Five Questions with Meena Nathan: Why mentoring matters: Guidance from our Visiting Research Internship Program
Certifications
American Board of Thoracic Surgery (General)
American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Congenital Heart Surgery)
Professional History
I am a pediatric cardiac surgeon primarily involved in clinical research and teaching medical students and residents. I have over 10 years of research experience encompassing the period of my residency training and current faculty position. I have been actively involved in research and teaching throughout my career and as a junior faculty I have mentored undergraduate, premed students, and medical students through summer internships in outcomes research. I have successfully graduated with an MPH degree from the Harvard TH Chang School of Public Health with my area of interest being clinical effectiveness. I now mentor MPH students as well. My clinical and research focus is on clinical outcomes and quality improvement. As a surgeon involved in clinical health services research, I am using my expertise as a pediatric cardiac surgeon to innovate in this field.
Publications
Mid-term ventricular function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement: Relationship to baseline right ventricular loading conditions. View Abstract
FDA Approval of Cardiac Valve Devices Implanted in a National Cohort of Pediatric Patients, 2016-2022. View Abstract
Residual Lesions Matter After Congenital Heart Surgical Procedures. View Abstract
Cross-species analyses of thymic mimetic cells reveal evolutionarily ancient origins and both conserved and species-specific elements. View Abstract
Intraoperative Conduction Mapping to Reduce Postoperative Atrioventricular Block in Complex Congenital Heart Disease. View Abstract
Thromboelastography-guided Intraoperative Platelet Transfusion in Pediatric Heart Surgery. View Abstract
Impact of permanent pacemaker for iatrogenic atrioventricular block on outcomes after congenital heart surgery. View Abstract
Child Opportunity Index and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes; the Role of Diagnostic Category. View Abstract
Perioperative Hyper-coagulation and Thrombosis: Cost Analysis After Congenital Heart Surgery. View Abstract
Equitable Health Care for Children: The Next Horizon of Change. View Abstract
Reply: Understanding of Aging Effects on the Clinical Course in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease. View Abstract
Surgical debulking of large ventricular fibromas in children. View Abstract
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database: 2023 Update on Outcomes and Research. View Abstract
Early and long-term outcomes following cardiac surgery for patients with heterotaxy syndrome. View Abstract
Impact of pre-bypass ultrafiltration on prime values and clinical outcomes in neonatal and infant cardiopulmonary bypass. View Abstract
Analysis of Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes Among Presentations of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery Diagnosed Beyond Infancy Versus During Infancy. View Abstract
Contemporary Outcomes of Children With Acute Fulminant Myocarditis Supported With Peripheral Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. View Abstract
Prognostic utility of a risk prediction model for predischarge major residual lesions or unplanned reinterventions following congenital mitral valve repair. View Abstract
Transcatheter Palliation With Pulmonary Artery Flow Restrictors in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease: Feasibility, Outcomes, and Comparison With a Historical Hybrid Stage 1 Cohort. View Abstract
Growth of the Neo-Aortic Root and Prognosis of Transposition of the Great Arteries. View Abstract
Postoperative Troponin Levels in Children Undergoing Open Heart Surgery With and Without Coronary Intervention. View Abstract
Comparing apples to apples: Exploring public reporting of congenital cardiac surgery outcomes based on common congenital heart operations. View Abstract
Echocardiographic image collection and evaluation in infants with CHD: lessons learned from the imaging core lab for the Residual Lesion Score study. View Abstract
Impact of Residual Lesion Severity on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Following Congenital Heart Surgery in Infancy and Childhood. View Abstract
Histopathology of resected tissue from repair of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery: Potential mechanism of coronary artery compression. View Abstract
Trends in surgical management of anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery over 2 decades. View Abstract
Core components of a rehabilitation program in pediatric cardiac disease. View Abstract
Risk Factors for Adverse Outcomes in Term Infants with CHD and Definitive Necrotising Enterocolitis. View Abstract
