Best cardiac surgeons in Italy: TOP 10 doctors

Developed the 'Alfieri Mitral Repair' technique – now the standard for mitral valve repair – and performed over 15,000 cardiac procedures at San Raffaele.

• 20+ years leading the Cardiac Surgery Unit at San Raffaele
• Author of 600+ peer-reviewed articles on cardiac surgery
• Former President of the European Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
• Recipient of the European Cardiology Society's gold medal
• Trained in cardiovascular surgery at top US institutions

Prof. Dr. Giovanni Nano leads the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit at San Donato Hospital, specializing in cardiovascular diseases with over 150 publications.

• Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery at University of Milan
• Trained at Arizona Heart Institute and Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires
• Member of Italian Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
• Expert in advanced endovascular therapy techniques

Professor Lorenzo Menicanti has performed 15,000+ heart surgeries and pioneered the technique for surgical reconstruction of the left ventricle.

• Specializes in cardiac surgery with 30+ years of experience
• Internationally recognized for innovative surgical techniques
• Author of 160+ highly cited scientific papers
• Member of multiple prestigious medical associations

Performs 200+ congenital heart surgeries annually – Dr. Carminati treats both children and adults at San Donato Hospital.

• 40+ years specializing in pediatric cardiology and congenital heart disease
• Expert in atrial and ventricular septal defect repairs
• Performs complex cases like Tetralogy of Fallot
• Has operated on high-profile professional athletes

Dr. Francesco Bedogni is an international expert in endovascular and structural heart interventions, serving as Chief of Department at San Donato Hospital.

• European proctor for TAVI and MITRACLIP procedures
• Board member of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology
• Leads clinical studies advancing heart surgery techniques
• Consultant for Italian and international hospitals on complex cases

Dr. Alessandro Frigiola is one of Italy's most experienced cardiac surgeons, renowned for his success in heart-related procedures at San Donato Hospital.

• Specializes in complex cardiac surgeries with high success rates
• Active member in international cardiac interventions
• Recognized expert in both cardiology and cardiac surgery

Principal investigator of the Protected TAVR study – Dr. Castriota specializes in brain protection during aortic valve replacement at Maria Cecilia Hospital.

• 30+ years of experience in cardiology and radiology
• Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology and EAPCI
• Author of 150+ publications and 20 book chapters
• Trained at Arizona Heart Institute under Prof. Diethrich

Dr. Giuseppe Speziale is a leading Italian cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon. He specializes in minimally invasive and noninvasive surgery for mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valves. He also treats cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure. Dr. Speziale has performed thousands of complex procedures. These include CABG, valve replacements, pacemaker implantations, and septal defect closures.

Dr. Speziale earned his medical degree with honors from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome. He completed a specialization in cardiac surgery and holds a Ph.D. from La Sapienza University. He is Vice President of GVM Care & Research and leads cardiac surgery departments at several hospitals. Dr. Speziale is an active member of major cardiac societies. He has made important contributions to research and clinical practice in his field.

Prof Giuseppe Speziale pioneered minimally invasive mitral valve repair – he founded Mitral Academy to advance this precise technique, now used worldwide.

• Leads cardiac surgery departments at multiple top Italian hospitals, including Santa Maria Hospital
• President of the Scientific Committee of Mitral Academy – trains surgeons in restorative techniques
• Author of 90+ publications and 6 medical textbooks on advanced cardiac procedures
• Recipient of 'Top Doctors Awards' 2021 for contributions to cardiac surgery
• Member of AATS and ISMICS – top international cardiac surgery societies