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Gaetano has built an extensive academic and industrial research track record in the field of Biomedical Engineering, and acquired a good knowledge of many related disciplines, essential for the computational and experimental modelling of physiological systems and the development of biomedical devices end endovascular prostheses.
Gaetano’s research activity in biomedical engineering started with his PhD, completed from 1997 to 2000 between the University of Palermo and the University of Sheffield, with a thesis that pioneered the application of computer simulations to the design of heart valve systems. From 2000 to 2002 he worked as a Research Associate at the University of Sheffield, collaborating with AorTech International Plc in the development of the first polymeric leaflets heart valve made of co-polymers of silicone macrodiols and polyurethanes, and implemented fluid-structure interaction models for the physiological simulation of the cardiovascular system.
From 2002 to 2005 Gaetano worked as a Research Manager in the R&D Heart Valve Unit in Sorin Group, now LivaNova (one of the largest European cardiovascular device companies). There, he was in charge of the design, development and assessment of cardiovascular devices. He also coordinated a multidisciplinary team and directed all tests for the computational and experimental evaluation of the mechanical properties, fluid-dynamic performance and lifetime estimation of the developed implants, necessary for their implementation and for CE marking and FDA regulatory approval.
In 2006 Gaetano joined the Engineering Faculty at UCL, where he is Professor of Bioengineering. At UCL, he has established collaboration with renowned physicians and cardiovascular scientists, and with major multinational medical technologies companies, contributing to improve the understanding of physiological systems, and developing a number of applications in cardiovascular simulations and medical implants. As part of his teaching at UCL, he has made considerable contribution to the development of the curriculum creating and implementing the new MSc course of Biofluids & Medical Devices.
Since 2017, Gaetano is also Group Leader in Bioengineering at Fondazione Ri.MED, Italy, which is a research institution promoting, supporting and leading biomedical and biotechnological research projects, with emphasis on the translation of innovative results into clinical practice.
