Prof. Dr. Hao Lai, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China.
Dr. Hao Lai is a distinguished cardiovascular surgeon and researcher, currently serving as Chief Physician at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. With over 20 years of clinical expertise, he specializes in aortic and cardiovascular surgery. His academic achievements include a Ph.D. in Surgery from Fudan University and significant contributions to the study of epigenetic mechanisms in thoracic aortic dissection. As a principal investigator of nationally funded projects and co-author of influential publications, Dr. Lai combines scientific rigor with clinical innovation. He has also played a key role in medical education and device development through industry collaboration.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Hao Lai began his academic journey with a strong foundation in medical sciences, culminating in a Ph.D. in Surgery from the prestigious Fudan University. His early academic pursuits were marked by a deep interest in cardiovascular physiology and surgical intervention, which later matured into a specialized focus on aortic diseases. His time as a doctoral candidate not only equipped him with rigorous scientific training but also ignited his lifelong commitment to solving complex clinical problems through research.
🏥 Professional Endeavors
Currently serving as Chief Physician at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Dr. Hao Lai has accumulated over two decades of extensive clinical experience in cardiovascular and aortic surgery. His professional trajectory reflects a seamless integration of surgical excellence with academic leadership. At Zhongshan Hospital, a leading institution in China, he has spearheaded several clinical programs aimed at enhancing patient outcomes in cases of thoracic aortic dissection and other high-risk cardiovascular conditions.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Lai’s research centers around the epigenetic mechanisms underlying thoracic aortic dissection, with a particular focus on histone modification and DNA methylation. He is the Principal Investigator of a major research project funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, which explores the role of H3K36me3 histone modification and DNMT3B-mediated gene body methylation in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection. His scientific efforts bridge molecular pathology with clinical implications, offering new perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening vascular disorders.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
A respected voice in cardiovascular medicine, Dr. Hao Lai has co-authored numerous influential articles in high-impact journals such as Cardiovascular Research and Advanced Science. His h-index of 18, as listed on Scopus, reflects his consistent scholarly output and the wide academic acknowledgment of his work. In addition, his authorship of the textbook Practical Surgery (3rd Edition), published by People’s Medical Publishing House, stands as a testament to his educational contributions to the next generation of Chinese surgeons.
🧪 Impact and Innovation
Dr. Lai’s research has made a tangible impact on the understanding and treatment of aortic diseases. His investigation into the epigenetic regulation of vascular pathology has opened new avenues for targeted therapies. Moreover, his collaboration with MicroPort Endovascular MedTech demonstrates his commitment to translating research findings into real-world applications, particularly in the development and refinement of endovascular surgical devices.
🌍 Influence and Collaboration
Beyond his direct research and surgical contributions, Dr. Lai’s influence extends into collaborative domains, both nationally and internationally. His leadership in high-level research grants, clinical trials, and industrial partnerships positions him as a central figure in the evolving landscape of cardiovascular surgery. His collaborative spirit fosters innovation and promotes cross-disciplinary dialogue, essential in today’s complex medical research environment.
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
As Dr. Hao Lai continues his distinguished career, his legacy is being shaped not only by his surgical accomplishments but also by his contributions to medical science. His ongoing projects are likely to further clarify the molecular landscape of aortic diseases and inspire new therapeutic strategies. Looking ahead, Dr. Lai is poised to remain at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation, committed to improving patient care through a synthesis of research, education, and clinical practice.
Publication
Title: Prevalence and predictors of left atrial thrombus in patients with rheumatic atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac surgery: a cross-sectional study
Authors: J. Cui, Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, Q. Ji, C. Wang
Year: 2025
Title: A novel open-vascular single-branched stent graft in total arch repair of type A aortic dissection one-year results of a prospective multicenter randomized controlled study
Authors: J. Gu, W. Zhang, L. Kang, H. Lai, C. Wang
Year: 2025
Title: Fibroblast Activation Protein Acts as a Biomarker for Monitoring ECM Remodeling During Aortic Aneurysm via 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET Imaging
Authors: C. Hu, H. Tan, Y. Zhang, X. Chen, L. Wang
Year: 2025
Title: Mitochondrial NAD+ deficiency in vascular smooth muscle impairs collagen III turnover to trigger thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: J. Zhang, Y. Tang, S. Zhang, K. Zhu, W. Zhang
Year: 2025
Title: Correcting mitochondrial loss mitigates NOTCH1-related aortopathy in mice
Authors: Y. Tang, J. Zhang, Y. Fang, Y. Xu, W. Zhang
Year: 2025
Title: Exploration of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MR in Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: C. Hu, Y. Zhang, S. Qiu, H. Shi, L. Wang
Year: 2025
Title: Effects of postoperative glucocorticoids on mitigation of organ dysfunction in patients with type A aortic dissection: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: M. Luo, J. Luo, X. Xu, G. Tu, Z. Luo
Year: 2024
Title: Therapeutic results of three-dimensional aortic valve anatomic repair for regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: J. Li, C. Wang, Z. Zuo, W. Ding, T. Hong
Year: 2024
Title: 68Ga-FAPI-04 Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessing Ascending Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: C. Hu, H. Tan, Y. Zhang, H. Lai, L. Wang
Year: 2024
Title: Sex-based outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Y. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, L. Wang, Q. Ji
Year: 2025
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Hao Lai’s career represents a powerful blend of surgical precision, scientific insight, and academic leadership. His work has advanced the understanding of aortic diseases at the molecular level while improving surgical outcomes for patients. As he continues to mentor, innovate, and lead research at the intersection of epigenetics and cardiovascular pathology, Dr. Lai’s contributions are set to leave a lasting legacy in both clinical practice and medical science.