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Prevention Research for Cardiovascular Disease
The Hope Heart Institute - Changing The Course Of Cardiovascular Disease
BIOGRAPHIES
Dr. Mark Dedomenico, a cardiovascular surgeon, played a role in developing the procedure known as Coronary Bypass Surgery along with Dr. Lester Sauvage. Working together as two of the initial founders of The Hope Heart Institute, they also created some of the most significant developments in heart surgery. These included the creation of an artificial heart valve called the Guided Flow Aortic Value used around the world for many years and the Sauvage Bionit Arterial Grafts used to replace damaged or atherosclerotic arteries that are still used today. Dr. Dedomenico’s work has also taken him into the areas of genetics, metabolic disorders, nutrition, exercise physiology, behavior change and medication, anti-aging and stem cells.
In the late 1980’s, Dr. Dedomenico began a new research project devoted to the treatment of early stage metabolic disease to prevent individuals from later needing cardiovascular surgery or medications to control hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. The research led to the creation of the 20/20 LifeStyles program. In 2002, 20/20 LifeStyles was selected as a credentialed provider of Microsoft’s weight-management program. This meant that this research project self-funded itself.
Dr. Dedomenico’s research and work with 20/20 LifeStyles remains ongoing with a staff of 215 professionals. He has formulated successful long term treatment methods of obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, binge eating disorders and arthritis. Additionally, Dr. Dedomenico is currently involved in a major stem cell research project in conjunction with Dr. Wayne McIlwraith of Colorado State University. They are growing tendons and cartlilage from stem cells controlling osteoarthritis and they hope to grow heart muscle in the near future.
In addition to his experience as a practicing surgeon, Dr. Dedomenico spent many years overseeing one of the country’s largest and most respected privately-held companies, Golden Grain Macaroni Company, the producer of many well-loved consumer products, including Rice-a-Roni, Mission and Golden Grain pasta, Ghirardelli chocolates and Vernell’s Fine Candies. He sold that company in 1986. The funds from that company supported much of Dr. Dedomenico's research.