Annual Louis Del Guercio, M.D., Research Day Showcases Outstanding Surgical Research
James Luketich, M.D., the Henry T. Bahnson Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Delivered the Keynote Address
On May 7, the Department of Surgery marked the 21st Annual Louis R.M. Del Guercio, M.D., Distinguished Visiting Professorship and Research Day. This year’s keynote address was delivered by James Luketich, M.D., the Henry T. Bahnson Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, who shared his expertise on the evolution of minimally invasive esophagectomies and robotic techniques.
The founding chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Luketich has performed numerous complex procedures utilizing minimally invasive and robotic techniques for which he has become world-renowned. He has performed more than 1,500 minimally invasive esophagectomies.
Sponsored annually since 2002, the Louis R.M. Del Guercio Day is named for the late Louis R.M. Del Guercio, M.D., professor emeritus of surgery, who served as chair of the Department for 24 years before retiring in 2000. The event featured a full morning of presentations by medical students, residents, and fellows, who showcased their research in oral and poster presentations on various surgical-related topics.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Anna M. Samartzis Excellence in Research Awards.
Best Moderated Poster
Ankita Jain (MS3)
“Radiographic Predictors of Outcomes Following Chiari Decompression Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
Shray Khanna (MS3)
“Clinical Outcomes Associated with Use of Discretionary Blood Transfusion Versus No Blood Transfusion in Trauma Patients”
Aryan Rafieezadeh, M.D. (Research Fellow [RF])
“Decisions in Crisis: The Impact of Timing on Amputation Outcomes for Severe Lower Limb Injuries?”
Best Clinical Research Paper
Jacqueline Contento (MS2)
“3D Printed, Custom-Designed, Tissue-Engineered Vascular Graft for Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction in Porcine Models”
Riddhi Mehta (RF)
“Diverting Loop Ileostomy with Antegrade Colonic Lavage Versus Colectomy in Fulminant C. Difficile Colitis: A Decade Long Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of Surgical Outcomes”
Sooyun Tavolacci, M.D. (RF)
“Impact of Extended Travel Distances on Outcomes of Donation After Cardiac Death Heart Transplant Utilizing Machine Perfusion: United Network for Organ Sharing Database (UNOS) Analysis”
Best Poster
Adrianus Ekelmans (MS3)
“Factor XA Inhibitor Versus Heparin VTE Prophylaxis in Blunt Trauma Patients with Liver Cirrhosis”
Anna Jose, M.B.B.S. (RF)
“ABO Compatibility in Platelet Transfusion for Traumatic Brain Injury: Does Matching Matter for Antiplatelet Reversal?”
Rishwanth Vetri (RF)
“Enhancing Trauma Outcome Predictions: The Impact of Frailty on the Triss Model”
