Current Environment: Production

Medical Services

Specialties

Programs & Services

Languages

  • English

Education

Undergraduate School

Grove City College

1998, Grove City, PA

Medical School

Temple University School of Medicine

2004, Philadelphia, PA

Residency

Washington University in St. Louis

2012, St. Louis, MO

Fellowship

Washington University in St. Louis

2014, St. Louis, MO

Fellowship

Boston Children's Hospital

2016, Boston, MA

Certifications

  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Congenital Heart Surgery)
  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery (General)

Professional History

Following my training, I joined the staff at Boston Children's Hospital. My clinical focus is on neonates and children with congenital heart disease. I partner with Dr. Fynn-Thompson in the cardiac assist device and heart and lung transplant programs. Additionally I work as an intensivist in the cardiac intensive care unit. My research is focused on utilizing autologous umbilical veins as a shunt or patch material in neonates with complex congenital heart disease requiring surgery. My lab also focuses on development of devices to improve the safety and effectiveness of cardiac surgery, developing new transplant therapies and lung tissue engineering efforts to improve ECMO and oxygenator technologies.

Media

Cardiac Conversations

The experts in the Heterotaxy Program talk about setting the standard for heterotaxy care

Publications

  1. Wide variation in shape of hypoplastic left ventricles undergoing recruitment and biventricular repair: A statistical shape modeling study. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2024 Dec 06; 27(1):101131. View Abstract

  2. Intraoperative Conduction Mapping to Reduce Postoperative Atrioventricular Block in Complex Congenital Heart Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024 Nov 19; 84(21):2102-2112. View Abstract

  3. Biomechanics and clinical implications of Fontan upsizing. Comput Biol Med. 2024 Dec; 183:109317. View Abstract

  4. Postoperative aortic isthmus size after arch reconstruction with patch augmentation predicts arch reintervention. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2024 Sep 24. View Abstract

  5. Impact of surgical strategy and postrepair transverse aortic arch size on late hypertension after coarctation repair during infancy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2025 Feb; 169(2):345-352. View Abstract

  6. Toward trustworthy medical device in silico clinical trials: a hierarchical framework for establishing credibility and strategies for overcoming key challenges. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024; 11:1433372. View Abstract

  7. Development of a Simple Analytical Model to Facilitate Preoperative Surgical Planning in Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement. Ann Biomed Eng. 2024 Dec; 52(12):3264-3279. View Abstract

  8. Thoracic duct drainage patterns in heterotaxy. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2024 Winter; 26(2):101050. View Abstract

  9. Multiphysiologic State Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Planning Fontan With Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava. JACC Adv. 2024 Jul; 3(7):101057. View Abstract

  10. Biomechanical Analysis of Age-Dependent Changes in Fontan Power Loss. Ann Biomed Eng. 2024 Sep; 52(9):2440-2456. View Abstract

  11. Complex patient with azygos continuation of the inferior vena cava: Value of flow simulation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2024 Dec; 168(6):e211-e216. View Abstract

  12. Impact of Age-Related Change in Caval Flow Ratio on Hepatic Flow Distribution in the Fontan Circulation. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging. 2024 Apr; 17(4):e016104. View Abstract

  13. Fiberscope-Based Measurement of Coaptation Height for Intraoperative Assessment of Mitral Valve Repair. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2024 05; 15(3):371-379. View Abstract

  14. Association of tetralogy of Fallot and complete atrioventricular canal: a single-centre 40-year experience. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2024 Feb 01; 65(2). View Abstract

  15. Aortic growth after arch reconstruction with patch augmentation: a 2-decade experience. Interdiscip Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2023 Dec 05; 37(6). View Abstract

  16. Systematic Analysis of PTFE Monocusp Leaflet Design in a Patient-Based 3D in-Vitro Model of Tetralogy of Fallot. Cardiovasc Eng Technol. 2023 12; 14(6):827-839. View Abstract

  17. Transcatheter Palliation With Pulmonary Artery Flow Restrictors in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease: Feasibility, Outcomes, and Comparison With a Historical Hybrid Stage 1 Cohort. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2023 12; 16(12):e013383. View Abstract

  18. Mechanical failure analysis of patch materials used in aortic arch reconstruction: implications for clinical practice. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2023 11 01; 64(5). View Abstract

  19. A multifunctional soft robot for cardiac interventions. Sci Adv. 2023 10 27; 9(43):eadi5559. View Abstract

  20. Impact of Age-related change in Caval Flow Ratio on Hepatic Flow Distribution in Fontan. medRxiv. 2023 Sep 08. View Abstract

