headshot of Nimesh D. Desai, MD, PhD

Nimesh D. Desai, MD, PhD

Cardiac Surgery
4.9 with 578 ratings

Sees patients age 18 and up

  • Director, Thoracic Aortic Surgery Research Program
  • Director, Penn Aorta Center
  • Associate Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Dr. Desai is a Penn Medicine physician.

Meet Dr. Desai

I direct the Penn Aorta Center, where we provide comprehensive care in a new way. Rather than just manage the challenge in front of us, we deliver a lifetime of support.

In my practice, I specialize in aortic valve procedures, including transcatheter and minimally invasive replacements and complex surgical repairs. I also perform valve-sparing aortic root replacements, aortic aneurysm repairs, and the Ross procedure. I’ve completed more than 4,000 heart procedures — 2,500 of them involving heart valves.

My research focuses on improving procedures for the aorta and aortic valve. I run clinical trials testing new therapies and technologies aimed at making treatment more effective and easier to undergo. And I lead aortic groups for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons overseeing data collection and monitoring surgical risk.

I became interested in heart surgery as a child. Years later, I completed a fellowship at Penn in aortic and endovascular surgery. It’s always satisfying to come up with a solution that restores quality of life when someone arrives with a complex challenge. For that to happen, I listen to each person’s needs and wishes and work with our team to find the best recommendation.

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