Mert Yilmaz

Prof. Dr. Mert Yilmaz is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon. He performs adult and pediatric cardiac procedures at Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospital. Dr. Yilmaz was among the first in the country to execute endovascular repairs of abdominal aneurysms. He participated in cardiac transplantation and endovascular surgery programs at OLV Aalst Hospital in Belgium.

Specialization and Approach

Dr. Yilmaz treats a wide spectrum of congenital and acquired heart conditions. He performs minimally invasive cardiac surgery using small incisions to speed up recovery. His pediatric practice covers complex cases like Tetralogy of Fallot and septal defects. The doctor uses diagnostics including CT coronary angiography and echocardiography — an ultrasound of the heart — to plan interventions.

Procedures and Conditions Managed

• Atrial and ventricular septal defect surgery
• Pediatric aortic and mitral valve replacement
• Open heart surgery and valvuloplasty — a procedure to repair a stiff or narrowed heart valve
• Tetralogy of Fallot repair
• Coronary angioplasty and cardiac transplantation
• Treatment of atelocardia and vascular injuries

Professional Achievements

Dr. Yilmaz performed the second case of endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair in Turkey. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles. Seven of these publications are first reports in world medical literature. He also serves as a journal reviewer for the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and the Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

Work Experience

• 2014–Present — Head of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul
• 2020–Present — Full Professor, Halic University, Istanbul
• 2012–2014 — Head of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkish Private Hospital, Erbil
• 2010–2012 — Head of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medicalpark Bursa Hospital
• 2009–2010 — Head of Cardiovascular Surgery, Universal Hospital Çamlıca, Istanbul
• 2008–2009 — Associate Director of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medicana International Istanbul
• 2007–2008 — Associate Professor, Uludag University, Bursa
• 2004–2007 — Clinical Fellow and Research Associate, Uludag University, Bursa
• 2001–2004 — Cardiovascular Surgeon, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul
• 2000 — Visiting Clinical Fellow, OLV Hospital Aalst, Belgium
• 1996–2000 — Staff Cardiovascular Surgeon, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul
• 1995–1996 — Chief Resident, Uludag University, Bursa

Education and Training

• 1988 — Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty — Medical Doctor degree
• 1990–1994 — Uludağ University — Residency in Cardiovascular Surgery
• 1994 — Royal South Hants Hospital, UK — Registrar training
• 1995 — Uludağ University — MS in Cardiovascular Surgery
• 2011 — Uludağ University — Certification in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery

Research and Publications

Prof. Yilmaz contributes research to SCI and SCI-E indexed journals. He presents findings at international congresses in the USA, Europe, and Pakistan. He served as an assistant professor at Uludag University between 2004 and 2008.

• "Superior-septal Approach for Mitral Valve Surgery" — Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology
• "Total aortic arch replacement" — Annals of Thoracic Surgery
• "Single-stage repair of adult aortic coarctation" — Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
• "Effect of Low dose Methylprednisolone on serum Cytokine levels" — Perfusion UK

Memberships

• Society of Thoracic Surgeons (USA) — International Member
• European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery
• European Society for Vascular Surgery
• Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery
• CTS net