Bo Yang

Dr. Bo Yang is a Frankel Research Professor of Aortic Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School, affiliated with the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. He completed his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Stanford University and joined the University of Michigan in 2011. His clinical expertise focuses on complex aortic and cardiac surgeries, including valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) and treatment of aortic dissections.

Education & Training:

• Xiangya Medical School, Central South University (1995)
• Xiangya Hospital, Cardio-thoracic Surgery Residency (1998)
• University of Arizona Cancer Center, General Surgery Residency (2008)
• Stanford University Medical Center, Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship (2011)

Research Interests: Dr. Yang’s lab investigates mechanisms of thoracic aortic aneurysms using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. He explores novel therapies targeting genetic mutations like those in Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Collaborations with bioengineers focus on tissue-engineered vascular grafts. Clinically, his team studies outcomes of aortic surgery and adult cardiac procedures, including long-term results of the David procedure and surgical management of endocarditis.

Awards & Grants:

• AHA Vivien Thomas Young Investigator Award (Finalist)
• Young Investigator Award (Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation)
• NIH Grant Recipient

Clinical & Research Impact: Dr. Yang combines surgical innovation with basic science to address aortic pathology. His lab’s iPSC models enable personalized approaches to aneurysm prevention, while clinical research evaluates surgical outcomes and device efficacy. He leads a multidisciplinary team advancing both surgical techniques and regenerative medicine.