Michał Zembala

Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, certified by the European Board of Cardiovascular Surgery (FETCS) professional with 10-years clinical experience in cardiovascular procedures, mainly complex cardiac reoperations including, but not limited to aortic disease both acute and chronic dissections as well as infective endocarditis. Proficient in transcatheter, transfemoral valvular procedures (aortic and mitral) and minimally invasive surgical approaches. Over 200 cases performed per annum, with mean Euroscore I of 7.5 points (the highest in the Department) and mortality rate 5.0% (2017) (the lowest in the Department in the high risk cohort).

Industry experience gained in novel medical device development, clinical study management and coordination with oversight of clinical trials in Europe, regulatory approvals, clinical validation, data collection, processing, and publication. International clinical experience in cardiovascular, thoracic and transplantation medicine obtained through work in Bad Neustadt (Germany) and Montefiore Medical Center, NY (USA).

Director of Heart Transplantation in Silesian Center For Heart Diseases, Zabrze – the largest, most active heart transplant center in Poland with over 50 heart transplant procedures performed per annum, ( >1000 throughout its history). Transplant surgeon (OHT post LVADs, OHT post OHT). Performed the first successful heart re-transplantations in Poland. As a Deputy Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support introduced novel methods of LVAD implantation and management (HVAD, HeartMate 3, less-invasive, sternum-sparring procedures). Proctor and consultant for Abbott.

Director of Transcatheter Therapies of Structural Heart Diseases, Silesian Center For Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland. Introduced and developed successful transcatheter aortic valve program with the Symetis Neo TF and TA valves, with very low complication rate. Since 2016 proctor for both transapical and transfemoral TAVI for Symetis/Boston Scientific - has trained surgeons and cardiologists in centers from Spain, Portugal, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, England, Israel and Australia.

Director of Arrhythmia Surgery Silesian Center For Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland. Introduced and developed one of the most successful hybrid atrial fibrillation treatment strategy nationwide with totally endoscopic, transabdominal access combined with CARTO-guided endocardial ablation. Since 2011 proctor for nContact/Atricure.

Director and Principal Investigator of number of basic science, preclinical, translational and clinical studies, grants and trials. Involved in clinical studies, trials and registries including: SAVI-250 and SAVI-1000 Prospective, post-marketing registry of the Symetis Acurate Neo Tranfemoral Aortic Valve (Co-PI), HeartMate PHP™ CE Mark Clinical Investigation – Study Coordinator, PL-MIDES - Prospective randomised pilOt study evaLuating the safety and efficacy of hybrid revascularisation in MultI-vessel coronary artery DisEaSe – Study Coordinator, CAVALIER - Safety and Effectiveness Study of Perceval S Valve for Extended CE Mark.

Peer-reviewed publications in: Circulation Research, Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, JACC Interventions (>40, cumulative IF>100, h-8). Awarded with Zbigniew Religa prize for the best clinical research by Foundation for Cardiac Surgery Development. Awarded with “Golden Laurel for outstanding skills and competences” and named the 6th Best Medical Young Professional in Poland. Ph.D. degree in angiogenesis received with honors.