George V. Letsou, M.D.

Dr. Letsou's CV

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EDUCATION

Undergraduate Education
1979	Harvard University, A.B. Magna Cum Laude in Biology
Graduate Education	Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, M.D.
Postgraduate Training
1983–1984	Intern in General Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital
1984–1987	Assistant & Senior Resident in General Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital
1987–1988	Chief Resident in General Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital
1990–1991	Resident in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital
1991–1992	Chief Resident in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital
1988–1989	Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Fellow in Cardiopulmonary Transplantation, Yale University
1988–1989	Postdoctoral Fellow in Surgical Research, Yale University
1989–1990	Winchester Scholar in Cardiothoracic Surgical Research, Yale University

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ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

1987–1988, 1991–1992	Instructor in Surgery, Yale University
1992–1995	Assistant Professor of Surgery (Cardiothoracic), Yale University
1995–1999	Associate Professor of Surgery with Tenure, Baylor College of Medicine
1999–2007	Associate Professor of Surgery and Director Heart Failure Center, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
2007–Present	Professor of Surgery with Tenure, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

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HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS

1988–1990	Clinical Fellow, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
1992–1995	Attending Surgeon, New Haven, CT Yale-New Haven Hospital West Haven Veteran Affairs Medical Center
1995–Present	Attending Surgeon, Houston, TX Memorial Hermann Hospital The Methodist Hospital St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and The Texas Heart Institute Park Plaza Hospital Select Specialty Hospital Harris County Hospital District (Ben Taub General Hospital and LBJ Hospital)
1995–2001	St. Joseph’s Hospital
1995–1999	Houston Veteran Affairs Medical Center

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ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS

1993–1995	Co-Director, Cardiopulmonary Transplantation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
1994–1995	Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery, West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center, West Haven, CT
1996–1999	Director, Lung Failure Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
1999–present	Director, Heart Failure Center, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
2007–present	Director, Off-pump Cardiac Surgery Program, Bayshore Medical Center

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CERTIFICATIONS

June 4, 1993	Board Certified, American Board of Thoracic Surgery #5377
September 31, 2003	Recertified, American Board of Thoracic Surgery #5377
September 10, 1990	Board Certified, American Board of Surgery #35483
October 19, 2001	Recertified, American Board of Surgery #35483 National Board of Medical Examiners #275068

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NATIONAL & STATE COMMITTEES

2005	American Board of Thoracic Surgery In-Training Examination Consultant Committee
2004	NIH/NHLBI Working Group on Future Directions in Cardiac Surgery
2004–2008	American Board of Thoracic Surgery Self Assessment Exam “SESATS” Editorial Committee
1997–1999	UNOS National Thoracic Organ Transplant Committee
1998–2000	Chair, UNOS Region 4 (Texas & Oklahoma) Thoracic Organ Transplant Review Committee
1997–1999	Texas Medical Association Council of Annual Sessions

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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

	American Association for Thoracic Surgery
	The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
	International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
	American College of Surgeons, Fellow
	American Heart Association, Cardiovascular Surgery Council
	American College of Cardiology, Fellow
	American Medical Association
	Texas Medical Association
	Harris County Medical Society

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HONORS AND AWARDS

2003–2004 2005–2006 2007–2008	Best Doctors in America; Cardiothoracic Surgery
2005, 2006, 2007	America’s Top Physicians, Cardiovascular Surgery
1992	Ferraiolo-Glenn Award for Surgical Research, Yale University
1990	Davis and Geck Travel Scholar
1990	Albert Starr Visiting Scholar
1989	Young Investigator Award Alternate, Shock Society
1989	Winchester Scholar in Cardiothoracic Surgery
1988	Ohse Award, Yale University
1976, 1978, 1979	John Harvard Scholarship (Honorary)
1988	Cystic Fibrosis Society Fellowship A.B. Magna Cum Laude Dean’s List four years at Harvard College

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EDITORIAL POSITIONS

1993, 1995–present	Invited Reviewer, Annals of Thoracic Surgery
1998–2001	Invited Reviewer, Circulation
1999	Invited Reviewer, Transplantation
1995	Invited Reviewer, Chest
1995	Invited Reviewer, Artificial Organs
February 1995	Guest Editor, Cardiology Clinics (“Advanced Treatment Options for the Failing Left Ventricle”)

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COMMITTEES

2007–present	Memorial Hermann Medical Information Technology Committee
2005–present	Memorial Hermann Hospital Medical Staff Affairs Committee
2002–present	University of Texas Cardiology Chief Search Committee
2000–2002	University of Texas Medical School Faculty Senate
2001–2002	University of Texas Pulmonary and Critical Care Chief Search Committee
2001–present	University of Texas Medical School Admissions Committee
1996–1999	Baylor College of Medicine Institutional Review Board for Human Subject Research
1996–1998	Medical School Admissions Committee, Baylor College of Medicine
1995–1998	Baylor College of Medicine Animal Protocol Review Committee
1997–1999	The Methodist Hospital Cardiovascular Patient Care Committee
1995–1999	The Methodist Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit Advisory Committee
1996–1999	Baylor College of Medicine Dept. of Surgery Space and Renovation Committee
1993–1995	Yale School of Medicine Animal Care and Use Committee
1993–1995	West Haven, CT, Veteran Administration Medical Center Human, Investigation Committee

