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Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Lucian Lozonschi

Welcome Message from the Chief

Welcome to the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at USF Health, where innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered excellence form the foundation of everything we do. Our team is proud to be at the forefront of advanced heart and lung care, offering transformative surgical options and delivering hope where few alternatives exist.

Over the past year, we have reached remarkable milestones—from pioneering minimally invasive hybrid coronary procedures to achieving best-in-nation lung transplant outcomes and leading the state in heart transplant success. These outcomes reflect not only our clinical expertise but also our deeply rooted commitment to advancing the field through research, education, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

We are proud to be one of the few centers in the U.S. performing groundbreaking procedures like robotic-assisted coronary bypass combined with percutaneous interventions, beating-heart transplants, and complex multi-organ transplants. Our work includes some of the region’s firsts: the Southeast’s first transcatheter mitral valve implant (TMVR), Florida’s first combined robotic-assisted CABG and liver transplant, and the East Coast’s first successful beating-heart transplant.

Equally important is our commitment to research. With more than 20 active clinical trials and a major interdisciplinary research award to develop the SMEF device—technology designed to protect donor hearts during transport—we are setting new standards in transplant innovation. Our faculty regularly present at prestigious national and international forums, including ISHLT and the AHA, and publish in leading journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine.

We are also deeply invested in the future of cardiothoracic surgery. Our division actively mentors students, residents, and fellows, and recently welcomed our first Advanced Heart and Lung Transplant Fellow. Looking ahead, we are working to launch an ACGME-accredited cardiothoracic surgery training program that will shape the next generation of surgical leaders.

At the heart of our mission is the patient. Every innovation, every surgery, every study begins with the goal of improving lives. Whether you're a patient, provider, learner, or collaborator, we invite you to discover more about our dynamic and visionary team.

Lucian Lozonschi, M.D.
Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
TGH Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Associate Director, Heart & Vascular Institute
Associate Director, Transplant Institute

Overview

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is a nationally recognized leader in the treatment of heart, lung, and thoracic diseases. Our program offers the full spectrum of advanced surgical care—from minimally invasive procedures like TAVR and TMVR to high-risk, complex transplants and ventricular assist device (VAD) placements. Closely integrated with Tampa General Hospital (TGH)—one of the busiest heart and lung transplant centers in the world—we deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.

Led by Dr. Lucian Lozonschi, our division is known for pioneering procedures and training the next generation of cardiac and thoracic specialists. Our hybrid robotic coronary revascularization program—combining robotic-assisted bypass with percutaneous interventions—is the only one of its kind in Tampa Bay and the most experienced in Florida.

About Our Division

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver the highest quality of patient-centered cardiothoracic care by driving innovation, advancing groundbreaking research, and training the next generation of surgical leaders. We aim to improve lives through clinical excellence and collaboration across disciplines.

Core Values

We are guided by our unwavering core values: Commitment. Integrity. Respect. Passion. Innovation. These principles inform every decision and action, ensuring compassionate care, impactful scholarship, and professional development for all team members and learners.

Clinical 

This year marked a 23% growth in clinical volume. Our lung transplant outcomes are among the best in the nation, and our heart transplant program leads the state of Florida. Recent groundbreaking accomplishments include:

  • First successful combined heart and lung transplant at TGH
  • First-ever beating-heart transplant on the East Coast
  • World’s first combined robotic-assisted CABG and liver transplant
  • Nation-leading aortic valve repair program for aortic insufficiency

Education

We are deeply committed to academic excellence. In 2024, we welcomed our first Advanced Heart and Lung Transplantation Fellow and hosted Grand Rounds titled "Shaping the Future: The Evolution of the Academic Surgeon as a Leader." Interest in our specialty among students and residents is at an all-time high, and we are preparing to launch an ACGME-accredited cardiothoracic training program to formally mentor the next generation.

Research

Our division is engaged in over 20 active clinical trials—a record-setting milestone. In collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, we received a $500,000 Interdisciplinary Research Award (IDRA) for the development of the Synchronization Modulation Electric Field (SMEF) device. This novel technology protects donor hearts during transport and has the potential to revolutionize transplant medicine.

Our faculty publish regularly in premier journals including The New England Journal of Medicine and present at national and international conferences such as ISHLT, AHA, and ISMICS.

Highlights

  • Ranked among the Top 50 Cardiothoracic Surgery Centers by U.S. News & World Report
  • Heart transplant outcomes: #1 in Florida
  • Lung transplant outcomes: Best in the Nation
  • Significant growth in market share and philanthropic support

Our Faculty

Contact Us

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