Michael Joner

Michael Joner serves as DZHK Professor for Early Clinical Trials at the German Heart Centre Munich (now part of TUM Klinikum following the August 1, 2024 merger). His work bridges translational research and clinical application in cardiovascular medicine, focusing on identifying and treating patients at risk for acute cardiovascular events before symptom onset.

Prof. Joner's primary research investigates high-risk markers of atherosclerosis derived from human tissue to develop molecular imaging approaches for detecting and treating vulnerable plaques. His group utilizes human-relevant animal models to evaluate novel imaging catheters and percutaneous interventional procedures, with particular emphasis on structural heart interventions. His long-term vision aims to prevent acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death through early detection and intervention.

Analysis of Prof. Joner's publication record reveals a consistent progression from fundamental investigations of vascular healing mechanisms to clinical applications of advanced imaging technologies. His work spans coronary intervention techniques, stent technologies, and atherosclerosis pathology, with recent focus on bioresorbable scaffolds and optical coherence tomography for plaque characterization.

His notable scientific recognition includes:

• ESC award for Medical Innovation
• Leducq Grant as Principal Investigator for the project "Defining the Roles of Smooth Muscle Cells and Other Extracellular Matrix Producing Cells in Late-Stage Atherosclerotic Plaque Pathogenesis"
• DZHK TRP Projekt "A translational approach to improve vascular healing after coronary intervention"

Prof. Joner leads a translational research program investigating novel imaging and interventional approaches for cardiovascular disease. His work has significant implications for improving coronary and structural heart disease treatments through better understanding of vascular healing processes and high-risk plaque identification.

His laboratory specializes in advanced cardiovascular imaging techniques, particularly optical coherence tomography, to characterize tissue responses to interventions and investigate the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis progression and complications.