alumni to Spokane
Pierre Theodore, MD, Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Department and head of patient inclusion and health equity in Genentech’s Inclusion & Belonging Office, participated in the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s first Health Impact Symposium.
June 9, 2025 - Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine News
Advance in Creating Organoids Could Aid Research, Lead to Treatment
Stanford Medicine researchers, including Oscar Abilez, MD, PhD, a senior scientist in the Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, developed a way to create the first heart and liver organoids that generate their own blood vessels, possibly paving the way for organoid-based regenerative therapies.
June 5, 2025 - Stanford Medicine News Center
Stanford Hospital Named 2025 Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center
Stanford Health Care earns its sixth Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award from the Mitral Foundation for its commitment to best practices and high-quality care in mitral valve surgery.
June 2, 2025
Combining mammograms and lung cancer tests could boost screening rates for women
Lung cancer screening can save lives, but few eligible women have it done. Combo screens could help, a Stanford Medicine study shows.
May 30, 2025 - Stanford Report
To get more women screened for lung cancer, combine it with a mammogram
Lung cancer screening can save lives, but few eligible women have it done. Combo screens could help, a Stanford Medicine study shows.
May 30, 2025 - Stanford News Center INSIGHTS
Multidisciplinary Series: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Overview and Imaging-Based Measurements
At Stanford, cardiothoracic surgeons employ a multidisciplinary approach to managing aortic valve disease, carefully considering and offering patients the best treatment option for them, including leading-edge treatments for structural heart conditions.
May 29, 2025
Pushing Boundaries: Stanford Performs First Beating-Heart Transplant from Cardiac Death Donors
In this video, Stanford cardiothoracic surgeons share their insights and experience performing the world’s first beating heart transplant using a donor heart from circulatory (cardiac) death, supported by organ machine perfusion technology.
May 29, 2025
Lung Cancer and Medicine | Switching Perspectives: The Doctor Becomes the Patient
View the 4-Part Lessons in Lung Cancer and Medicine series.
Faculty involved: Natalie S. Lui, MD Assistant Professor Of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surgery) SHC
May 22, 2025 - Stanford CME
Advancing Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Asean Region
Institute Jantung Negara (IJN) recently partnered with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) and the Malaysian Association for Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery to organize the AATS Foundation Cardiothoracic Workshop. The event brought together 52 cardiothoracic doctors to the workshop, including Dr. Joseph Woo.
May 20, 2025 - Free Malaysia Today
Making More Muscle – Innovating with Bioconstructs
Biomaterials are a promising new approach to improve tissue recovery using stem cells. Previous work has already shown that transplanting muscle stem cells in a matrix that mimics that of our own bodies improves the function of the transplanted cells.
May 15, 2025 - Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
Stanford Showcases Innovation and Leadership in Clinical Care and Research at AATS 105th Annual Meeting
The five-day conference brought together leading experts in adult cardiac, general thoracic, congenital, and transplant surgery to exchange ideas, present new research, and showcase innovations shaping the future of the field.
May 14, 2025
Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley marks 10 years of service upgrades and growth
Since affiliating with Stanford Medicine in 2015, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley has modernized and expanded its various specialties, including cardiothoracic surgery. Drs. James Longoria, Douglas Liou, and Maria Currie provide surgical care at the Tri-Valley campus.
May 12, 2025 - Stanford Medicine News Center
Too Old for a New Heart?
Stanford Medicine researchers Dr. Erik Henricksen and Dr. Kiran Khush recently led a study examining trends in heart transplant outcomes across different age groups in the United States over the past 25 years. Dr. Brandon Guenthart was also among the study’s authors.
May 8, 2025 - Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
Fellows Match Day 2025: General Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Match Announced
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery has matched Lye Yeng Wong, MD, from Oregon Health and Science University to the General Thoracic Surgery Track of its Traditional Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship Program.
May 7, 2025
Renowned Cardiac Surgeon and Stanford Residency Graduate Dr. Marc Moon Inspires Colleagues at Annual Shumway Visiting Professorship Lecture
Dr. Moon is renowned for his technical surgical skills, vast research experience, and intentional leadership in masterfully teaching the next generation of cardiac surgeons. His presentation was titled "Professionalism, Diversity, and the Training of a Surgeon."
May 2, 2025
Department Announces New Partnership Between Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery and Sequoia Hospital
Through this partnership, Stanford surgeons will expand the list of offered cardiothoracic surgeries at Sequoia Hospital and bring Stanford’s expertise in cardiac surgery and patient-centered care to support Sequoia’s well-established cardiac surgery program.
