Overview
Dr. Girardi's main research interests lie in the field of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Because of his extensive experience in aneurysm surgery, the department of cardiothoracic surgery here at Cornell was one of 17 international surgery centers chosen to study outcomes for aortic valve sparing surgery in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms due to Marfan's syndrome. So far the durability of this surgery is excellent and patient enrollment is ongoing. In addition, he is working in collaboration with the division of molecular cardiology on the genetics and natural history of thoracic aneurysms and aortic dissections. They are trying to examine the genetic makeup of patients with aneurysms and potentially develop a screening test that will allow for the early detection of aneurysms before they become symptomatic or need surgery. He also has ongoing projects examining the effects of antifibrinolytic drugs in reducing blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in patients undergoing high risk surgery of the aortic root and aortic arch. Other areas of ongoing research include developing alternative energy sources for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, molecular genetics on patients with atrial myxomas and elucidating the genetics of patients with bicuspid aortic valves and ascending thoracic aneurysms.
Highlights
- 1Lancet (London, England) · 2021
- 2The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · 2023
- 3The Annals of thoracic surgery · 2023
Publications
Funding
Active
1 grant- Co-IR01HL170570-01Towards Personalized Prosthetic Graft Replacement for Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2023–2028
Clinical research
Active
1 study- PIA retrospective, multi-center study to evaluate the safety and performance of the Edwards Lifesciences KONECT RESILIA aortic valved conduit (AVC)-BRANY plus transferEdwards Lifesciences Corp. · OPEN TO ACCRUAL (as of 2023)
Completed & closed trials (2)
- PINCT03732794AtriCure CryoICE Lesions for Persistent and Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Treatment During Concomitant On-Pump Endo/Epicardial Cardiac SurgeryNA · AtriCure, Inc. · IRB STUDY CLOSURE (as of 2025)Atrial Fibrillation (AF); Persistent Atrial Fibrillation; Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
- PINCT05526560A Prospective, Global Study Designed to Collect Real-world Clinical Outcomes of the MITRIS RESILIA Mitral ValveEdwards Lifesciences Corp. · IRB STUDY CLOSURE (as of 2025)Mitral Stenosis; Mitral Valve Insufficiency
News mentions
- Simple Surgical Technique Associated with Significant Reduction in the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac SurgeryNovember 15, 2021
A simple surgical technique during cardiac surgery was associated with a 56 percent reduction in the incidence of an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation that can lead to stroke, with no added risks or side effects, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian investigators.
- Long-Term Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Differ by SexDecember 23, 2020
The risk of dying seven years after coronary artery bypass surgery was significantly lower in men receiving multiple bypass grafts rather than single grafts, but there was no apparent difference in mortality between these methods in women.
- A Lifetime of Compassionate Care: Rik’s StoryFebruary 7, 2020
When professional musician Rik Albani was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and a leaky valve, he worried that he may not be able to play the trumpet again.
Media highlights
- Weill Cornell Welcomes 156 Aspiring Clinicians With White CoatsFingerLakes1.com · August 20, 2026