Natural history of aortic root dilatation and pathologic aortic regurgitation in tetralogy of Fallot and its morphological variants. View Abstract
Prognostic utility of a novel risk prediction model of 1-year mortality in patients surviving to discharge after surgery for congenital or acquired heart disease. View Abstract
Pre-Glenn aorto-pulmonary collaterals in single-ventricle patients. View Abstract
Natural History of Truncal Root Dilatation and Truncal Valve Regurgitation in Truncus Arteriosus. View Abstract
Reply from authors: Right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduits for truncus arteriosus repair: Let's shift the focus. View Abstract
Impact of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status on Outcomes Following First-Stage Palliation of Single Ventricle Heart Disease. View Abstract
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA): Which measurements are accurate and reliable? View Abstract
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database: 2022 Update on Outcomes and Research. View Abstract
Development of the Residual Lesion Score for congenital heart surgery: the RAND Delphi methodology. View Abstract
Utility of Mechanical Ventilation Duration as a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Quality Metric: Are We There Yet? View Abstract
Contemporary Socioeconomic and Childhood Opportunity Disparities in Congenital Heart Surgery. View Abstract
Intraoperative Residual Lesion Score Predicts Predischarge Major Residual Lesions and Reinterventions Following Congenital Heart Surgery. View Abstract
Outcomes of Repair of Congenital Aortic Valve Lesions Using Autologous Pericardium vs Porcine Intestinal Submucosa. View Abstract
Implications of Transfusion in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Surgery. View Abstract
US Food and Drug Administration Approval of High-risk Cardiovascular Devices for Use in Children and Adolescents, 1977-2021. View Abstract
Influence of intraoperative residual lesions and timing of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on outcomes following first-stage palliation of single-ventricle heart disease. View Abstract
Patients With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Noncardiac Procedures at Hospitals With and Without a Cardiac Surgical Program. View Abstract
Commentary: Scoops and Goose Necks: Long Term Challenges Following Atrioventricular Septal Defect Repair. View Abstract
A Risk Prediction Model for Reintervention After Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair. View Abstract
Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Requiring Unplanned Repeated Interventions After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease. View Abstract
Clinical implications of acute shunt thrombosis in paediatric patients with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt re-interventions. View Abstract
Cost Containment in the Single Ventricle Population. View Abstract
Cardiovascular intensive care unit variables inform need for feeding tube utilization in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. View Abstract
Timing of reintervention influences survival and resource utilization following first-stage palliation of single ventricle heart disease. View Abstract
Comparison of Intraoperative and Discharge Residual Lesion Severity in Congenital Heart Surgery. View Abstract
Post-operative vomiting and enhanced recovery after congenital cardiac surgery. View Abstract
Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries Requiring Percutaneous Intervention Following the Arterial Switch Operation: A Case Series and Systematic Review. View Abstract
Comparison of Thromboelastography Devices TEG®6S Point of Care Device vs. TEG®5000 in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery. View Abstract
Mortality Prediction After Cardiac Surgery in Children: An STS Congenital Heart Surgery Database Analysis. View Abstract
Reevaluating Congenital Heart Surgery Center Performance Using Operative Mortality. View Abstract
Left Pulmonary Artery Sling: Postoperative Outcomes for Patients at a Single Center. View Abstract
Difficult tracheal intubation and perioperative outcomes in patients with congenital heart disease: A retrospective study. View Abstract
Reply from authors: A new shared vision on survival analysis: Good news from Baltimore. View Abstract
Enhancing Recovery in Congenital Cardiac Surgery. View Abstract
Translation and Validation of the Boston Technical Performance Score in a Developing Country. View Abstract
Digital solution for follow-up in congenital cardiac surgery. View Abstract
Aortic Valve Surgery After Neonatal Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty in Congenital Aortic Stenosis. View Abstract
Impact of Major Residual Lesions on Outcomes After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease. View Abstract
