1989 - 1994 ✧ University of Freiburg, Germany - Consultant Cardiac Surgery
Responsible to start a new heart transplant program and performed the first heart transplantation in Freiburg in March 1991. Started my own research laboratory and working group for tissue engineering and gene technology. We performed the first ever implantation of gen manipulated derived angiogenetic growth factors in human coronary patients to induce collateral blood vessel growth. Supervised a total of 52 MD theses of medical students working in one my research Lab and study groups.
Academic
° 1991 received my 'Venia Legendi' (post PhD degree) as a certified Thoracic and Cardio-vascular Surgeon and Lecturer, assigned by the Senate of the University of Freiburg.
° I was enrolled as University Lecturer in teaching of students, and Examiner for the subject 'Surgery' in the final State Exams for medical students at the University of Freiburg.
Research
° started my own research laboratory and working group for tissue engineering and gene technology at the experimental Department of the University of Freiburg.
° Scientific Consultant of St.Jude Medical in St. Paul, USA for the development program of a ‘new biological heart valve’
° In close cooperation with the Department of Cardiology, University of Freiburg, I was responsible for a number of clinical end experimental study programs.
other Activities - Started my own Research Group for Cell & Tissue Engineering and Gene Technology at the Division of Experimental Research, University of Freiburg
° Experimental investigations on angiogenesis and angiogenic growth factors
° Experimental research on degeneration of biological heart valves
1989 Director of Study of the Research Fund No.: 3414 'Application of angiogenic growth factors in surgical research', granted by the Austrian National Bank
09.1990 Organizer of the 2nd Symposium of the 'International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology' in Venice, Italy; re-elected Member of the Executive Council, elected Member of the Publication Committee and elected Representative of the Society in Germany
1991 Director of Study (with PD Dr. R. Seitelberger) of the Clinical Investigation
° Perioperative application of calcium-antagonists in coronary bypass patients
° A study of the effects of Acadesine on myocardial ischemia and clinical out-comes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
° Perioperative application of Diltiazem in aortocoronary bypass patients: evaluation of the anti-arrhythmic & anti-ischemic properties by scinitgraphy, TEE & laboratory biochemistry
° Performance of the new St.Jude Toronto stent-less biological heart valve
° Postoperative application of calcium-antagonists Diltiazem in coronary patients: evaluation of anti-arrhythmic long-term effects
1992 Guest-Reviewer for the American Journal 'The Annals of Thoracic Surgery'
10.1992 'Visiting Surgeon' of the Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, USA
11.1992 'Visiting Surgeon' of the Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery, Stanford University, USA
1992 Re-elected Member of the Executive Counsel of the 'International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology' at the bi-annual Meeting of the Society in St.Louis, USA
06.1993 Fellowship of the 'American College of Angiology' (F.A.C.A.) and elected Member of the Scientific Council of the 'American College of Angiology'
1993 Member of the Editorial Board of the 'International Journal of Angiology'
1993 Director of Study of the Clinical Investigation Programs:
° Long-term anti-atherosclerotic effect of calcium antagonist Diltiazem in aorto-coronary bypass patients
° Peri- and postoperative evaluation of global and regional LV function by means of transesophageal stress echo-cardiography to assess 'stunned' and 'hibernating' myocardium