Gila Perk, MD

RESEARCH PROFILE

Main research interests are related to application of emerging echocardiographic techniques into clinical practice. This started with looking at added benefit of multi-plane transesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of intra-cardiac masses and continued with utilization of portable echocardiographic units, as well as application of new imaging techniques (e.g. strain imaging). In the recent years, the emerging role of 3-dimensional echocardiography, in particular as it relates to structural heart disease program was at the center of our research efforts. I joined Mount Sinai hospital as Director of Interventional Echocardiography. In this role we will be able to further investigate the role and utility of all echocardiographic techniques for improved safety and success of complex percutaneous procedures. Mount Sinai is a central site for multiple structural heart research efforts, and the wealth of clinical and echocardiographic data will undoubtedly allow us to enhance the utilization of echocardiography for improved patient care. Gila Perk, MD gila.perk@mountsinai.org October 3, 2017 3

CLINICAL PROFILE 

Echocardiography has become a central tool in cardiovascular diagnosis. It is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of valvular heart disease, cardiac function, chamber quantification and non-invasive hemodynamics. As such, it is utilized by all cardiac subspecialties, as well as all other services when patients require cardiac consultation. Both at my prior role as Director of the Echocardiography Department at Lenox Hill Hospital, and in my current role at Mount Sinai, it is my goal and commitment to provide accurate, clinically relevant, and comprehensive echo interpretations. The echo lab has become a central location where physicians looking for consultations regarding their patients, come to review and discuss cases. Moreover, for the complicated patient population that is taken care of by the structural heart team, it is requirement (and in fact a class I recommendation) that all decisions will be taken by the “Heart Team”. The echocardiographer is an essential part of the heart team; appropriate patient screening and selection, intra-procedural guidance, immediate identification of acute complications and long term follow up are all heavily dependent on echocardiography.