From One Heart to Another: The Renaissance of Heart Valve Transplants
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Emile Bacha to discuss the emerging field of partial heart transplantation. The conversation explores the history of the concept, its reintroduction in recent years, and how techniques such as domino procedures are being developed to expand donor availability. Dr. Bacha explains the practical challenges of regulation, organ procurement, and immunosuppression, as well as early outcomes seen in paediatric patients. With reflections on valve durability, patient growth, and the future potential of this approach, this episode offers a detailed look into a promising area of congenital cardiac surgery and beyond.
Guest speaker:
Emile Bacha | Chief of CT Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University; Professor of surgery at Columbia University and Director of Congenital Heart Surgery
Born in Beirut Lebanon, MD from Ludwig-Maximilian’s University in Munich, Surgery Training at Mass Gen Hospital and Emory University Atlanta, CT Surgery at MGH, Ped card surg training at Boston Children’s, then Director peds CT Surgery at Univ of Chicago 2000-2005, Boston Children’s Associate Prof Harvard 2005-2010, then chief CT Surgery Columbia U 2010-present