Better preoperative exercise function is associated with shorter hospital stay after paediatric pulmonary valve replacement or conduit revision. View Abstract
Thromboelastography During Rewarming for Management of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Patients. View Abstract
Updating an Empirically Based Tool for Analyzing Congenital Heart Surgery Mortality. View Abstract
Commentary: The perfect arch: A pipe dream that may be achievable! View Abstract
Long-term outcomes of truncus arteriosus repair: A modulated renewal competing risks analysis. View Abstract
Hyperlactataemia as a predictor of adverse outcomes post-cardiac surgery in neonates with congenital heart disease. View Abstract
Management of Complex Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: A Comparison of Konno and Modified Konno Techniques. View Abstract
Risk Factors for Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Surgical Management of Cardiac Fibroma. View Abstract
Surgical Repair of Congenital Atresia of the Left Coronary Ostium. View Abstract
Technical Performance Score: A Predictor of Outcomes After the Norwood Procedure. View Abstract
Seizure Prediction After Neonatal Cardiac Surgery: The Search Continues. View Abstract
Preoperative Factors That Predict Recurrence After Repair of Discrete Subaortic Stenosis. View Abstract
De Novo Damaging Variants, Clinical Phenotypes, and Post-Operative Outcomes in Congenital Heart Disease. View Abstract
Technical Performance Score's Association With Arterial Switch Operation Outcomes. View Abstract
Commentary: Approach With Caution - Aorto Right Ventricular Tunnel. View Abstract
Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement: A Multicenter Study of Outcomes With Use of 15- to 17-mm Prostheses. View Abstract
Registry-based trials: a potential model for cost savings? View Abstract
Atrioventricular Valve Function Predicts Reintervention in Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect. View Abstract
The Pediatric Heart Network Residual Lesion Score Study: Design and objectives. View Abstract
Initial experience introducing an enhanced recovery program in congenital cardiac surgery. View Abstract
Lessons learned in the use of clinical registry data in a multi-centre prospective study: the Pediatric Heart Network Residual Lesion Score Study. View Abstract
Factors Associated With Adverse Outcomes After Repair of Anomalous Coronary From Pulmonary Artery. View Abstract
The left atrioventricular valve: The Achilles' heel of incomplete endocardial cushion defects. View Abstract
Accurate Prediction of Congenital Heart Surgical Length of Stay Incorporating a Procedure-Based Categorical Variable. View Abstract
Neoaortic Root Incorporation of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From Pulmonary Artery in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: An Alternative Technique. View Abstract
Rates of Interventions in Isolated Coarctation Repair in Neonates Versus Infants: Does Age Matter? View Abstract
Physiologic effects of delayed sternal closure following stage 1 palliation. View Abstract
Three-Dimensional Mitral Valve Morphology in Children and Young Adults With Marfan Syndrome. View Abstract
Predictors of Postoperative Rehabilitation Therapy Following Congenital Heart Surgery. View Abstract
Normal Values and Growth-Related Changes of Left Ventricular Volumes, Stress, and Strain in Healthy Children Measured by 3-Dimensional Echocardiography. View Abstract
A red cell preservation strategy reduces postoperative transfusions in pediatric heart surgery patients. View Abstract
Valve-sparing repair with intraoperative balloon dilation in tetralogy of Fallot: Midterm results and therapeutic implications. View Abstract
Mid-term outcomes in unbalanced complete atrioventricular septal defect: role of biventricular conversion from single-ventricle palliation. View Abstract
Pseudoaneurysm complicating right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit surgery: Incidence and risk factors. View Abstract
Technical performance scores are predictors of midterm mortality and reinterventions following congenital mitral valve repair. View Abstract
Technical Performance Score: Predictor of Outcomes in Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect Repair. View Abstract
A Method to Account for Variation in Congenital Heart Surgery Length of Stay. View Abstract
Duration of Mechanical Ventilation and Perioperative Care Quality After Neonatal Cardiac Operations. View Abstract
A rare triple threat: Rat bite fever, endocarditis of ventricular septal defect patch, and multivalve endocarditis with sinus of Valsalva fistula. View Abstract
Association of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support Adequacy and Residual Lesions With Outcomes in Neonates Supported After Cardiac Surgery. View Abstract
