Bestclinicabroad
Connect with the world's Best Clinic and doctors at Best Clinic Abroad. Your well-being is our priority, with personalized care every step of the way.
Connect with the world's Best Clinic and doctors at Best Clinic Abroad. Your well-being is our priority, with personalized care every step of the way.
Professor Alessandro Castiglioni is a leading cardiac and thoracic surgeon in Italy with over three decades of experience and more than 6,000 cardiac surgeries performed. He heads the Cardiac Surgery Unit of Aortic Pathology at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan and is a contract professor at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. Internationally recognized for his pioneering work in minimally invasive and hybrid surgical techniques, Professor Castiglioni is widely regarded as one of the top cardiac surgeons in Italy. His expertise spans complex aortic procedures, valve repair and replacement, and beating-heart surgery techniques.
Price upon request
Dr. Marianna Volpe is a leading cardiologist in Italy, currently serving as the Head of the Cardiological Rehabilitation Unit at IRCCS Policlinico San Donato in Milan. With over 20 years of experience, she is recognized for her expertise in cardiovascular disease management, clinical cardiology, and cardiac rehabilitation. During her career, she has developed a specialization in both pediatric and adult congenital heart conditions and is highly skilled in non-invasive diagnostics such as echocardiography and stress testing. Dr. Volpe is considered one of the best cardiologists in Italy for her leadership in cardiac rehabilitation and her contributions to clinical research and patient care
Price upon request
Dr. Alberto Albertini is a leading cardiothoracic surgeon in Italy with over 23 years of distinguished experience in cardiac and vascular surgery. Currently the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Hesperia Hospital in Modena and adjunct professor at the Universities of Ferrara and Brescia, Dr. Albertini is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in mitral valve repair and aortic valve reconstruction. He is one of the top cardiac surgeons in Italy and among the few experts worldwide qualified to teach both the NeoChord technique for mitral valve repair and the Ozaki procedure for aortic valve reconstruction. Known for his innovation in minimally invasive heart surgery, Dr. Albertini has performed over 8,000 cardiac procedures, including 3,000+ minimally invasive operations.
Price upon request
Dr. Giuseppe De Blasio is a top cardiologist in Italy with over 30 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complex cardiovascular diseases. He currently serves as Head of the Cardiology Service at Istituto Clinico San Siro and Villa Aprica, and works at the IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant’Ambrogio. In addition to his clinical work, he is a Contract Professor at the School of Specialization in Cardiac Surgery at Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele. Dr. De Blasio is a leading expert in ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension, offering both clinical care and academic leadership in the field of cardiology.
Price upon request
Dr. Mario Carminati is a renowned interventional cardiologist and a leading expert in congenital heart disease in Italy. He currently serves as the Head of the Pediatric Cardiology Unit at IRCCS Policlinico San Donato in Milan, where he also directs the Center for Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Diseases. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Carminati is recognized as one of the top cardiologists in Italy for the non-surgical treatment of congenital heart defects in both children and adults. His pioneering work in transcatheter interventions has earned him global recognition in interventional pediatric cardiology.
Price upon request
Prof. Francesco Rodolfo Luigi Alamanni is a top cardiac surgeon in Italy and Director of the Second Chair of Cardiac Surgery at IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant’Ambrogio and Palazzo della Salute in Milan. With over four decades of experience in cardiovascular medicine, he is one of the most respected heart surgery specialists in Italy. Prof. Alamanni has held multiple leadership roles in clinical and academic cardiac surgery, including Head of Cardiac Surgery at Centro Cardiologico Monzino for over two decades and Full Professor at the University of Milan. He is widely known for his pioneering work in valve reconstruction, coronary interventions, and complex adult congenital surgeries.
Price upon request
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, heart and vascular conditions account for nearly 20 million deaths each year worldwide. This ongoing burden has increased the demand for high-quality cardiology and cardiovascular surgery services across many countries, including Italy.
Italy has a well-established healthcare system that combines public and private medical services. Cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons in Italy are trained through structured academic pathways, including medical school, residency, and subspecialty fellowships. Many professionals practice in tertiary referral hospitals and university-affiliated centers in cities such as Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Turin. Clinical practice typically follows international guidelines from organizations such as the European Society of Cardiology and other recognized cardiovascular authorities.
Modern cardiac care in Italy includes non-invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure management, and complex cardiovascular surgery. Hospitals often use advanced imaging technologies, catheter-based procedures, hybrid operating rooms, and structured postoperative monitoring systems. Multidisciplinary heart teams frequently collaborate to evaluate patients with complex conditions.
For international patients, Italy offers structured care pathways and transparent clinical documentation. Treatment approaches are personalized and based on a detailed diagnostic assessment. Emotional and psychological support services may also be available, especially in larger academic centers.
Overall, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery services in Italy reflect internationally aligned medical standards, supported by a regulated healthcare infrastructure and experienced specialists.
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, MD
Specialization: Cardiac Surgery
Years of Experience: 35+ years
Dr. Ottavio Alfieri is a cardiovascular surgeon associated with IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. His clinical work has focused on mitral valve repair and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. He has been involved in academic research and surgical innovation within structural heart disease management. His practice emphasizes individualized surgical planning and adherence to evidence-based cardiovascular protocols.
