Paul Stelzer, M.D. - Ross Procedure Specialist (Aortic Valve Replacement)

Co-Director, Paul Stelzer, Heart Valve Center, Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Paul Stelzer and his interest in valvular heart surgery began with aortic homograft surgery in 1985 and quickly expanded to the Ross Procedure with Ronald Elkins at the University of Oklahoma in 1986.

Establishing the root replacement modification as the standard for the Ross Procedure has been Dr. Stelzer's most significant contribution to the field. (See History section.) Dr. Paul Stelzer also has extensive experience with the more standard techniques of valve repair and replacement with tissue and mechanical devices as well as coronary artery surgery including multiple arterial grafting.

Dr. Paul Stelzer uses minimally invasive approaches to valve and coronary surgery when appropriate.

Heart surgeon, Paul Stelzer, is experienced with autografts and homografts led to an invitation to participate as a principal investigator in the initial clinical trial of the Medtronic Freestyle ™ Valve which is one of two stentless porcine valves now approved by the FDA. Dr. Paul Stelzer and work with this valve has been presented at international meetings, and he has participated in numerous training programs for surgeons both in Europe and America.

Cardiac surgeon, Paul Stelzer, was invited to be one of the first American surgeons to use the cryo-preserved mitral homograft. He has been on the faculty for two meetings in Paris on the basis of his experience with this valve. Dr. Stelzer has traveled to Hartford, Toledo, and Dallas to teach senior surgeons this challenging operative technique. Surgeons from many other cities as well as from within New York have come to watch Dr. Stelzer operate in person for "up close, one-on-one" exposure to these special valve procedures.

In his spare time, Dr. Stelzer enjoys music. He especially likes classical music by the major orchestras. He tinkers on the piano for his own amusement and even does a bit of composition now and then. He regularly sings with a close harmony (almost barbershop) quartet. Dr. Stelzer participates actively in the music program of the Manhattan Church of Christ where he serves as an elder.

To learn more about Dr. Paul Stelzer, please click here.