Implementation of a Quality Improvement Bundle Improves Echocardiographic Imaging after Congenital Heart Surgery in Children. View Abstract
Completeness and Accuracy of Local Clinical Registry Data for Children Undergoing Heart Surgery. View Abstract
Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Arteries: A Single-Center Experience. View Abstract
Pediatric Index of Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Mortality: A New Severity of Illness Score for Cardiac Surgical Patients in ICUs. View Abstract
Impact of Variability in Echocardiographic Interpretation on Assessment of Adequacy of Repair Following Congenital Heart Surgery: A Pilot Study. View Abstract
Do the benefits outweigh the risks? A review of the history of atrial septal defect repairs and device closures. View Abstract
Electrocardiographic monitoring for detecting atrial fibrillation after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: systematic review and meta-analysis. View Abstract
Modified end-to-end anastomosis for the treatment of congenital tracheal stenosis with a bridging bronchus. View Abstract
Technical performance score as predictor for post-discharge reintervention in valve-sparing tetralogy of Fallot repair. View Abstract
D-transposition of the great arteries: the current era of the arterial switch operation. View Abstract
Outcomes differ in patients who undergo immediate intraoperative revision versus patients with delayed postoperative revision of residual lesions in congenital heart operations. View Abstract
Technical performance score is associated with outcomes after the Norwood procedure. View Abstract
Takedown of cavopulmonary shunt at biventricular repair. View Abstract
Late arterial switch operation for transposition with intact septum. View Abstract
Preliminary experience with porcine intestinal submucosa (CorMatrix) for valve reconstruction in congenital heart disease: histologic evaluation of explanted valves. View Abstract
Successful surgical management of ventricular fibromas in children. View Abstract
Association between Technical Performance Scores and neurodevelopmental outcomes after congenital cardiac surgery. View Abstract
Technical Performance Scores are strongly associated with early mortality, postoperative adverse events, and intensive care unit length of stay-analysis of consecutive discharges for 2 years. View Abstract
Inadequate technical performance scores are associated with late mortality and late reintervention. View Abstract
Biventricular conversion after single-ventricle palliation in unbalanced atrioventricular canal defects. View Abstract
Change in regional (somatic) near-infrared spectroscopy is not a useful indicator of clinically detectable low cardiac output in children after surgery for congenital heart defects. View Abstract
Surgical technical performance scores are predictors of late mortality and unplanned reinterventions in infants after cardiac surgery. View Abstract
Technical performance scores in congenital cardiac operations: a quality assessment initiative. View Abstract
Mortality in hypoplastic left heart syndrome: review of 216 autopsy cases of aortic atresia with attention to coronary artery disease. View Abstract
Intraoperative adverse events can be compensated by technical performance in neonates and infants after cardiac surgery: a prospective study. View Abstract
Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery in hypoplastic left hearts: case series and review of literature. View Abstract
Abiomed biventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation in a 14-year-old with cardiomyopathy resulting from ventricular noncompaction. View Abstract
The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and surfactant for the management of intraoperative acute pulmonary hemorrhage in tetralogy of Fallot. View Abstract
Myocardial hypertrophy overrides the angiogenic response to hypoxia. View Abstract
Enteroviral sepsis and ischemic cardiomyopathy in a neonate: case report and review of literature. View Abstract
Robotic division of an unusual variant of a right aortic arch. View Abstract
Early repair of hemitruncus: excellent early and late outcomes. View Abstract
Aortic atresia or severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with ventricular septal defect: results of primary biventricular repair in neonates. View Abstract
Successful implantation of a Berlin heart biventricular assist device in a failing single ventricle. View Abstract
Hypothermic circulatory arrest enables aortic valve replacement in patients with unclampable aorta. View Abstract
Impaired insulin-signaling in hypertrophied hearts contributes to ischemic injury. View Abstract
Cyclosporin A but not FK-506 protects against dopamine-induced apoptosis in the stunned heart. View Abstract