LOS ANGELES (Sept. 7, 1999) -- The cardiothoracic surgery team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has recruited a heart transplant surgeon who specializes in implanting mechanisms that allow a defective heart to rest while awaiting a transplant.
Kathy Elizabeth Magliato, M.D., recently served as cardiothoracic transplant fellow and clinical instructor of cardiothoracic transplant surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, one of the nation's most respected heart transplant centers. While there, she coordinated and participated in all aspects of heart transplantation.
One of perhaps a few dozen women who perform cardiac surgery, and one of only a handful who do heart transplants, Dr. Magliato may be one of a kind in the implantation of ventricular assist devices - the mechanisms that provide a "bridge to transplant" for a failing heart.
Alfredo Trento, M.D., chairman of the division of cardiothoracic surgery, said Dr. Magliato's surgical skills, research interests and transplant experience are a welcome addition, particularly as the heart transplant and ventricular assist programs rapidly expand.
"We are especially pleased to gain Dr. Magliato's expertise in the field of assist devices," said Dr. Trento. "This is an area we are focusing on as we continue to develop our leadership position in the field of cardiovascular therapy." Cedars-Sinai's cardiac and cardiothoracic surgery program was the only one of its kind in Southern California to be ranked among U.S. News & World Report's top 50 in the nation. It was listed as 12th in the nation and second in the entire state.
"The time that I spent in Pittsburgh this past year was devoted to heart
transplantation, lung transplantation, and ventricular assist devices," said Dr.
Magliato. "I am grateful to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and in
particular Dr. Robert Kormos, for the training I received. It has enabled me to
gain a level of expertise which I will be able to apply here." Dr. Korm
'"/>
Contact: Sandra Van
sandy@vancommunications.com
1-800-396-1002
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
7-Sep-1999