Heart Month Feature: Experimental Surgical Services

The University of Minnesota Medical School’s Experimental Surgical Services (ESS) has been a driving force in cardiovascular innovation, helping to develop and refine life-saving heart devices for decades. From artificial valves to next-generation stents, ESS provides a crucial testing ground for medical breakthroughs before they reach patients. “Our work ensures that new cardiovascular technologies are not only effective but also safe and reliable,” said Richard Bianco, director of ESS. “We collaborate closely with researchers and industry leaders to push the boundaries of what’s possible in heart health.”
 

Through state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled surgical team, ESS has played a key role in advancing minimally invasive heart procedures and improving implantable devices. The center’s contributions have shaped the standard of care for conditions like heart failure, valve disease, and coronary artery disease. “The University of Minnesota has a long history of leadership in cardiovascular innovation, and ESS continues to be at the heart of that progress,” said a leading cardiovascular researcher affiliated with the program.
 

The impact of ESS extends beyond device development—it also plays a vital role in training the next generation of cardiovascular surgeons and researchers. By providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques, ESS helps prepare medical professionals to bring the latest advancements into clinical practice. “Innovation in heart health doesn’t happen in isolation,” Bianco added. “It takes a dedicated team working across disciplines to turn research into real-world solutions that improve patient care.”
 

Learn more about ESS’s contributions to research and heart health.