David Kuwayama, MD, MBA, MPhil, has been appointed vascular director of the Yale Aortic Institute and joins the institute’s multidisciplinary leadership team dedicated to advancing the treatment of complex aortic disease.
The appointment reflects both the continued growth of the Yale Aortic Institute and Kuwayama’s contributions since joining the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) Division of Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy in 2023. In his new role, he will work in close partnership with cardiac surgeon Prashanth Vallabhajosyula, MD, director of the Yale Aortic Institute; cardiologist Sandeep Mukherjee, MD, cardiac director; and a multidisciplinary team of cardiac and vascular surgeons, physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and researchers.
“Dr. Kuwayama brings both technical excellence as a vascular surgeon and a deeply collaborative approach to complex aortic disease. This leadership appointment further enhances our integrated model,” says Marc Pelletier, MD, chief of Cardiac Surgery at YSM and Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS).
Since arriving at Yale, Kuwayama has played a key role in expanding the complex aortic disease program and strengthening collaboration across specialties. His work has helped advance minimally invasive and endovascular approaches, including fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections. He has also contributed to the Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) trial evaluating physician-modified thoracoabdominal fenestrated and branched endografts.
“The strength of this program lies in its truly multidisciplinary foundation, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside colleagues across specialties to advance innovation and improve outcomes for our patients,” says Kuwayama.
The Yale Aortic Institute, part of the YNHHS Heart and Vascular Center, is among the world’s largest and most established programs dedicated to the research and multidisciplinary treatment of thoracic aortic disease. Since its founding in 1993, the institute has cared for thousands of patients through a collaborative model that brings together expertise across the continuum of aortic care.
In his new role, Kuwayama will help advance the institute’s mission in clinical care, research, and education, supporting ongoing innovation in treating complex aortic disease throughout Yale.