  21. Transcatheter Pulmonary Artery Banding in High-Risk Neonates: In-Vitro Study Provoked by Initial Clinical Experience. Cardiovasc Eng Technol. 2023 10; 14(5):640-654. View Abstract

  22. Validation of a laser projection platform for the preparation of surgical patches used in paediatric cardiac surgery. Interdiscip Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2023 Aug 03; 37(2). View Abstract

  23. Right ventricular contraction patterns in healthy children using three-dimensional echocardiography. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023; 10:1141027. View Abstract

  24. Management of severe calcific aortic stenosis in children with progeria syndrome. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2023 Nov; 166(5):1292-1297. View Abstract

  25. Opportunities of 3-Dimensional Modeling and Quantitative Valve Analysis to Improve Valve Interventions. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging. 2023 03; 16(3):e015267. View Abstract

  26. Conduction mapping during complex congenital heart surgery: Creating a predictive model of conduction anatomy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2023 05; 165(5):1618-1628. View Abstract

  27. An In Vitro Circulatory Loop Model of the Pediatric Right Ventricular Outflow Tract as a Platform for Valve Evaluation. Cardiovasc Eng Technol. 2023 04; 14(2):217-229. View Abstract

  28. Timing of reintervention influences survival and resource utilization following first-stage palliation of single ventricle heart disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2023 02; 165(2):436-446. View Abstract

  29. Patch augmentation of small ascending aorta during stage I procedure reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2022 Feb 18; 61(3):555-561. View Abstract

  30. Intraoperative conduction mapping in complex congenital heart surgery. JTCVS Tech. 2022 Apr; 12:159-163. View Abstract

  31. Hybrid Left Heart Bypass Circuit for Repair of the Descending Aorta in an 8-kg Williams Syndrome Patient. J Extra Corpor Technol. 2021 Sep; 53(3):186-192. View Abstract

  32. Mycobacterium chimaera Outbreak Management and Outcomes at a Large Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Center. Ann Thorac Surg. 2022 08; 114(2):552-559. View Abstract

  33. The Role of Elevated Wall Shear Stress in Progression of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: Evidence from Two Case Studies. Children (Basel). 2021 Aug 25; 8(9). View Abstract

  34. A Tribute to Ajit Yoganathan's Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics Lab: A Survey of Its Contributions to Our Understanding of the Physiology and Management of Single-Ventricle Patients. Cardiovasc Eng Technol. 2021 12; 12(6):631-639. View Abstract

  35. A Multi-Mode System for Myocardial Functional and Physiological Assessment during Ex Situ Heart Perfusion. J Extra Corpor Technol. 2020 Dec; 52(4):303-313. View Abstract

  36. Technical Performance Score: A Predictor of Outcomes After the Norwood Procedure. Ann Thorac Surg. 2021 10; 112(4):1290-1297. View Abstract

  37. Early Infant Symptomatic Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot With Absent Pulmonary Valve: Pulmonary Artery Management and Airway Stabilization. Ann Thorac Surg. 2020 11; 110(5):1644-1650. View Abstract

  38. Mitochondrial transplantation for myocardial protection in ex-situ?perfused hearts donated after circulatory death. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2020 11; 39(11):1279-1288. View Abstract

  39. Mitochondrial Transplantation for Myocardial Protection in Ex-Situ Perfused Hearts Donated after Cardio-Circulatory Death. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2020 Apr; 39(4S):S87. View Abstract

  40. Mechanical Properties of Autologous Pericardium Change With Fixation Time: Implications for Valve Reconstruction. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019; 31(4):852-854. View Abstract

  41. Decellularized extracellular matrix microparticles seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of full-thickness cutaneous wounds. J Biomater Appl. 2019 03; 33(8):1070-1079. View Abstract

  42. Type B Interrupted Right Aortic Arch: Diagnostic and Surgical Approaches. Ann Thorac Surg. 2019 01; 107(1):e41-e43. View Abstract

  43. Pathology of valved venous homografts used as right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits in congenital heart disease surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 01; 157(1):342-350.e3. View Abstract

  44. Three-Patch Aortic Root Reconstruction With Extended Left Main Coronary Artery Patch Augmentation in Neonates and Infants. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019; 31(1):99-101. View Abstract

  45. Physiologic effects of delayed sternal closure following stage 1 palliation. Cardiol Young. 2018 Dec; 28(12):1393-1403. View Abstract

  46. Impact of a Composite Valved RV-PA Graft After Stage 1 Palliation. Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 11; 106(5):1452-1459. View Abstract

  47. Comparison of two pediatric cases requiring the use of bivalirudin during cardiopulmonary bypass. Perfusion. 2018 10; 33(7):525-532. View Abstract