May 1, 2025
Revolutionizing heart care with 3DQ imaging for TMVR
Stanford Medicine surgeons, including Dr. John W. MacArthur, use advanced imaging from the Stanford 3D and Quantitative Imaging Laboratory (3DQ Lab) to personalize a TMVR procedure to their patient’s needs.
April 25, 2025 - Stanford Health Care – Doctor Stories
The Marfan Foundation and Stanford Medicine Collaborate on the Northern California Regional Symposium: Living Better with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS
The symposium featured a full-day educational program designed for individuals and families living with Marfan syndrome, Williams syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other related syndromes.
April 25, 2025
Dr. Arvind Bishnoi Promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr. Bishnoi practices at Stanford Medicine Children's Health. His clinical interests and expertise include pulmonary atresia and unifocalization, ventricular assist device and heart transplant, arterial switch in regressed left ventricle and hybrid cardiac procedures. Dr. Bishnoi is dedicated to delivering outstanding care to every pediatric patient he treats.
April 24, 2025
Stanford CVI 2025 Spring Quarterly Newsletter
This issue highlighted several accomplishments from our CT Surgery faculty. Dr. Mark Moon and Dr. Anelechi Anyanwu were recognized as the Norman E. Shumway and Philip E. Oyer Visiting Professors, respectively. Drs. Natalie Lui, Brandon Guenthart, and Yihan Lin received grant awards, while Drs. Yasuhiro Shudo and Michael Ma earned promotions. Drs. Leah Backhus and Claire Watkins were elected to positions within the STS. The issue also featured clinical highlights, including the 3DQ Nuss procedure (Drs. Backhus and Berry) and endovascular work by Dr. Watkins, along with notable resident and postdoctoral achievements.
April 24, 2025 - Stanford Cardiovascular Medicine
Free Heart Surgeries for Children this Month
Dozens of children from Fiji and neighboring Pacific nations received free life-saving heart surgeries from April 24 to 30 as part of a major medical initiative led by Stanford Medicine’s pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Shaun Setty.
April 18, 2025 - Fiji Sun
Cardiothoracic Surgery Experts Provide Insights at 2025 Stanford Lung Cancer Summit
The summit brought together Stanford clinicians and researchers to explore and focus on a lung cancer health disparity: lung cancer in people who have never smoked disproportionately affects Asian populations, especially Asian women.
April 17, 2025
New Lungs Give Young Girl Her Laugh Back
Stanford Children’s is the only pediatric program in the Western United States that performs lung or combined heart-lung transplants from infancy through early adulthood. The transplant team, including pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Elisabeth Martin, successfully treated a 7-year-old patient with a life-saving lung transplant.
April 16, 2025 - Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Dr. Backhus Presents Webinar on Lung Cancer Surveillance at the National Cancer Institute
Her talk titled, “Bringing Precision Oncology to Lung Cancer Surveillance,” was part of the Director Series, presented by the institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. During the hour, she reviewed her own research and that of others to offer a significant summary of surveillance after lung cancer treatment, presenting the current state of surveillance, roadblocks, and next steps in future surveillance research.
April 15 2025
Stanford Medicine Life Flight’s new helicopter will reach more patients in need.
The new aircraft’s larger cabin space means that, in addition to standard equipment like a defibrillator and an ultrasound, it can accommodate specialized medical technology such as an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, intra-aortic balloon pump, percutaneous heart pump, and a neonatal incubator to transport the smallest of patients.
April 14, 2025 - Stanford Medicine News Center
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Quarterly Newsletter - April 2025
The past few months have been filled with notable accomplishments and growth in our department.
April 11, 2025
New Heart Leads to Dreams of Becoming a Doctor
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health team helped give a 6-year-old a second chance at life with a heart transplant. "There is a huge need here for awareness from all communities to encourage organ donation because it’s a scarce resource. And it’s lifesaving for kids like Mikayla,” said Dr. Michael Ma, Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.
April 7, 2025 - Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Revenue vs. risk reduction: Inside 4 systems’ cardiac care strategies
Jack Boyd, MD, a Cardiac Surgeon at Stanford Health Care and Clinical Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University discusses how their organizations balance resources between lucrative procedures and low-cost prevention strategies.
April 7, 2025 - Beckers Hospital Review
World-Renowned Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Pedro del Nido Speaks at the Dr. Edward B. Stinson Translational Cardiothoracic Surgeon Scientist Visiting Professorship
Renowned for his expertise in pediatric cardiac surgery, prolific scientific research, and innovative medical inventions, Dr. del Nido has dedicated his distinguished career to pioneering reconstructive techniques for complex congenital heart defects.
