Bartley P. Griffith

Bartley P. Griffith is the Thomas E. and Alice Marie Hales Distinguished Professor of Transplant Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he serves as Director of Cardiac and Lung Transplant Programs and Vice Chair for Innovation. A pioneer in cardiac xenotransplantation and artificial organ development, he founded Breethe, Inc. (acquired by Abiomed) and leads the NIH-funded Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program with over $23 million in current grants.

His educational foundation includes:

• B.S. in Biology from Bucknell University (1970)
• M.D. from Jefferson Medical College (1974)
• Surgery Internship at University of Pittsburgh (1974-1975)
• Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency at University of Pittsburgh (1975-1981)
• Research Fellowship at University of Pittsburgh (1977-1978)

Dr. Griffith's research revolutionizes end-stage organ failure treatment through three converging domains: genetically engineered pig heart xenotransplantation (achieving >150-day baboon survivals), ambulatory artificial lungs (FDA-approved Breethe system), and mechanical circulatory support miniaturization. His NIH-funded work since 1986 bridges bioengineering, immunology, and clinical surgery to solve organ shortage crises.

Recent publications demonstrate translational momentum from xenotransplantation breakthroughs (2022 NEJM pig-to-human heart transplant) to ambulatory respiratory devices (2012 Annals of Thoracic Surgery wearable pump-lung). The work consistently integrates genetic engineering with surgical innovation, focusing on biocompatibility and real-world clinical implementation for heart/lung failure patients.

His scientific accolades include:

• R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Hero Award (three-time recipient)
• University of Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year (2017)
• Innovation Award in Mechanical Circulatory Support (2020)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
• Board of Regents Faculty Research Award (2008)

As a mentor, Dr. Griffith directed cardiothoracic residencies for 28 years while securing over $50 million in grants. Current projects include NIH R01s for pediatric pump-lung systems ($2.86M) and ambulatory artificial lungs ($2.89M), plus United Therapeutics' $23.9M xenotransplant capital initiative. His lab pioneered the McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development at Pittsburgh and now drives Maryland's xenotransplant program toward FDA clinical trials.

The Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program operates as a multidisciplinary hub with bioengineers, immunologists, and surgeons achieving unprecedented baboon survivals. The team recently completed the world's first deceased-human 48-hour pig-heart test and prepares for clinical implementation, while parallel artificial lung work transitions Breethe technology to home-care applications through Abiomed.