  48. Flow Preservation of Umbilical Vein for Autologous Shunt and Cardiovascular Reconstruction. Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 06; 105(6):1809-1818. View Abstract

  49. Commentary on Tissue-engineered Solutions For Intracardiac Septal Defects: A Large Step Forward in an Unmet Clinical Need. Ann Surg. 2017 02; 265(2):e13. View Abstract

  50. A bilayer small diameter in vitro vascular model for evaluation of drug induced vascular injury. Biomicrofluidics. 2016 Sep; 10(5):054116. View Abstract

  51. Rapid isolation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells using integrated centrifuge-based technology. Cytotherapy. 2016 06; 18(6):729-39. View Abstract

  52. Decellularized extracellular matrix microparticles as a vehicle for cellular delivery in a model of anastomosis healing. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2016 07; 104(7):1728-35. View Abstract

  53. Recommendations for utilization of the paracorporeal lung assist device in neonates and young children with pulmonary hypertension. Pediatr Transplant. 2016 Mar; 20(2):256-70. View Abstract

  54. Gas Transfer in Cellularized Collagen-Membrane Gas Exchange Devices. Tissue Eng Part A. 2015 Aug; 21(15-16):2147-55. View Abstract

  55. Successful bridge through transplantation with berlin heart ventricular assist device in a child with failing fontan. Ann Thorac Surg. 2015 Feb; 99(2):707-9. View Abstract

  56. The surgical prebrief as part of a five-point comprehensive approach to improving pediatric cardiac surgical team communication. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2014 Oct; 5(4):640-2. View Abstract

  57. Lung tissue engineering. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2014 06 01; 19(8):1227-39. View Abstract

  58. Validation of computational fluid dynamics-based analysis to evaluate hemodynamic significance of access stenosis. J Vasc Access. 2014 Sep-Oct; 15(5):409-14. View Abstract

  59. Three-dimensional scaffolds of acellular human and porcine lungs for high throughput studies of lung disease and regeneration. Biomaterials. 2014 Mar; 35(9):2664-79. View Abstract

  60. Differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on decellularized extracellular matrix materials. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2014 Aug; 102(8):2875-83. View Abstract

  61. Paracorporeal lung assist devices as a bridge to recovery or lung transplantation in neonates and young children. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Jan; 147(1):420-6. View Abstract

  62. Neonatal paracorporeal lung assist device for respiratory failure. Ann Thorac Surg. 2013 Feb; 95(2):692-4. View Abstract

  63. Influence of vascular network design on gas transfer in lung assist device technology. ASAIO J. 2011 Nov-Dec; 57(6):533-8. View Abstract

  64. Ultra-thin, gas permeable free-standing and composite membranes for microfluidic lung assist devices. Biomaterials. 2011 Jun; 32(16):3883-9. View Abstract

  65. Lung assist device technology with physiologic blood flow developed on a tissue engineered scaffold platform. Lab Chip. 2011 Feb 21; 11(4):700-7. View Abstract

  66. Branched vascular network architecture: a new approach to lung assist device technology. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010 Nov; 140(5):990-5. View Abstract

  67. Preserved extracellular matrix components and retained biological activity in decellularized porcine mesothelium. Biomaterials. 2010 Sep; 31(27):6934-40. View Abstract

  68. The retention of extracellular matrix proteins and angiogenic and mitogenic cytokines in a decellularized porcine dermis. Biomaterials. 2010 Sep; 31(26):6730-7. View Abstract

  69. Principles of biomimetic vascular network design applied to a tissue-engineered liver scaffold. Tissue Eng Part A. 2010 May; 16(5):1469-77. View Abstract

  70. Poly(glycerol sebacate) films prevent postoperative adhesions and allow laparoscopic placement. Surgery. 2009 Sep; 146(3):490-7. View Abstract

  71. Tissue engineering and organ structure: a vascularized approach to liver and lung. Pediatr Res. 2008 May; 63(5):520-6. View Abstract

  72. Use of an apical heart suction device for exposure in lung transplantation. Ann Thorac Surg. 2006 Apr; 81(4):1524-5. View Abstract

As a child born with complex congenital heart disease that required two surgeries to repair, I am extremely grateful of the care that I received and the opportunity to live a normal life. It is this personal gratitude that motivates me to provide similar compassionate care to neonates, children and adults with congenital heart disease. The cardiac surgery repair I had required innovation and boldness in an early era of cardiac surgery. With a personal background in engineering, I strive to innovate and develop new devices, therapies and treatments to ever improve the cardiac surgery repairs and overall care that we offer to our patients.

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