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GRANTS

2004–2007	Hypothermic Blood-Substitution for Cardiac and Cerebral Protection at 4 Degrees Centigrade in a Canine Model Principal Investigator, Academic NIH: SBIR/NHLBI/R41 HL074648 $299,990
2002–Present	Ulert-U.T. Circular Left Ventricular Cardiac Assist Device Program Surgical Co-Investigator Combined University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston Biomedical Engineering Program
2005–Present	Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study (“EVEREST”) Co-Investigator The University of Texas Medical School at Houston Ulert-U.T. Circular Left Ventricular Cardiac Assist Device Program Surgical Co-Investigator Combined University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston Biomedical Engineering Program
2002–Present	Randomized Evaluation of Recurrent Stroke, TIA, or Peripheral Embolism comparing PFO Closure to Established Current Standard of Care Treatment (RESPECT Trial) Co-Investigator The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
2004	Carotid Revascularization with ev3 Arterial Technology Evolution Trial (CREATE Trial) Co-Investigator The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
1993–2001	Low Temperature Cardiac Preservation in a Canine Model Principal Investigator $20,000–$100,000/year; BioTime, Inc.
2002	Use of a Crystalloid/Hetastarch Solution for Cardiopulmonary Bypass>br/> Principal Investigator Abbott Laboratories and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
2000–present	Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale with the Amplatz® PFO Occluder Co-Investigator The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
1999–present	CREST Carotid Endarterectomy Study Co–Investigator The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
1995–2000	Dynamic Cardiomyoplasty Clinical Trial Principal Investigator Baylor College of Medicine/The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
1999	CardioSEAL closure after percutaneous intervention Co-Investigator The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
1999	TPN Catheters and Minocycline/Rifampin Impregnated Catheters Investigator Cook Critical Care and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
1997–1999	Clinical Application of Novacor N100 LVAS with Portable Controller and Valved Conduits as a Bridge to Transplant in Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction Investigator Baylor College of Medicine/The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
1997–1999	Release from Hospital for Cardiac Transplant Candidates Requiring Interim Support using the Novacor Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) with Portable Controller and Battery Investigator Baylor College of Medicine/The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
1997–2000	Lung Preservation Using a New Blood Substitute in a Canine Model Principal Investigator $10,000/year; BioTime, Inc.
1997–1999	Absorption of Aerosolized Cyclosporine in a Canine Model Principal Investigator
1990–1999	Skeletal Muscle for Cardiac Assist Co-Investigator Medtronic, Inc
1994–1996	Randomized, Double-Blind, Comparative Study of Mycophenolate Mofetil or Azathioprine for the Prevention of Rejection in Cardiac Allograft Recipients Investigator Syntex, Inc.
1993–1995	Cardiac Transplantation using Genetic Manipulation Co-Investigator $20,000; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
1988	Response of cardiac endothelial cells to cyclic strain $10,000; Ohse Grant, Yale University

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TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

2006–present	The University of Texas Medical school at Houston third year Clinical Rotation in Cardiovascular Surgery, Rotation Director
1997–1999	Course Director, Cardiothoracic Surgical Intensive Care, Medical Student Elective Course, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
1995–1999	Cardiac surgery lectures for 3rd year surgical clerkship, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
1997–1999	Preceptor, Rice-Baylor Honors Premedical Academy
1993–1995	Cardiac anatomy lectures for Yale Medical School, 1st year anatomy course
1995	Cardiac surgery lectures for Yale Medical School, 2nd Year pathophysiology course
1992–1995	Cardiothoracic surgery module of Yale Physician’s Assistant Program
1995	Director of cardiothoracic residency education, Yale University
1994	Co-director, Postgraduate Symposium at Yale University on “Advanced Treatment Options for the Failing Left Ventricle”
1995	Course Director, “New Developments in Pulmonary Medicine and Surgery”, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

