Advancing Cardiac Surgery with Regenerative Science
Mitigating Atrial Fibrillation with Biologics
webinar
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AUDIENCE
This webinar is specifically designed for cardiothoracic surgeons and advanced practitioners involved in CABG procedures. It will provide an in-depth exploration of the latest regenerative strategies, the underlying pathophysiology of POAF, and the practical aspects of integrating human placental membrane allografts into clinical practice.
WEBINAR DESCRIPTION:
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) remains a vital procedure in the treatment of coronary artery disease, yet it is frequently complicated by postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired wound healing. Recent clinical research indicates that the epicardial application of human placental membrane allografts during CABG can significantly reduce these complications.
In a recent study this innovative approach has been associated with an 83% reduction in POAF incidence—from 35.2% to 8.3%—when compared to standard protocols. The allografts exert potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and pro-angiogenic effects that stabilize atrial electrophysiology, promote organized tissue repair, and enhance neovascularization. These benefits not only improve patient outcomes but may also decrease intensive care duration and overall hospitalization costs, thus supporting financial sustainability in the era of value-based care.
Mechanistically, the clinical advantages of placental membranes stem from their unique biological composition. These membranes contain a rich array of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins that collectively modulate the inflammatory response and facilitate regenerative healing. Their application during CABG provides localized protection to the myocardium and pericardium, mitigating the inflammatory cascade that typically predisposes patients to POAF and other complications.
Key Discussion Points:
Reduces POAF by 83%: Demonstrates robust anti-inflammatory and bioactive effects that stabilize atrial function, lowering the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Enhances Wound Healing: Optimizes tissue repair to reduce sternal wound dehiscence and infection risk.
Minimizes Fibrosis & Adhesion: Promotes organized tissue remodeling to decrease scarring and prevent postoperative adhesions.
Improves Vascularization: Accelerates tissue recovery by releasing growth factors that enhance neovascularization.
Reduces ICU Length of Stay: Potentially shortens ICU stay by 1–2 days, improving resource utilization and patient throughput.
Dr. Zain Khalpey MD, PhD, FACS
Dr. Zain Khalpey, MD, PhD, FACS, is a cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in advanced heart failure, regenerative medicine, and biologics. As Chief Medical AI Officer at HonorHealth and Director of the Artificial Heart Program, he focuses on mechanical circulatory support, total artificial hearts, and robotic cardiac surgery. His research explores regenerative therapies, including stem cells, extracellular matrix applications, and tissue engineering to improve heart function and reduce the need for transplantation.
Dr. Khalpey trained at Guy’s, King’s & St. Thomas’, completed a residency and fellowship at Brigham & Women’s at Harvard, and pursued advanced training at Columbia. He has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers and holds multiple patents in cardiac innovation. His work integrates biologics with precision medicine to enhance surgical outcomes and patient recovery. Outside of medicine, he enjoys time with his wife, a physicist, and their four children.
Dr. Bruce Werber DPM
Dr. Bruce Werber is a seasoned entrepreneur, researcher, and physician with a strong track record of leading teams in the biotech industry. He specializes in developing innovative methodologies to drive business growth and advance medical breakthroughs.
With over 40 years of surgical expertise, Dr. Werber has performed more than 30,000 lower extremity limb preservation and reconstruction procedures. His dedication extends beyond the operating room, having spent 25 years volunteering with Operation FootPrint, where he has played a vital role in pediatric limb reconstruction missions across Mexico, Honduras, and India.
In addition to his clinical achievements, Dr. Werber possesses more than 15 years of experience in business development, product design, coaching, and team leadership. Currently, as the CEO of BioXtek, he leads efforts to develop cutting-edge regenerative therapies that improve patient outcomes and transform the future of healing.
John Konhilas PhD
For the past 30 years, Dr. Konhilas has built a foundation for understanding cardiac physiology in health and disease. Dr. Konhilas’ research group focuses on integrative and translational research built upon the foundation of experimentation, critical thinking, and therapeutic development with a primary focus on the heart. With a breadth of experimental and clinical tools, Dr. Konhilas has an established track record demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and clinical development of a biologic therapeutic targeting Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID).
Through a longstanding clinical collaboration with Dr. Zain Khalpey, MD, PhD, Dr. Konhilas has specific expertise studying the impact of human placental/amniotic tissue on cardiac injury from an ischemic event and postoperative surgical outcomes specifically coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. As a scientific entrepreneur, Dr. Konhilas has successfully commercialized foundational research to the private sector.