Dr. Francesco Maisano, MD
Specialization: Cardiac Surgery and Structural Heart Interventions
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Dr. Francesco Maisano practices at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. His clinical interests include transcatheter valve therapies and hybrid cardiac procedures. He works within multidisciplinary heart teams to assess complex valve conditions. His approach integrates surgical and catheter-based strategies when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Roberto Lorusso, MD
Specialization: Cardiothoracic Surgery
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Dr. Roberto Lorusso is affiliated with ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo. His work includes advanced heart failure surgery and mechanical circulatory support systems. He has contributed to European research in extracorporeal life support. His practice is guided by international cardiothoracic surgery standards.
Dr. Gianluigi Condorelli, MD
Specialization: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research
Years of Experience: 20+ years
Dr. Gianluigi Condorelli is associated with Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan. His focus includes molecular cardiology and heart failure management. He combines clinical cardiology practice with academic research. Patient care is centered on guideline-directed medical therapy and risk assessment.
Dr. Ciro Indolfi, MD
Specialization: Interventional Cardiology
Years of Experience: 30+ years
Dr. Ciro Indolfi practices at Magna Graecia University Hospital in Catanzaro. His clinical work includes coronary angioplasty and acute coronary syndrome management. He has been involved in national cardiology societies and academic leadership. His care model emphasizes timely intervention and structured follow-up.
Dr. Giuseppe Speziale, MD
Specialization: Cardiovascular Surgery
Years of Experience: 30+ years
Dr. Giuseppe Speziale is affiliated with Anthea Hospital in Bari. His surgical focus includes coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery. He has participated in multicenter cardiac surgery initiatives. His approach prioritizes patient safety and perioperative monitoring.
Dr. Antonio Colombo, MD
Specialization: Interventional Cardiology
Years of Experience: 35+ years
Dr. Antonio Colombo is associated with Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan. He has extensive experience in coronary stenting and complex percutaneous coronary interventions. His clinical decisions follow European interventional cardiology guidelines. He contributes to ongoing clinical research in coronary artery disease.
Dr. Claudio Muneretto, MD
Specialization: Cardiac Surgery
Years of Experience: 30+ years
Dr. Claudio Muneretto practices at Spedali Civili Hospital in Brescia. His expertise includes coronary surgery and valve repair procedures. He has participated in academic teaching and surgical training. His care pathway includes structured preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up.
| Consultation Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Initial consultation with a cardiologist and Cardiovascular Surgeons | $350–$450 |
Note: Costs are approximate and provided for general guidance only. Prices vary by healthcare provider, hospital type, city, and consultation format (in-person or remote). Diagnostic tests, imaging, or additional evaluations are not included. Final fees are determined by the provider after an individual clinical assessment and may be affected by currency fluctuations.
Choosing a heart specialist abroad can feel complex. You may be balancing medical needs, travel logistics, and financial considerations. Taking time to understand how care is structured in another country can help you make a thoughtful decision.
➤ Availability of English-speaking medical staff and professional medical translators in many facilities
➤ Specialized clinics that manage a high volume of international patients
➤ Government regulations and oversight mechanisms supporting medical tourism safety and international patient protection
➤ Structured hospital documentation, patient-safety protocols, and informed consent practices
International patients should also consider practical factors. Visa or entry requirements vary depending on nationality. For surgical procedures, physicians may recommend remaining in Italy for approximately 7–14 days or longer for monitoring before travel home. Outside major cities, English language availability may be more limited. Planning follow-up care with a cardiologist in your home country is important to ensure continuity of treatment and medication management.
Patients considering Cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons care in Italy can share their medical reports with Best Clinic Abroad to receive coordinated support, guidance on consultation options, and a clear starting point for treatment planning.
Do I need a medical visa to receive cardiac treatment in Italy?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Many non-European Union patients require a medical visa for planned treatment. You may need documentation from the hospital confirming your scheduled consultation or procedure. It is advisable to check with the Italian consulate in your country before making travel arrangements.
Will cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons in Italy speak English?
In major hospitals and academic centers, many cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons speak English, especially those involved in research or international practice. Larger facilities often provide professional medical interpreters to assist during consultations and hospital stays. However, language availability may vary outside large metropolitan areas.
Can I arrange an online consultation before traveling to Italy?
Yes, you can arrange an online consultation through Best Clinic Abroad. This allows you to share your medical reports and discuss your condition with a specialist before planning travel. Online consultations are useful for understanding potential treatment pathways, clarifying required diagnostic tests, and preparing questions in advance.
How long should I plan to stay in Italy after heart surgery?
The length of stay depends on the type of procedure and your recovery progress. For major cardiovascular surgery, patients are often advised to remain in the country for at least one to two weeks after hospital discharge for follow-up evaluations. Your treating surgeon will determine the appropriate timeline based on your clinical condition.
Is cardiac treatment in Italy regulated and safe for international patients?
Italy’s healthcare system operates under national regulations and European Union standards. Hospitals are subject to oversight mechanisms and patient-safety protocols. While no medical procedure is without risk, structured clinical governance systems are in place to monitor the quality of care and patient outcomes. You should discuss specific risks and benefits with your treating specialist.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed medical specialist based on individual clinical evaluation.