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PUBLICATIONS

Journals

1. Mower G, Caplan CJ, Letsou GV. Behavioral recovery from binocular deprivation in the cat. Behav Brain Res 4:209-215, 1982.
2. Letsou GV, Ballantyne GH, Zdon MJ, Modlin IM. Rectal carcinoma in a renal transplant patient: Longterm complication of immunosuppression. Dis Colon Rectum 29:133-135, 1986.
3. Letsou GV, Ballantyne GH, Zdon MJ, Zucker KA, Modlin IM. Screening for colorectal neoplasm: A comparison of the fecal occult blood test and endoscopic examination. Dis Colon Rectum 30:839- 843, 1987.
4. Letsou GV, Gertler J, Baker CC, Hammond GL. Blunt innominate injury: A report of three cases an review of literature. J Trauma (29)(1): 104-108, 1989.
5. Letsou GV, Gusberg RJ. Isolated bilateral renal artery thrombosis. J Trauma 30(4):509-511, 1990.
6. Mills I, Letsou GV, Rabban J, Sumpio B, Gewertz H. Mechanosensitive adenylate cyclase activity coronary vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 171(1):143-7, 1990.
7. Letsou GV, Rosales O, Maitz S, Vogt A, Sumpio BS. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity in cultured endothelial cells subjected to cyclic stretch. J Cardiovasc Surg 31:634-639, 1990.
8. Letsou GV, Baldwin JC. Heart transplantation: Past, present and future. Res and Staff Phys 36(8): 19-25, 1990.
9. Letsou GV, Franco KL, Kopf GS, Dewar ML, Elefteriades JA, Hammond GL, Baldwin JC. Heart-lun transplantation: Initial experience in New England. Conn Med (8): 419-424, 1990.
10. Letsou GV, Franco KL, Detmer WM, Condos SG, Wolvek S, Baldwin JC. Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation: Hemodynamically significant effects after 12 hours in the absence of detrimental effects on cardiac function. Surg Forum 41:265-267, 1990.
11. Higgins R, Letsou GV, Detmer W, Dewar M, Hogan J, Carter D, Ariyan S, Elefteriades JA. Access skeletal muscle ventricles for circulatory support: Early experience with SMVs in continuity with the circulation. Basic Appl Myology 1(1):89-94, 1991.
12. Letsou GV, Hogan J, Lee P, Kim JH, Ariyan S, Dewar ML, Baldwin JC, Elefteriades JA. Compariso of 180-degree and 360-degree skeletal muscle nerve cuff electrodes. Ann Thorac Surg 54(5):925- 931, 1992.
13. Letsou GV, Kopf GS, Elefteriades JA, Carter JE, Baldwin JC, Hammond GL. Is cardiopulmonary bypass effective for treatment of hypothermic arrest due to drowning or exposure? Arch Surg 127 (5):525-528, 1992.
14. Widmann MD, Letsou GV, Phan S, Baldwin JC, Sumpio BE. Isolation and characterization of rabb cardiac endothelial cells: Response to cyclic strain and growth factor in vitro. J Surg Res 53:331-3 1992.
15. Letsou GV, Franco KL, Detmer W, Condos S, Wolvek S, Smith GJW, Baldwin JC. Pulmonary arte balloon counterpulsation: Safe and effective for 12 hours in dogs when placed via peripheral vein. Ann Thorac Surg 55(3): 741-746, 1993.
16. Higgins RSD, Letsou GV, Sanchez J, Eisen R, Franco KL, Hammond GL, Baldwin JC. Improved ultrastructural lung preservation with prostaglandin E1 as donor pretreatment in a primate heart-lu transplant model. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 105(6):965-971, 1993.
17. Braxton JH, Letsou GV, Schwann TA, Liu WX, Al-Abdulla N, Cole G, El-Gamel A, Baldwin JC. Effe of supercooling solutions on electromechanical activity. Transplant Proc 26(4):2428-2430, 1994.
18. Letsou GV, Zarif A, Smith A, Hogan J, Lee P, Ariyan S, Baldwin JC. Latency of skeletal muscle contraction after pulse train stimulation: An important factor in correct timing of skeletal muscle cardiac assist devices. J Surg Res 57:672-676, 1994.
19. McNulty PH, Liu WX, Valenti JA, Luba MC, Letsou GV, Baldwin JC. Effect of non-working infraren heterotopic transplantation on rat heart glycogen metabolism. Am J Physiol 268 (Endocrinol. Meta 31: E48-E54, 1995.
20. Elefteriades, JA, Lee F, Letsou GV, Introduction. Cardiology Clinics 13(1):1-3, 1995.
21. Letsou GV, Austin L, Grandjean PA, Braxton JH, Elefteriades JA. Dynamic cardiomyoplasty. Cardiology Clinics 13(1):121-124, 1995.
22. Letsou GV, Braxton JH, Ariyan S, Elefteriades JA. Skeletal muscle for cardiac assist. Cardiology Clinics 13(1):125-135, 1995.
23. Elefteriades JA, Letsou GV, Lee F. Synthesis: Guidelines for selection among treatment options. Cardiology Clinics 13(1):137-143, 1995.
24. Quin JA, Letsou GV, Tanoue LT, Matthay RA, Higgins RSD, Baldwin JC. Use of Neodynium Yttriu Aluminum Garnet Laser in long-term palliation of airway obstruction. Connecticut Medicine 59(7):4 - 412, 1995.
25. Braxton JH, Hammond GL, Letsou GV, Kopf GS, Elefteriades JA, Franco KL, Baldwin JC. Optimal timing of coronary surgery following myocardial infarction. Circulation 92 [Suppl #II}:II-66 - II-68, 19
26. Al-Abdulla NA, Cole G, Jr., Braxton JH, Letsou GV, Liu W, Eisen RN, El-Gamel A, and Baldwin JC The effects of supercooling chemicals on myocardial ultrastructure: A transmission electron microscopy case study. Connecticut Medicine 59(7):387-399, 1995.
27. Ukoha OO, Braxton JH, Letsou GV, Hogan JF, Ariyan S, Elefteriades JA. Skeletal muscles in continuity with the bloodstream. J Card Surg 11(4): 271-9, 1996
28. Reardon MJ, Letsou GV, Reardon PJ, Baldwin JC. Left ventricular rupture following mitral valve replacement. J Heart Valve Dis 5:10-15, 1996.
29. Braxton JH, Higgins RSD, Schwann TA, Sanchez JA, Dewar ML, Kopf GS, Hammond GL, Letsou GV, Elefteriades JA. Reoperative mitral valve surgery via right thoracotomy: Decreased blood loss and improved hemodynamics. J Heart Valve Dis 5:169-173, 1996.
30. Safi HJ, Campbell MP, Miller CC, III, Iliopoulos DC, Khoynezhad A, Letsou GV, Asimacopoulos PJ Cerebral spinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion decrease the incidence of neurologic defic The results of 343 descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs. Eur J Vasc Endova Surg 14:118-124, 1997.
31. McNulty PH, Ng C, Liu WX, Jagasia D, Letsou GV, Baldwin JC, Soufer R. Autoregulation of myocardial glycogen concentration during intermittent hypoxia. Am J Physiol 271(2 Pt 2): R311-9, 1996
