Mr Kristo Papa

Dr Kristo Papa is a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon based in London and an associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Luarasi University in Albania. He is currently associated with Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, where his clinical practice focuses on complex adult cardiothoracic and cardiac surgery.

With more than 15 years of surgical experience, Dr Papa has developed specialist expertise in complex cardiac surgery, minimally invasive cardiac procedures, heart-valve repair and replacement, aortic surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and heart and lung transplantation. His areas of interest also include transcatheter valve interventions, including TAVI, and advanced surgical approaches to complex cardiovascular disease.

Dr Papa completed his medical degree at the University of L’Aquila, Italy, followed by specialist training in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Verona. He subsequently undertook postgraduate studies in cardiology at Sapienza University of Rome and further academic and professional training in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. His postgraduate education includes studies at the University of Geneva, the University of Oxford and Harvard Medical School, where he completed postgraduate study in surgical leadership.

His international surgical training has included fellowships at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, and the Children’s Hospital in Geneva, providing experience across adult, paediatric and congenital cardiothoracic surgery.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Papa is actively involved in medical education, academic research and international scientific collaboration. In 2025, he joined Luarasi University as Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, contributing to teaching, research and the development of contemporary cardiothoracic and transplant surgery.

His research interests include minimally invasive cardiac surgery, prosthetic and transcatheter heart valves, complex and redo cardiac surgery, aortic disease and transplantation. He has contributed to peer-reviewed research, including studies examining rapid-deployment prosthetic valves in combination with minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Dr Papa is also engaged in professional and humanitarian activities and has participated in medical education and public academic initiatives, including lectures on modern cardiac surgery for medical students in Albania.

His professional career reflects an international approach to cardiothoracic surgery, combining specialist clinical practice in London, academic teaching and research, advanced surgical training, and a continuing commitment to medical education and collaboration with Albania and the wider international medical community.