Three New Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeons Join Department of Surgery Faculty
The Department of Surgery welcomes three new pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons who recently joined the faculty: Peter Kouretas, M.D., Ph.D., Shunji Sano, M.D., Ph.D., and Naveen Swami, MCh.
Dr. Shunji Sano is a world-renowned pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, the pioneer of an innovative surgical procedure to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome, now known as the "Sano Procedure", an established surgical intervention used by pediatric cardiac surgeons throughout the globe. After graduating from Okayama University Medical School, Dr. Sano spent 8 years as a resident at Okayama University Medical School and Hiroshima City Hospital. He later became Professor and Chairman of Okayama University Medical School. Dr. Sano's research includes the use of progenitor (stem) cell therapy for patients with heart failure in single ventricle patients.
Dr. Peter Kouretas is Associate Professor of Surgery and Surgical Director of the Pediatric Heart Transplantation/Mechanical Circulatory Support Program and Adult Congenital Heart Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. His clinical and research interests include pediatric heart failure, pediatric heart transplantation, continuity of care for adults with congenital heart disease, and the use of cardiac devices as a bridge to transplantation as well as recovery. Dr. Kouretas was previously chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and co-Director of the pediatric heart center at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital.
Dr. Naveen Swami joins the Department of Surgery as Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery. In 2008, Dr. Swami served as associate consultant in cardiovascular surgery at the Artemis Health Institute in Gurgaon, India. Later, he worked as a specialist in cardiothoracic surgery at the Al-Ahli Hospital, a private cardiac center in Doha, Qatar, and finally as a cardiothoracic surgeon at The Medicity in Gurgaon, the busiest cardiac center in north India. In October 2014, Dr. Swami joined UCSF as a fellow in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery.
About the Program
The Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery program at UCSF, founded three decades ago, and now led by V. Mohan Reddy, M.D., is a world leader in the field, its surgeons performing a wide array of complex surgeries including repair of congenital defects, Norwood procedures, arterial switch and Ross procedures. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive techniques that reduce hospital stays, speed recovery time and decrease scarring. Clinical care and innovative approaches build on the latest research in the field.