Dr. Dave Kaczorowski
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
1 Podcast on BackTable
Dr. Dave Kaczorowski is a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Episode # 438 • 15 Dec 2025
Heart Failure: Perioperative Heart Transplant Management
with Dr. Dave Kaczorowski, Dr. Jason Katz, Dr. Natalie Tapaskar, Dr. Jenna Skowronski, Dr. Shazli Khan
In this episode, the CardioNerds (Dr. Natalie Tapaskar, Dr. Jenna Skowronski, and Dr. Shazli Khan) discuss the process of heart transplantation from the initial donor selection to the time a patient is discharged with Dr. Dave Kaczorowski and Dr. Jason Katz. We dissect a case where we understand criteria for donor selection, the differences between DBD and DCD organ donors, the choice of vasoactive agents in the post-operative period, complications such as cardiac tamponade, and the choice of immunosuppression in the immediate post-operative period. Most importantly, we highlight the importance of multi-disciplinary teams in the care of transplant patients. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes.
More from Dr. Dave Kaczorowski
About
Dr. Kaczorowski’s clinical interests include cardiothoracic transplantation, durable and temporary mechanical circulatory support, and adult cardiac surgery. A specific area of clinical focus is minimally invasive left ventricular assist device (LVAD) insertion. Accordingly, Dr. Kaczorowski has provided training for this approach and has hosted surgeons from around the country interested in learning this technique.
Clinical research interests include the application of minimally invasive approaches to LVAD insertion and optimizing outcomes patients undergoing LVAD insertion and cardiac transplantation. Dr. Kaczorowski’s clinical research efforts are also directed at improving clinical outcomes in patients supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and other forms of temporary mechanical circulatory support.
In addition to clinical research efforts, Dr. Kaczorowski also conducts translational research. His translational work has focused on the development of technology to facilitate endovascular access through extra-corporeal life support circuits and novel technology intended to reduce complications associated LVADs.
Visit University of Pennsylvania Medical Center to learn more about Dr. Dave Kaczorowski.
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