32. Safi HJ, Harlin SA, Miller CC, Iliopoulos DC, Joshi A, Tabor M, Zippel R, Letsou GV. Predictive factors for acute renal failure in thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. J Vasc S 24:338-345, 1996.
33. Safi HJ, Letsou GV, Iliopoulos DC, Miller CC, Baldwin JC, Hassoun H, Asimacopoulos PJ. The impact of retrograde cerebral perfusion on ascending and arch aneurysm repair. Ann Thorac Surg 1601-7, 1997.
34. Reardon MJ, Hedrick T, Letsou GV, Safi H, Espada R, Baldwin, JC. CT reconstruction of an unusu chronic posttraumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. Ann Thorac Surg 64: 1480-1482, 1997.
35. Reardon, MJ, Carr CL, Diamond A, Letsou GV, Safi HJ, Espada R, Baldwin JC. Ischemic left ventricular free wall rupture: Prediction, diagnosis, and treatment. Ann Thorac Surg 64:1509-1513 1997
36. Safi HJ, Miller CC, Iliopoulos, DC, Letsou GV, Baldwin JC. Staged repair of extensive aortic aneurysm: Improved neurologic outcome. Ann Thorac Surg 226(5):599-605, 1997.
37. Safi, HJ, Miller CC, Yawn DH, Iliopoulos DC, Subramanian M, Harlin S, Letsou GV. Impact of dista aortic and visceral perfusion on liver function during thoracoabdominal and descending thoracic ao repair. J Vasc Surg 27:145-153, 1997.
38. Reardon MJ, Espada R, Letsou GV, Safi HJ, McCollum CH, Baldwin JC. Editorial, Minimally invas coronary artery surgery—a word of caution. J Thorac and Cardiovasc Surg 114: 419-420, 1997.
39. Letsou GV, Reardon MJ. Minimally invasive valve surgery. Current Opinion in Cardiology 13:105- 110,1998.
40. Safi HJ, Miller CC, III, Reardon MJ, Iliopoulos DC, Letsou GV, Espada R, Baldwin JC. Operation fo acute and chronic aortic dissection: Recent outcome with regard to neurologic deficit and early dea Ann Thorac Surg 66:402-11, 1998.
41. Reardon MJ, Letsou GV, Anderson JE, Safi HJ, Espada R, Baldwin JC. Orthotopic Cardiac Transplantation after MIDCAB. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 117:(2)390-391, 1999.
42. Reardon MJ, Conklin LD, Letsou GV, Safi HJ, Espada R, Baldwin JC. Mitral valve injury from blun trauma. J Heart Valve Dis 7:467-470, 1998.
43. Safi HJ, Miller III CC, Subramanian MS, Campbell MP, Iliopoulos DC, O’Donnell JJ, Reardon MJ, Letsou GV, Espada R. Thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair using cardiopulmon bypass, profound hypothermia, and circulatory arrest via left side of the chest incision. J Vasc Surg 28:591-598, 1998.
44. Waldrep CJ, Gilbert BE, Letsou GV, Knight V. Development of drug-liposome aerosols for pulmon immunosuppression. Respiratory Drug Delivery VI:449-451, 1998.
45. Engle J, Safi HJ, Miller CC, Campbell MP, Harlin SA, Letsou GV, Lloyd KS, Root DB. The impact o diaphragm management on prolonged ventilator support following thoracoabdominal aortic repair. Vasc Surg 29:150-156, 1999.
46. Reardon MJ, Conklin LD, Fabre J, Reardon PR, Letsou GV. Thoracoscopic approach to posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumors in the adult. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech 9:187-192, 1999.
47. Ohtsuka G, Nakata KI, Yoshikawa M, Mueller J, Takano T, Yamane S, Gronau N, Glueck J, Takam Y, Sueoka A, Letsou GV, Schima H, Schmallegger H, Wolner E, Koyanagi H, Fujisawa A, Baldwin JC, Nose Y. Long-term in vivo left ventricular assist device study with a titanium centrifugal pump. ASAIO Journal 44:M619-623, 1999.
48. Reardon MJ, Conklin LD, Fabre J, Reardon PR, Letsou GV. The anatomical aspects of minimally invasive cardiac valve operations. Ann Thorac Surg 67(1):266-8, 1999.
49. Letsou, GV. Selection of appropriate patients with heart failure for aortocoronary bypass surgery. C Opin Cardiol 14:230-233, 1999.
50. Nose Y, Nakata KI, Yoshikawa M, Letsou GV, Fujisawa A, Wolner E, Schima H. Development of a totally implantable biventricular bypass centrifugal blood pump system, Ann Thorac Surg 68:775-7 1999.
51. Reardon MJ, Conklin LD, Letsou GV, Safi HJ, Espada R, Baldwin JC. Methods of acute postcardiotomy left ventricular assistance. J Cardiovasc Surg 40: 627-31, 1999.
52. Ohtsuka G, Nakata K, Yoshikawa M, Takano T, Glueck J, Sankai Y, Takami Y, Mueller J, Sueoka Letsou GV, Schima H, Schmallegger H, Wolner E, Koyanagi H, Fujisawa A, Baldwin JC, Nose Y. Long-term in vivo left ventricular assist device study for 283 days with Gyro PI pump. Artif Organs (6): 504-7, 1999.
53. Letsou GV, Safi, HJ, Reardon MJ, Ergenoglu M, Li C, Klonaris C, Baldwin JC, Gilbert BE, Waldrep Pharmacokinetics of liposomal aerosolized Cyclosporine A for pulmonary immunosuppression. An Thorac Surg 68:2044-8, 1999.
54. Nagueh SF, Mikati I, Weilbaecher D, Reardon MJ, Al-Zaghrini GJ, Cacela D, He ZX, Letsou GV, Noon G, Howell JF, Espada R, Verani MS, Zoghbi WA. Relation of the contractile reserve of hibernating myocardium to myocardial structure in humans, Circulation 100:490-496, 1999.
55. Ferguson E, Reardon MJ, Letsou GV. The surgical management of bacterial valvular endocarditis Curr Opin Cardiol 15:82-85, 2000.
56. Shan K, Bick RJ, Poindexter BJ, Shimoni S, Letsou GV, Reardon MJ, Howell J, Zoghbi WA, Nagu SF. Relation of tissue Doppler derived myocardial velocities to myocardial structure and betaadrenergic receptor density in humans. J Am Coll Cardiol 36(3): 891-6, 2000.
57. Shan K, Bick RJ, Poindexter BJ, Nagueh SF, Shimoni S, Verani MS, Keng F, Reardon MJ, Letsou GV, Howell JF, Zoghbi WA. Altered adrenergic receptor density in myocardial hibernation in huma A possible mechanism of depressed myocardial function. Circulation 102(21):2599-606, 2000.
58. Safi HJ, Miller CC, Huynh TT, Estrera AL, Letsou GV. Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft Repair. Contemp Surg 56(12) 716-722, 2000.
59. Estrera AL, Rubenstein FS, Miller CC, III, Huynh TT, Letsou GV, Safi HJ. Descending Thoracic Ao Aneurysm: Surgical Approach and Treatment Using the Adjuncts Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage an Distal Aortic Perfusion. Ann Thorac Surg, 72:481-6, 2001.
