Francis D. Pagani, M.D., Ph.D., is the Otto Gago MD Endowed Professor in Cardiac Surgery. Dr. Pagani’s clinical focus includes surgical therapies for advanced heart failure including heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support and complex re-operative surgery for valvular heart disease. Dr. Pagani also serves as the surgical lead for the multidisciplinary Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy program and has an active practice in surgical treatments (myectomies) for this disorder. Dr. Pagani’s research focuses on the bioengineering development and clinical testing of mechanical circulatory support devices in the treatment of end-stage heart disease, clinical health outcomes research on mechanical circulatory support therapies, and use of stem cell transplantation for myocardial regeneration. The Center for Circulatory Support (VAD Program), under Dr. Pagani's direction, is one of the most recognized and well-respected programs in the nation.