Elisabetta Lapenna

About

Dr. Elisabetta Lapenna is a leading figure in the advancement of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), with a primary focus on optimizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) techniques. Her seminal work, "Vacuum-assisted venous drainage in extrathoracic cardiopulmonary bypass management during minimally invasive cardiac surgery" (2006, 61 citations), represents a cornerstone contribution to the field. In this study, Dr. Lapenna systematically demonstrated the efficacy and safety of vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD) in conjunction with peripheral cannulation, a technique that has become essential for enabling smaller incisions and reducing surgical trauma during open-heart procedures. By solving the critical challenge of maintaining adequate venous return through smaller cannulae, her research directly facilitated the broader adoption of MICS, improving patient recovery times and outcomes. Her work has been widely cited by surgeons and biomedical engineers developing next-generation CPB systems, underscoring its lasting impact on clinical practice. Dr. Lapenna’s contributions continue to shape the evolution of cardiac surgery, bridging the gap between traditional open-heart approaches and modern, less invasive techniques.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Vacuum-assisted venous drainage in extrathoracic cardiopulmonary bypass management during minimally invasive cardiac surgery

   61 citations · 2006

Key Collaborators

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