March 31, 2025
Multidisciplinary Series: Providing Exemplary Heart Transplant Care Through System-Wide Collaboration
Pediatric heart surgeons from the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery worked with a highly specialized imaging lab at the Department of Radiology to quickly perform donor size matching and create a 3D-printed model of Zoë’s heart — a tangible keepsake and a powerful tool for surgical planning.
March 31, 2025
Match Day 2025: Three New Interns Join Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program
Please join us in welcoming Dhamanpreet Kaur of Stanford University School of Medicine, Arian Mansur of Harvard Medical School, and Alice Zhou of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine!
March 31, 2025
James B. D. Mark, early adopter of minimally invasive lung surgery, dies at 95
The Nashville-born surgeon was a Southern gentleman uniquely devoted to patient care. His work helped establish the gold standard for lung resection.
March 27, 2025 - Stanford Medicine
Baby Born With Half a Heart Inspires Mom to Change Her Life
Stanford Children’s congenital heart surgeons save newborn with serious single ventricle heart defect
March 20, 2025 - Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Drs. Michael Ma, Natalie Lui, and Yasuhiro Shudo Nominated into Prestigious American Association for Thoracic Surgery for 2025
Members are nominated by current members who complete a lengthy application process, including three sponsors.
March 17, 2025
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Reverified as Level I Children’s Surgery Center
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has been reverified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for 2025.
March 12, 2025 - Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Understanding Heart Disease: Advances in Risk Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Dr. Joseph Woo spoke at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s panel forum, “Understanding Heart Disease: Advances in Risk Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment,” on February 26, 2025. The panel highlighted the latest innovations in cardiovascular disease risk assessment, with a special emphasis on public health initiatives and practical guidance for the audience.
March 3, 2025 - The Harvard Gazette
Dr. Michael Ma Promoted to Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr. Ma is widely recognized as an outstanding clinician, translational scientist, leader, and educator. His practice encompasses all aspects of congenital heart disease, with an emphasis on neonates, complex biventricular repair, pulmonary artery reconstruction, and heart failure.
March 1, 2025
Multidisciplinary Series: Advancing Thoracic Surgery Care with 3DQ Imaging for Nuss Procedure
In a recent case study series through the Stanford 3D and Quantitative Imaging (3DQ) Laboratory, a patient diagnosed with pectus excavatum and experiencing chest pain and breathing difficulties was referred to the Department of Radiology and the 3DQ Lab for advanced medical imaging. Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity that causes a sunken chest.
February 28, 2025
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Welcomes Dr. Anelechi Anyanwu as the Inaugural Dr. Philip E. Oyer Visiting Professor
Dr. Anyanwu is a professor and vice chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and serves as Surgical Director for the Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
February 27, 2025
Heart Teams Move Mountains to Get Kenson Home to Hawai‘i
Several heart teams came together quickly to save Kenson’s life. Heart surgeon and chief of pediatric cardiac surgery Michael Ma, MD, placed a ventricular assist device (VAD), an advanced heart pump, in his chest. Only large heart centers are able to provide VAD support, and Stanford Children’s is a national leader in the use and innovation of VADs in kids.
February 26, 2025 - Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Dr. Perry Choi Receives Stanford MCHRI Clinical Trainee Award
“My long-term career goal as a surgeon-scientist is to leverage my surgical expertise in investigative research to delineate the biomechanics underlying complex valve repair in congenital heart disease to inform and optimize surgical management of this vulnerable population,” said Dr. Choi. He will receive funding for his research training and project, “Biomechanical Optimization of Repair Techniques for Congenitally Diseased Heart Valves.”
February 26, 2025
Postdoctoral Fellow Yellappa Palagani, PhD, Receives Stanford MCHRI Postdoctoral Support
With this support, Palagani will advance his research on the “Novel Adjustable Pulmonary Artery Band for the Management of Congenital Heart Diseases.” He aims to gain extensive training in the specialty, expand his expertise beyond bioelectronics and biomechanics, and acquire the skills needed to become an independent medical investigator.
February 25, 2025
Stanford Cardiovascular Institute 2024 Recognition Award: Dr. John MacArthur
Dr. MacArthur is celebrated for his sustained efforts to support and mentor trainees from underrepresented backgrounds across all career stages, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Through his dedication, he has made exceptional contributions to the CVI community by promoting an environment where diversity, belonging, and mutual respect thrive.
February 24, 2025
Baby on Hospice Receives Second Chance with Lifesaving Heart Surgery
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Michael Ma combines unifocalization with innovative valve repair to save baby Hazel, who was born with a rare combination of heart defects, collectively called tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs).