60. Rubenstein F, Reichart B, Letsou GV. Alternatives in Selection of Rings for Mitral Annuloplasty. Current Opin Card, 16:136-139, 2001.
61. Letsou GV, Hogan JF, Miller CC III, Elefteriades JA, Francischelli D, Baldwin JC, Safi HJ. Physiolo Characteristics of Canine Skeletal Muscle: Implications for Timing Skeletal Muscle Cardiac Assist Devices. Ann Thorac Surg, 72:1336-43, 2001.
62. Yong Y, Nagueh SF, Shimoni S, Shan K, He ZX, Reardon MJ, Letsou GV, Howell JF, Verani MS, Quinones MA, Zoghbi WA. Deceleration time in ischemic cardiomyopathy: relation to echocardiographic and scintigraphic indices of myocardial viability and functional recovery after revascularization. Circulation 103(9):1232-7, 2001.
63. Frangogiannis NG, Shimoni S, Chang SM, Ren G, Shan K, Aggeli C, Reardon MJ, Letsou GV, Espada R, Ramchandani M, Entman ML, Zoghbi WA. Evidence for an active inflammatory process the hibernating human myocardium. Am J Pathol 160(4):142-53, 2002.
64. Letsou GV. Mitral Valve Repair and the Anterior Leaflet. Current Opin Card, 179-182, 2002.
65. Elefteriades JA, Quin JA, Hogan JF, Holcomb WG, Letsou GV, Chlosta WF, Glenn WW. Long-term follow up of pacing of the conditioned diaphragm in quadriplegia. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 25 (6):897-906, 2002.
66. Li Q, Gupta D, Schroth G, Loghin C, Letsou GV, Buja LM. Images in cardiovascular medicine. Eosinophilic pericarditis and myocarditis. Circulation, 105:3066, 2002.
67. Frangogiannis NG, Shimoni S, Chang SM, Ren G. Dewald O, Gersch C, Shan K Aggeli C, Reardo M, Letsou GV, Espada R, Ramchandani M, Entman ML, Zoghbi WA. Active interstitial remodeling: important process in the hibernating human myocardium. J Am Coll Cardiol 39:1468-74, 2002.
68. Shimoni S, Frangogiannis NG, Aggeli CJ, Shan K, Quinones MA, Espada R, Letsou GV, Lawrie G Winters WL, Reardon MJ, Zoghbi WA. Microvascular structural correlates of myocardial contrast echocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction: Implications for assessment of myocardial hibernation. Circulation, 106(8):950-956, 2002.
69. Letsou GV, Rubenstein F. Mitral Valve Repair. Cyber-Rounds, April, 2002.
70. Murtagh B, Frazier OH, Letsou GV. Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Endocarditis in 2003. Curr Opin Cardiol 18:106-110, 2003.
71. Shimoni S, Frangogiannis NG, Aggeli CJ, Shan K, Verani M, Quinones MA, Espada R, Letsou GV Lawrie GM, Winters WL, Reardon MJ, Zoghbi WA. Identification of hibernating myocardium with quantitative intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography: Comparison with dobutamine echocardiography and thallium-201 scintigraphy. Circulation, 107(4):538-544, 2003.
72. Letsou GV, Myers TJ, Radovancevic B, Miller K, Gregoric I, Delgado RJ, Jarvik R, Frazier OH. Continuous axial flow LVAS (Jarvik 2000) maintains kidney and liver perfusion for up to 6 months. Ann Thorac Surg 76:1167-1170, 2003.
73. Letsou GV, Breznock EM, Whitehair J, Kurtz RS, Jacobs R, Leavitt ML, Sternberg H, Shermer S, Kehrer S, Segall JM, Voelker MA, Waitz HD, Segall PF. Resuscitating Hypothermic Dogs after Tw Hours of Circulatory Arrest below 6 degrees Centigrade. J Trauma May; 54(5 Suppl):S177-82, 200
74. Letsou GV. Invited Commentary on Skeletal Muscle Ventricle Pressure-Volume Properties Confor to Dynamic and Static Conditioning. Ann Thorac Surg 76(3):835, 2003
75. Letsou GV, Carter JE, Shenaq S, Gregoric I, Delgado R, Frazier OH. Orthotopic Cardiac Transplantation 30 Months after Successful Dynamic Cardiomyoplasty. Ann Thorac Surg 76:1289- 1291, 2003
76. Letsou GV. Invited Commentary on Acute Post-operative Pain Relief in Lung Transplant Recipient Ann Thorac Surg 77;1955, 2004.
77. Letsou GV, Shah N, Gregoric ID, Myers TJ, Delgado R, Frazier OH. Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Arteriovenous Malformations in Patients Supported by the Jarvik 2000 Axial-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device. J Heart Lung Transplant 24(1):105-109, 2005.
78. Ferrari M, Kadipasaoglu KA, Croitoru M, Conger J, Myers T, Gregoric I, Radovancevic B, Letsou G Frazier OH. Evaluation of Myocardial Function in Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure during Support with the Jarvik 2000 Left Ventricular Assist Device. J Heart Lung Transplant 24(2):226-22 2005.
79. Baumgartner WA, Burrows S, del Nido PJ, Gardner TJ, Goldberg S, Gorman RC, Letsou GV, Mascette A, Michler RE, Puskas JD, Rose EA, Rosengart TK, Selke FW, Shumway SJ, Wilke N. Recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Working Group on Future Direction in Cardiac Surgery. Circulation 111(22):3007-13, 2005.
80. Kar B, Delgado RM, Radovancevic B, Myers TJ, Wadia YW, Letsou GV, Riaz I, Metclafe R, Grego I, Harting M. Vascular Thrombosis During Support with Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device Correlation with Computerized Flow Simulations. Congestive Heart Failure 11(4):182-187, 2005.
81. Letsou GV and Frazier OH. Successful Ventricular Remodeling with Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Mitral Valve Repair in a Patient with Severe Heart Failure. Texas Heart Institute Journal, in pre
82. Letsou GV, Sdringola S, Gregoric I, Patel V, Myers TJ, Delgado RM, Frazier OH. Myocardial Perfusion as Assessed by Positron Emission Tomography During Long-Term Mechanical Circulato Support. Congestive Heart Failure, 12(2):64-74, 2006
83. Letsou GV, Connelly JH, Delgado RM, Myers TJ, Gregoric ID, Smart FW, Frazier OH. Is Native Ao Valve Commissural Fusion in Patients with Chronically Implanted Left Ventricular Assist Devices Associated with Clinically Important Aortic Insufficiency? J Heart Lung Transplant, 25:395-399, 2006.
84. Letsou GV, Frazier OH. Successful Ventricular Remodeling with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Mitral Valve Repair in a Patient with Severe Heart Failure. Tex Heart Inst J, 33(2):229-231, 2006.
85. Palanichamy N, Letsou GV, Cohn W, Kar B, Gregoric ID. High Cardiac Output Due to Fistula after Cardiac Transplantation. Congest Heart Fail, 13(4):237-239, 2007.

