Renowned cardiologist wins TCT 2011 Geoffrey O. Hartzler Master Clinical Operator Award

Prize honors physicians for technical excellence and innovation in interventional cardiovascular medicine

Horst Sievert, MD, PhD, a renowned interventional cardiologist, was presented the TCT 2011 Geoffrey O. Hartzler Master Clinical Operator Award in a ceremony held today during the 23rd annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF). The award is given each year to a physician who has advanced the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine through technical excellence and innovation.

Dr. Sievert is known for his expertise in highly specialized non-coronary interventions for patients with congenital heart disease, carotid disease, or a high risk of stroke. Dr. Sievert was the first to close the left atrial appendage percutaneously and has the greatest experience worldwide in catheter closure of heart defects in adults. Over the course of his career, Dr. Sievert has personally performed more than 25,000 percutaneous coronary interventions and 12,000 peripheral angioplasties as well as more than 5,000 structural and valvular interventions.

In addition to serving as the principal investigator of a number of clinical trials, Dr. Sievert has authored more than 200 manuscripts and 600 abstracts in peer reviewed journals, as well as 100 books and book contributions. He has also delivered more than 1,000 invited lectures around the world.

TCT Directors, Martin B. Leon, MD and Gregg W. Stone, MD jointly presented the award, which recognizes technical skill and expertise. Dr. Leon is the Founder of CRF and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Director of the Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Stone is Professor of Medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Director of Cardiovascular Research and Education at the Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Both serve as Co-Directors of the Medical Research and Education Division at CRF.

"We are proud to honor Dr. Sievert with the TCT 2011 Geoffrey O. Hartzler Master Clinical Operator Award," said Dr. Stone. "His unparalleled technical expertise in highly specialized non-coronary interventions and catheter closures for heart defects in adults has helped to expand the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine and provided physicians with new, more effective ways to treat patients."

"Dr. Sievert continues to develop innovative techniques and devices for patients with cardiovascular disease, in addition to serving as mentor and teacher to the next generation of interventional cardiologists," Dr. Leon added.