Leading cardiac surgeon Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD, shares insights on heart valve surgical treatments, including open heart surgery and minimally invasive transcatheter methods. Dr. Alfieri, a pioneer in mitral valve repair, discusses the Alfieri technique, which is foundational for modern percutaneous transcatheter therapy. With a distinguished career at San Raffaele University Hospital in Milan, Dr. Alfieri has contributed significantly to cardiac surgery through his leadership roles and extensive research publications.
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Innovations in Heart Valve Surgery: Insights from Dr. Ottavio Alfieri
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- Career Highlights of Dr. Ottavio Alfieri
- Pioneering Heart Valve Techniques
- Educational Background and Fellowships
- Leadership and Contributions to Cardiac Surgery
- Impact on Modern Cardiac Surgery
- Full Transcript
Career Highlights of Dr. Ottavio Alfieri
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD, has had a remarkable career as a cardiac surgeon, serving as Professor and Chairman of Cardiac Surgery at San Raffaele University Hospital in Milan, Italy. His expertise in heart valve surgical treatments has made him a consultant to the cardiac surgery department at the same institution. Dr. Alfieri's leadership in cardiac surgery has been recognized both nationally and internationally.
Pioneering Heart Valve Techniques
Over two decades ago, Dr. Ottavio Alfieri developed the "Alfieri technique," a method of mitral valve repair that has become the basis for the most common percutaneous transcatheter therapy for mitral regurgitation today. This innovative approach has revolutionized the treatment of heart valve diseases, offering less invasive options for patients.
Educational Background and Fellowships
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri obtained his MD from the University of Parma in Italy. He pursued multiple fellowships in cardiac surgery and cardiovascular research at prestigious institutions, including the University of Bergamo, the University of New York in Buffalo, and the University of Birmingham in Alabama. His international experience also includes serving as a cardiac surgeon in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Leadership and Contributions to Cardiac Surgery
Dr. Alfieri has held significant leadership roles, including President of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. He has been a Director of Cardiac Surgery Units in Turin and Brescia, Italy, and a visiting Professor at universities in Rome, Brescia, and Pisa. His contributions to cardiac surgery are reflected in his extensive publication record and numerous presentations at international conferences.
Impact on Modern Cardiac Surgery
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri's work has had a profound impact on modern cardiac surgery. His development of the Alfieri technique has paved the way for advancements in minimally invasive heart valve treatments. With over 700 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Alfieri continues to influence the field through his research and dedication to improving patient outcomes in cardiac surgery.
Full Transcript
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD: Hello, thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be here and discuss these important topics in cardiac surgery.
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD: Open heart surgery has been the cornerstone of cardiac treatment for many years. It involves opening the chest and performing surgery directly on the heart. This method is highly effective for many conditions, but it does come with significant risks and a long recovery time.
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD: In recent years, minimally invasive transcatheter methods have gained popularity. These techniques allow us to treat heart valve issues without the need for large incisions. They are less invasive, which means shorter recovery times and fewer complications for patients.
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD: One of the most significant advancements in this field is the development of the edge-to-edge technique for mitral valve repair. This technique, which I developed over 20 years ago, has become a standard in percutaneous transcatheter therapy for mitral regurgitation.
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD: What are the main challenges you see in the treatment of heart disease today?
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD: The main challenges include improving the durability of valve repairs and replacements, as well as expanding the availability of these advanced treatments to more patients worldwide. We also need to continue researching to refine these techniques and develop new ones.
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD: The future of heart disease treatment is promising. With ongoing research and technological advancements, we are moving towards more personalized and effective treatments. The goal is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life significantly.