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Chapters

1. Letsou GV, Baldwin JC. Heart and Heart-Lung Transplantation, Oxford Textbook of Surgery, 1st Edition, Morris PJ, Malt RA (editors). Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, 1994.
2. Letsou GV, Baldwin JC, Westaby S. Surgery for Coronary Artery Disease, Oxford Textbook of Surgery, 1st Edition, Morris PJ, Malt RA (editors). Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, 1994
3. Hammond GL, Letsou GV. Aortic Valve Disease and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathies, Glenn’s Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 6th Edition, Baue AE, Geha AS, Hammond GL, Laks H, Naunheim KS (editors). Appleton and Lange, Norwalk CT & San Mateo CA, 1995.
4. Elefteriades JA, Lee F, Letsou GV, Eds. Advanced Treatment Options for the Failing Left Ventricle Cardiology Clinics, 1995.
5. Letsou GV, Baldwin JC. Heart-Lung Transplantation, Transplantation, 1st Edition, Ginns, LC, Cosi AB, Morris PJ. Blackwell Science, 1999.
6. Letsou GV, Baldwin JC. Heart and Heart-Lung Transplantation, Oxford Textbook of Surgery, 2nd Edition, Morris PJ, Malt RA (editors). Oxford University Press, Oxford, England, 2000.
7. Reardon MJ, Brewer R, Letsou GV, Baldwin JC. Heart and Heart Lung-Transplantation. Surgery, Edition. Corson & Williamson (editors) Harcourt Publishing, Co., January, 2001.

