Robert R. Lazzara, M.D. Co-Director, St. Joseph's Hospital Advanced Center for Atrial Fibrillation Chair, Department of Cardiac Surgery, St. Joseph-s Hospital

Dr. Lazzara received his B.S. and M.S. from Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) and his M.D. from Emory University (Atlanta, GA).  

He completed his general surgery residency at the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) and fellowship training in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh, PA).

Dr. Lazzara is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. Lazzara-s specific clinical interests include: beating heart coronary artery bypass, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, arrhythmia surgery, robotics and telemedicine. In 1998, Dr. Lazzara performed the world's first open-heart surgery shown live over the internet. While Dr. Lazzara performs a full range of surgical procedures to treat various cardiac issues, he is recognized as a pioneer in developing surgical approaches to treat and ultimately cure atrial fibrillation. 

Dr. Lazzara was one of the first surgeons in the world to perform an endoscopic epicardial closed chest-ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation. He performed the first closed-chest endoscopic ablation with a radiofrequency device.

Dr. Lazzara has served as the principal investigator on an FDA-approved study to try to treat patients with atrial fibrillation utilizing a closed-chest, minimally-invasive surgical approach.

Dr. Lazzara has been asked to speak at national and international conferences about advances in surgical approaches to treat atrial fibrillation and cardiac surgery.  Recently, Dr. Lazzara traveled throughout Asia to educate clinicians on advances in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and in building atrial fibrillation programs. In addition to various presentations, Dr. Lazzara has authored numerous publications.

Dr. Lazzara sits on scientific advisory boards and is a paid consultant for multiple industry leaders focused on developing curative therapies for atrial fibrillation.

For a free consultation with an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner to determine if you meet clinical criteria for a minimally-invasive surgical or surgical approach to treat atrial fibrillation, please call St. Joseph-s Hospital Advanced Center for Atrial Fibrillation at 813-877-AFIB (2342).

The Advanced Center For Atrial Fibrillation
How Our Center Can Help You
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
What are the Symptoms of AFIB?
What Causes AFIB?
Why is Atrial Fibrillation Dangerous?
How is Atrial Fibrillation Evaluated?
Advanced Procedures for Treating Atrial Fibrillation at St. Joseph-s Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
What to Ask Your Doctor
Upcoming AFIB Community Seminars