Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver the highest quality patient care through innovation, cutting-edge research, and the training of the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.

Core Values

We are driven by a steadfast commitment to our core values: Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Passion, and Innovation. These principles guide every aspect of our program, ensuring excellence in patient care, advancing medical knowledge, and fostering the growth of future leaders in cardiothoracic surgery

The Cardiothoracic Surgery Program at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is a highly specialized division that focuses on treating complex conditions related to the heart, lungs, and chest. The program offers advanced cardiac services, including minimally invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and performs both heart and lung transplants. It is closely integrated with Tampa General Hospital (TGH), one of the busiest heart and lung transplant centers globally, allowing for comprehensive and multidisciplinary care.

The program emphasizes cutting-edge research, innovative patient care, and education, training the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons. Dr. Lucian Lozonschi, the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, leads the division with a mission to deliver the highest quality patient care while advancing the field through research and collaboration with other specialists, such as those in oncology and pulmonology. The program also supports complex surgeries like coronary artery bypass, valve surgeries, and ventricular assist devices (VADs).

Clinical 

Over the past year, we experienced a 23% growth in volume. Our lung transplant outcomes rank best in the country, while our heart transplant outcomes are the best in Florida.

We are proud to introduce our innovative hybrid robotic coronary revascularization program, which combines robotic-assisted minimally invasive bypass surgery with percutaneous coronary interventions. This approach offers life-saving solutions for patients with complex coronary conditions without the need for sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. We are the only center in Tampa Bay offering this procedure, and the most experienced in Florida.

Here are some recent groundbreaking procedures that highlight our dedication to innovation:
- First Successful Combined Heart & Lung Transplantation at TGH.
- First Beating Heart Transplant on the East Coast, where the donor heart is reanimated and kept beating throughout transport and transplantation.
- Successful Fourth-Time Redo Heart Transplant Surgery, performed on a high-risk patient rejected by other centers in Florida.
- World’s First Combined Robotic-Assisted CABG and Liver Transplant, with two successful cases and a third patient awaiting a liver.
- Aortic Valve Repair Instead of Replacement: We are the leading hospital in the Southeast and #1 in Florida for aortic valve repairs for aortic insufficiency.

Eduation

In September 2023, Dr. Lozonschi delivered Grand Rounds for the TGH Heart and Vascular Institute, titled *"Shaping the Future: The Evolution of Academic Surgeon as a Leader."*

We are dedicated to training the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons, with record numbers of students and residents showing interest in this specialty over the past three years. Our faculty has been instrumental in guiding their research projects, resulting in key publications that advance the field.

This January, we welcomed our first Advanced Heart and Lung Transplantation Fellow, Dr. Leonardo Costa. Looking ahead, we plan to launch an ACGME-accredited cardiothoracic surgery training program, reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence.

Research

We are actively involved in over 20 clinical trials, a record for our center.

Dr. Lozonschi and Dr. Liu received a $500,000 Interdisciplinary Research Award (IDRA) grant for their project, “Protection of Donor Hearts and Transplanted Graft Function by Control of Na/K ATPase Activity.” Their Synchronization Modulation Electric Field (SMEF) device, developed to protect donor hearts during transport, has the potential to revolutionize heart transplantation by inhibiting ischemic damage and preserving cellular functions.

In the past year, we have published multiple studies in prestigious journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, and presented at national and international conferences:
- International: 2024 ISMICS
- National: AHA International Stroke Conference
- International: 2024 ISHTL Annual
- National: AHA

Highlights

For the first time, we have been listed among the top 50 centers by U.S. News & World Report. Our quality is further demonstrated by our strong ranking in Vizient's mortality rankings. We have also seen notable growth in market share and philanthropic donations, strengthening our ability to continue delivering world-class care.

For more information on the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, please contact:

Susan Hackl
Executive Assistant to Lucian Lozonschi, MD
Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
(813) 844-7406