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Presentations

1. Yale University Surgical Rounds, New Haven, CT, February, 1986. “Renovascular Hypertension”.
2. Yale University Surgical Rounds, New Haven, CT, March 1987. “Chronic Pancreatitis”
3. Yale University Surgical Rounds, New Haven, CT November 1987. “Ulcerative Colitis and Newer Surgical Options”
4. Shock Society, 12th Annual Meeting, Marco Island, Florida, June 1989. “The Role of Adenylate Cyclase in the Transduction of Pulsatile Stretch Signals to Endothelial Cells
5. Yale University Dept. of Veterinary Care, New Haven, CT, December 1989. “Skeletal Muscle Ventricles”
6. Connecticut Surgical Society, Cromwell, CT, December 1989. “Initial Experience with Heart-Lung Transplantation in New England”
7. Medtronic Forum, Minneapolis, MN, March 1990. “Performance of 360? and 180? Nerve Cuff Electrodes for Skeletal Muscle Stimulation”
8. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (Biomedical Engineering Section), 74th Annual Meeting, Washington, D. C., April 1990. “Half Cuff Electrode Stimulation of Thoracodorsal Nerve for Skeletal Muscle Ventricles is as Effectiv as Full Cuff in Dogs”
9. Plastic Surgery Research Council, 35th Annual Meeting, Washington, DC, April 1990. “Use of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle for Extra-Aortic Counterpulsation, Hemodynamic Support and Card Augmentation”
10. Research Symposium at Yale University, New Haven, CT, May 1990. “Progress in Cardiopulmonary Replacement and Augmentation”
11. American Society of Transplant Surgeons, 16th Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, June 1990. “Predictors of Survival in Patients with end-Stage Cystic Fibrosis Awaiting Heart-Lung Transplantati
12. New England Surgical Society, 71st Annual Meeting, Newport, R.I., September, 1990. “Current Status of Lung Transplantation in New England”
13. 4th World Symposium on Transformed Skeletal Muscle for Cardiac Assist, LaQuinta, CA, October 1990. “180? and 360? Nerve Cuff electrodes are Equally Effective for Stimulation of Canine Thoracodorsa Nerve”
14. 4th World Symposium on Transformed Skeletal Muscle for Cardiac Assist, LaQuinta, CA, October 1990.
15. American College of Surgeons, 76th Clinical Congress, San Francisco, CA, October 1990. “Pulmonary Artery Balloon Counterpulsation: Hemodynamically significant Effects After 12 Hours Without Detriment to Cardiac Function”
16. American College of Chest Physicians, 56th Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada, October 1990. “Successful Prophylaxis Against Cytomegalovirus using Intravenous Immune Globulin and Ganciclo in a Heart-Lung Transplant Recipient”
17. Yale Surgical Grand Rounds, New Haven, CT, September, 1991. “Accidental Hypothermia and Cardiopulmonary Bypass.” Yale Surgical Grand Rounds, New Haven, CT, September, 1991. “Accidental Hypothermia and Cardiopulmonary Bypass.”
18. New England Surgical Society, 72nd Annual Meeting, Quebec, Canada, October, 1991. “Is Cardiopulmonary Bypass Effective for Treatment of Hypothermic Arrest Due to Drowning or Exposure”
19. Association for Academic Surgery, 25th Annual Meeting, Colorado Springs, CO, November, 1991. “Role of Pulsatile Stretch in Proliferation of Cardiac Endothelial Cells”
20. Medtronic Forum, Minneapolis, MN, January, 1993. “Diaphragm Pacing and Skeletal Muscle Cardiac Assistance”
21. American College of Cardiology, 42nd Annual Scientific Session, Anaheim, CA, March, 1992. “Amrinone Enhances Internal Mammary Artery Graft Blood Flow”
22. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (Biomedical Engineering Section), New Orleans, LA, March, 1993. “Power Generating Capacity of Skeletal Muscle Ventricles (SMVs) is Dependent on Preload and Stimulation Frequency”
23. Yale University School of Medicine, First year class lecture, New Haven, CT, February, 1993. “Cardiac Anatomy”
24. Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, New London, CT, March, 1993. “Heart and Lung Transplantation”
25. International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, 13th Annual Meeting, Boca Raton, FL, Ap 1993. “Successful Transplantation of Frozen Hearts”
26. International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, 13th Annual Meeting, Boca Raton, FL Apr 1993. Moderator, Clinical Heart Transplantation Poster Session
27. World Symposium on Cardiomyoplasty and Biomechanical Assist, Paris, France, May, 1993. “Physiologic Characteristics of Conditioned and Unconditioned Skeletal Muscle Ventricles”
28. World Symposium on Cardiomyoplasty and Biomechanical Assist, Paris, France, May, 1993. “Skeletal Muscle Conditioning: Lessons From25 Years of Diaphragm Pacing”
29. Yale University Surgical Grand Rounds, New Haven, CT, May 1993. “Cardiac Assistance and Replacement: What’s New at Yale?”
30. Connecticut State Chest Conference, New Haven, CT, September 1993. “Thoracic Surgery: What’s New in New Haven?”
31. Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital, Wallingford, CT, October, 1993. “Diaphragm Pacing for Quadriplegics”
32. Yale Physician’s Assistant Program, New Haven, CT, October 1993. “Cardiac Physiology”
33. Stamford Hospital Cardiology Rounds, Stamford, CT, October 1993. “Biomechanical Cardiac Support and Cardiopulmonary Transplantation”
34. Cardiovascular Science & Technology Conference (NIH & NHLBI sponsored), Washington, DC., December, 1993. “Skeletal Muscle for Cardiac Support”
35. Yale University School of Medicine, First year class lecture, New Haven, CT, January, 1994. “Cardiac Anatomy”
36. Yale Cardiology Grand Rounds, New Haven, CT, April, 1994. “Cardiac Transplantation and Biomechanical Support”
37. Yale Anesthesiology Grand Rounds, New Haven, CT, April, 1994. “Cardiac Transplantation and Biomechanical Support”
38. Medtronic Skeletal Muscle Ventricle Summit, Invited Speaker, Detroit, MI, 1994. “Left Ventricular Apex to Aorta Configuration for the Skeletal Muscle Ventricle”
39. Co-director, Symposium on “Advanced Treatment Options for the Failing Left Ventricle”, Yale University, New Haven, CT, June, 1994.
40. Symposium on “Advanced Treatment Options for the Failing Left Ventricle”, Yale University, New Haven, CT, June, 1994. Moderator, Surgical and Medical Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias
41. Symposium on “Advanced Treatment Options for the Failing Left Ventricle”, Yale University, New Haven, CT, June, 1994. Moderator, Surgical and Medical Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias
42. Symposium on “Advanced Treatment Options for the Failing Left Ventricle”, Yale University, New Haven, CT, June 1994. “The Skeletal Muscle Ventricle: Potential for Biologic Replacement of the Left Ventricle”
43. Experimental Biology 1995, Atlanta, GA, May, 1995. “Dogs Revived after 4 Hours of Profound Hypothermia”
44. Course Director, “New Developments in Pulmonary Medicine and Surgery”, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, November, 1995.
45. Symposium on “New Developments in Pulmonary Medicine and Surgery”, Baylor College of Medicin Houston, TX, November, 1995. “Innovations in the Surgical Management of Endobronchial Disease”
