Prominent Heart Surgeon Louis E. Samuels, MD
Named Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Paoli Hospital

(PAOLI, PA, March, 2008) -- Louis E. Samuels, MD , has been named Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Paoli Hospital, an integral part of the Main Line Health Heart Center, which includes Bryn Mawr, Lankenau and Riddle Memorial Hospitals. 

Dr. Samuels, who joined Main Line Health's Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Lankenau Hospital in 2003, also serves as the Surgical Director of Lankenau's Heart Failure Program. "Dr. Samuels brings world class cardiothoracic surgical care to our community," said Barbara Tachovsky, President of Paoli Hospital. "He is experienced in performing the most complex heart procedures and is a vital physician member of our renowned Main Line Health Heart Center."

Dr. Samuels received international recognition for performing the world's fifth AbioCor Implantable Artificial Heart in November 2001. He is an expert in ventricular assist devices and performs non-cardiac-thoracic (lung) surgery including minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). "We are very excited and pleased to welcome Dr. Samuels," said Dr. Steven M. LaPorte, MD, chief of Cardiovascular Diseases at Paoli Hospital. "Dr. Samuels brings energy and enthusiasm to our heart program and has established a great rapport with patients, physicians and hospital staff." 

In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Samuels serves as a national training instructor for ventricular assist devices and conducts regularly scheduled training labs at PCOM. Dr. Samuels is board certified in general and cardiothoracic surgery and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. He received his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine, where he served his residency in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery.

"In addition to his surgical expertise in heart bypass, Dr. Samuels is a leading authority on implantable cardiac assist devices, which are used to spare the heart while it recovers from a heart event or a bridge to heart transplant," noted Scott M. Goldman, MD, chairman of the Department of Surgery for Main Line Health. "He is a great asset to our heart program."  

Dr. Samuels looks forward to initiating a Destination Therapy program in which artificial heart technologies can serve as permanent implants for patients who are not eligible for transplant. He has authored numerous publications and serves as primary investigator on research projects involving artificial heart and ventricular assist device technology. Previous to coming to Main Line Health, Dr. Samuels was surgical director of cardiac transplantation and director of the artificial heart and ventricular assist device program at Hahnemann University Hospital.

Media Contact:
Frieda Schmidt, Public Relations
610-526-8298

Published:4-22-2008