February 20, 2025 - Healthier, Happy Lives Blog
Dr. Yasuhiro Shudo Promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr. Shudo practices at Stanford Hospital, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford-affiliated Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital. Dr. Shudo is deeply committed to providing innovative, comprehensive, and compassionate care for every patient he treats.
February 17, 2025
Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Congenital Heart Disease at CATCH Hawai‘i 2025
Dr. John J. Lamberti moderated a session on surgical advances in adult congenital heart disease care. He also hosted a lunch talk titled “Tribute to Dr. Louis Capecci and Observations from a PGY58.” Another faculty member, Dr. Elisabeth Martin presented during the session on “Conotruncal Aortopathy–When to Operate?”
February 14, 2025
Detecting Lung Cancer Early, Screening Test Recommendations & How It Works
MARCH 15, 2025: Learn and chat about early detection of lung cancer with Dr. Natalie Lui, MD, Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surgery), Stanford School of Medicine.
February 13, 2025 - Patch
Passing of a Beloved Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James B.D Mark
Dr. Mark was a dedicated physician, scholar, and mentor who made an extraordinary impact on our field and on the Stanford Medicine community. He touched countless lives not just through his surgical expertise but also through his compassion, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to his colleagues, trainees, and patients.
February 10, 2025
CT Surgery Faculty Featured in CVI Quarterly Winter 2025 Newsletter
The latest CVI Quarterly Newsletter, Winter 2025, is filled with numerous updates and commendable achievements from the Stanford Cardiothoracic surgery faculty.
February 4, 2025
StanfordMed Pulse: Recognizing American Heart Month 2025
From new therapies to treat a rare form of heart disease, to cardiac pumps for the youngest patients to the first beating heart transplant, Stanford Medicine continues to be a multidisciplinary center of innovation and a leader in cardiovascular care.
February 3, 2025 - StanfordMed Pulse
Stanford Completes First Investigational Endovascular Ascending Aorta Stent Graft in the Western U.S.
Endovascular stent grafts are available for repairing aneurysm or dissection in the descending aorta, yet there are no approved devices for the ascending aorta. As part of a five-year National Institutes of Health clinical trial, Stanford surgeons are testing an ascending aorta stent graft as a minimally-invasive alternative to open surgery.
February 1, 2025
GlobalSurgBoxAI: Combining Simulation-Based Training and Computer Vision Algorithms to Enhance Surgical Skills Training Globally
Drs. Yihan Lin and Nicole Lin were recently awarded the 2024-2025 Stanford Teaching and Mentoring Academy Innovation Grant, for their project titled “GlobalSurgBoxAI: Combining GlobalSurgBox and Computer Vision Algorithms to Enhance Surgical Skills Training Globally.”
January 30, 2025
A Novel Lung Lobectomy Surgical Simulation Model
Drs. Natalie Lui, Brandon Guenthart, and Carolyn Chang were recently awarded the 2024-2025 Stanford Teaching and Mentoring Academy Innovation Grant. With this support, they developed an innovative, low-cost robotic lobectomy model.
January 30, 2025
Women of Thoracic Surgery Elects Dr. Leah Backhus as Vice President and Dr. A. Claire Watkins as Member-at-Large for 2025
The Women of Thoracic Surgery announced its newly elected leaders and committee members for 2025 during the WTS Annual Reception at the Society of Thoracic Surgeon 61st Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, Calif.
January 29, 2025
Revolutionizing Heart Care Through a Multidisciplinary Approach with 3DQ Imaging for TMVR
A patient with severe mitral regurgitation underwent a transcatheter mitral valve replacement led by cardiothoracic surgeon John W. MacArthur, MD, and interventional cardiologist Rahul P. Sharma, MD, at Stanford Health Care. Prior to the procedure, the patient was referred to the Stanford 3D and Quantitative Imaging Laboratory for advanced medical imaging, which was featured in a case study series.
January 29, 2025
Showcasing Stanford Excellence in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the 2025 STS 61st Annual Meeting
Several faculty and trainees from the Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery were present throughout the conference, serving as moderators and speakers, as well as faculty participants in hands-on courses that provided an immersive learning experience in various surgical procedures for residents and early career surgeons.
January 28, 2025
Department Welcomes Dr. Minh Vu as Clinical Assistant Professor
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is pleased to welcome Minh Vu, MD, as its newest Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Vu will provide clinical care and cardiothoracic surgery for patients at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, California.
January 23, 2025
Department Welcomes Dr. Shaun P. Setty as Clinical Assistant Professor
The Stanford Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is pleased to welcome Shaun P. Setty, MD, as its newest Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Setty serves as the Surgical Director of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Director of Global Cardiac Care, and a member of the pediatric cardiac surgery team at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.
January 6, 2025