46. Sympo
47. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery, 76th Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, April, 1996. “Near-Zero Cooling: A New Strategy for Cerebral and Myocardial Protection Using a Blood Substitu
48. Baylor College of Medicine, Cardiology Rounds, Houston, TX, May, 1996. “Cardiac Transplantation”
49. American College of Surgeons, 82nd Annual Clinical Postgraduate Course in Cardiac Surgery, Congress, San Francisco, CA, October, 1996. “Expanding The Donor Pool For Cardiac Transplantation”
50. Baylor College of Medicine, Moscow, Russia Teleconference, Houston, TX, October, 1996. “Near-Zero Cooling in Cardiovascular Surgery”
51. Memorial Hospital Northwest, Houston, TX , December, 1996. “Surgical Treatment of Heart Failure”
52. Texas Heart Failure Summit, Houston, TX, January 1997. “Surgery for Heart Failure Other than Transplantation”
53. Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, San Diego, CA, January 1997. “The Impact of Distal Aortic and Visceral Perfusion on Liver Function During Thoracoabdominal Aor Repair”
54. Update Surgery 1997, Houston, TX, February 1997 “New Surgical Treatments for Heart Failure”
55. Hypothermia Summit, London, England, April 1997 “Replacing Blood Volume In Hypothermia and Normothermia”
56. American College of Cardiology, Atlanta, GA, April, 1998 “Routine Carotid Duplex Imaging Prior to Coronary Artery Surgery is Not Warranted”
57. FASEB, San Francisco, CA, April, 1998 “Dogs Revive After 2 Hours of Near-Freezing Blood-Substituted Circulatory Arrest”
58. Yale Surgical Alumni Society, New Haven, CT, June, 1998 “Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms”
59. Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, Orlando, FL, November, 1998 “Aerosolized Cyclosporine is Selectively Absorbed in the Lungs: A Possible Means for Selective Pulmonary Immunosuppression”
60. International Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery, Houston, TX, November, 1998 Moderator, Scientific Session – Thoracic Surgery
61. University of Texas – Surgery Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, Feb, 2000.“Surgery for End-Stage Cardiac Disease”
62. FASEB, San Diego, CA, April, 2000 “Dogs Completely Blood Substituted With Hextend? Revive After Two Hours of Circulatory Arrest At Near-Freezing Temperatures”
63. Frontiers in Cardiology, Houston, TX, April, 2000 “Superficial Femoral Angioplasty vs. Surgery”
64. Chest 2000, San Francisco, CA, October 2000 “Acute Response of Pulmonary Artery Pressure after Lung Transplantation in Patients with Primary Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension Does Not Influence Short or Long Term Survival”
65. University of Texas – Surgery Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, April, 2001 “Surgery for Coronary Artery Disease”
66. University of Texas – Cardiology Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, April, 2001 “Advances In Surgery for Heart Failure”
67. Combat Fluid Resuscitation 2001. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, May, 2001. "Resuscitating Dogs Completely Blood-Substituted with Hextend® After Two Hours Ice-Cold Circulatory Arrest"
68. University of Texas –Texas Women’s University, Houston, TX, September, 2001 “Cardiovascular Surgery for Nurses”
69. University of Texas - Cardiology Heart Center , Houston, TX , September, 2001 "Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits”
70. University of Texas – Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Houston, TX, May, 2001 “Post-Operative Complications in Cardiac Surgery”
71. University of Texas – Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Houston, TX, October 4, 2001 “Hypothermia”
72. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons,38th Annual Meeting, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, January, 2002 "Continuous Axial Flow LVAS (Jarvik 2000) Maintains Kidney and Liver Perfusion for Up to 6 Month
73. Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Houston, TX, August, 2002 “Helicopter Transport of Unstable Cardiac Patients”
74. University of Texas Cardiology Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, March, 2003 “Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery”
75. University of Texas Pulmonary and Critical Care Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, April, 2003 “Cardiac Surgery and Ventricular Assist Devices in the ICU”
76. Invited Speaker: End Stage Renal Disease Network of Texas Regional Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, September, 2003 “Physicians from Texas Benchmark Facilities with Fistula Rates Greater Than 40% Share Strategies and Secrets for Success”
77. Invited Speaker: NIH Future Directions in Cardiac Surgery Working Group, Alexandria, VA, May 200 “Off-Pump vs. On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Time for a Randomized Clinical Trial”
78. Heart Failure Society of America 8th Annual Meeting, Toronto, CANADA, September 2004 “Off Pump” Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (OPCAB) Leads to Significant Improvement of Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Systolic Dysfunction”
79. Invited Speaker: American Heart Association Annual Meeting, Resuscitation Science Symposium, New Orleans, LA, November 2004 “A Model to Achieve 2 Hours of Circulatory Arrest at Ultraprofound Temperatures”
80. Gordon Research Conference on Assisted Circulation - NIH Conference Big Sky, MT, August 2005 “Is Native Aortic Valve Commissural Fusion in Patients with Chronically Implanted Left Ventricular Assist Devices Associated with Clinically Important Aortic Insufficiency?”
81. University of Texas – Houston Cardiology Grand Rounds Houston, TX, September 2005 “Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery”
82. Invited Speaker: Concepts in Contemporary Cardiology Houston, TX, April 2006 “The Future Management of Congestive Heart Failure: Implantable Surgical Devices”
83. Invited Speaker: Guidant Corp. Philadelphia. PA, May, 2006 “High-Risk Coronary Revascularization: Benefit of Off-Pump Bypass in Patients with Poor Ventricular Function”
84. Invited Speaker: Concepts in Contemporary Cardiology, Houston, TX, May 2007 “Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery”
85. MD Anderson Cancer Center Cardiology Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, May 2007 “Coronary Artery Bypass and the Off-Pump Technique”
86. University of Texas - Houston Cardiology Grand Rounds, Houston, TX , September 2007 “Coronary Artery Bypass and the Off-Pump Technique”
87. Invited Speaker: American Heart Association th Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, November 2007 “Pulsatile Ventricular Assist Devices - State of the Art”

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CONTACT INFORMATION

E-mail Address:	George.V.Letsou@uth.tmc.edu
Executive Assistant:	Toylean Johnson
Office Address:	6410 Fannin St., Suite 450, Houston, TX 77030
Office Phone:	713-500-5323
Office Fax:	713-500-0650

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