Phone: (602) 307-0070

Fax: (602) 307-0080

Patient Portal Login
Patient Quick Pay

Nathan Laufer, MD

Dr. Laufer

Nathan Laufer, MD, CM, FACC, FCCP, FACP, FRCP(C)

Expertise

Consultative Cardiology, Coronary & Peripheral Catheterization, Interventional Cardiology with expertise in Coronary, Peripheral and Carotid Intervention & Pacemaker Implantation

Dr. Laufer is the founder & medical director of the Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona.  He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology and has been in practice since 1984. He received his undergraduate degree and M.D. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Toronto and a cardiology fellowship at the University of Michigan, whose faculty he then joined. Today, Dr. Laufer is a member of the teaching faculty at Banner Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, past president of the Maricopa County Medical Society, president and founder of the Cardiovascular Society of Arizona, and a past president of the Arizona affiliate of the American Heart Association. He is the immediate past president of the Arizona Medical Association. He is also past director of the Coronary Care Unit and past director of Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Good Samaritan. He regularly holds workshops for cardiologists throughout the country and is an industry advisor on interventional products.  He is currently the medical director of the Cardiac Cath Lab of Phoenix. He also holds many awards for excellence in his field. Dr. Laufer was born in Montreal, Canada. For more on Dr. Laufer, visit Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doctors.

Most Honored Top Doc

Cardiologist Nathan Laufer, with 27 Top Doc listings spanning 21 issues. Laufer double-qualified in “Cardiology” and “Cardiovascular Disease” on multiple occasions.

Research

Dr. Laufer has been an integral part of cardiovascular research and development since 1984. His most recent endeavors as principal investigator include such highly recognized studies as:

Hospital Based

  •  Clinical Investigation of rate responsive pacemakers (Activitrax, Nova II MR) 1985
  •  Tissue Plasminogen Activator use in cardiogenic shock, 1987
  •  Balloon Valvuloplasty in aortic stenosis of the elderly, 1987
  •  Coronary sinus retroperfusion in unstable angina, 1989-1990
  •  Principal Investigator, Spectranetics coronary excimer laser system, 1989-1991
  •  Good Samaritan Coordinator, International Study on Infarct Survival (ISIS III), 1989-1990
  •  Investigator, Directional Atherectomy in atherosclerotic coronary disease, 1990-1991
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Coordinator, GUSTO thrombolytic trial, 1991-1993
  •  Coronary Angioscopy in Coronary Artery Disease (Baxter) 1993
  •  Principal Investigator, GUSTO IIb heparin vs hirudin trial 1994-1995
  •  Co-investigator, GUSTO III TPA vs rPA trial, 1996
  •  Principal Investigator, Pursuit Trial (Integrelin Antiplatelet Antibody, Cor/Key) 1996
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator Nirvana Trial (NIR Stent, Scimed) 1996-1997
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator Best Trial (BeStent vs PS JNJ Stent, Medtronic) 1997-98
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator Edge Trial (local delivery Reopro vs UK, Scimed) 1997
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator Recreate Trial (Multilink 2.5 mm Stent, Guidant) 1997-1998
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator Nir-On Trial (Over the wire Nir Stent, Scimed) 1997-1998
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator, Speed Trial (Gusto IV, Reopro vs Reopro + TPA for AMI) 1998
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator, Symphony Trial (oral IIBIIIA antiplatelet vs ASA), 1998
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator, Sport Trial (roto/stent vs PTCA/stent, Scimed), 1998-1999
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator, Mini Crown Stent Registry, J & J, 1998-1999
  •  Co-investigator, Optime Trial (milrinone for CHF), 1998-1999
  •  Co-investigator, Assent Trial (TNK vs rTPA for AMI), 1998-1999
  •  Columbia Co-investigator, Novoste B cath radiation catheter 1998-1999
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator, Limit AMI Trial, (CD-18 Genetech antineutrophil antibody for  prevention of reperfusion injury), 1999
  •  Principal Investigator, Cure Trial (clopidogrel vs placebo/ASA in unstable angina) 1998
  •  Principal Investigator, Predict Trial, (AVE Primary Stenting vs. Predilation), 1999
  •  Principal Investigator, Velocity Trial (Bx Velocity for abrupt or threatened closure, J&J), 1999
  •  Principal Investigator, Soar Trial (AVE renal stent vs. Palmaz stent), 1999-2001
  •  Good Samaritan Hospital Principal Investigator, Inhibit Trial (Guidant Neocardia B radiation), 1999-2000
  •  Principal Investigator, Boston Scientific IBIS Coronary Radiation Trial, 1999:  Cancelled by sponsor.
  •  Principal Investigator, Neurex CABG renal protection trial, 1999:  Cancelled by  sponsor
  •  Principal Investigator, Restore Trial (Intratherapeutics renal stent Registry), 2000
  •  Principal Investigator, Safer Trial (Percusurge vein graft protection vs. placebo) 1999-2000
  •  Principal Investigator, Carotid Stent Trial, Good Samaritan Hospital, 2000
  •  Principal Investigator, SVG High Scaffolding Registry (Colossus Trial) AVE, 2000
  •  Principal Investigator, AVE S7 Stent, 2000
  •  Principal Investigator, Angioseal Slipknot Puncture Closure Device, 6F & 8F, 2000
  •  Principal Investigator, Cordis Carotid Stent with Angioguard Distal Protection, 2000
  •  Principal Investigator, Biocompatibles Stent for Abrupt or threatened closure, 2001
  •  Principal Investigator, Accumetrics Ultegra System testing RPFA-ADP in citrate and PPACK, 2001
  •  Principal Investigator, Cordis Sirius stent trial (rapamycin vs. placebo), 2001
  •  Principal Investigator, Limit Trial, (Guidant B Radiation  Galileo vs. placebo), 2001
  •  Principal Investigator, Percusurge Vein Graft Distal Protection Registry, 2001
  •  Principal Investigator,  Captive Trial (Mednova vein graft distal protection device), 2002
  •  Principal Investigator, Triactive System Pride Trial (Kensey-Nash in vein grafts), 2002
  •  Principal Investigator, Suppress Trial (Guidant Radiation for small vessels), 2001
  •  Co-Principal Investigator, Taxus IV Trial (Boston Scientific Paclitaxol coated stent) 2002
  •  Principal Investigator, Deliver Trial (Guidant/Cook Taxol coated stent), 2002
  •  Co-Investigator, X-Sizer Randomized Trial, 2002
  •  Co-Investigator, ISIS-SE AVE Iliac Stent Registry, 2002
  •  Co-Investigator, Novoste Mobile Trial (Peripheral Restenosis), 2002
  •  Principal Investigator, Security Trial (Mednova Neuroshield carotid distal protection device registry), 2002-2003
  •  Principal Investigator, Chiron FGF angiogenesis for peripheral vascular disease, 2002-trial cancelled
  • Investigator, CSP-127-006: Phase 3 Clinical Trial to Assess Perfusion and Obstruction Identified by Non-invasive Technology Using PB 127 Ultrasound Contrast Agent in Patients with Suspected Obstructed Coronary Artery Disease
  • Principal Investigator, Spider Trial (SVG Protection In a Distal Embolic Protection Randomized Trial). EV3 2004-2005
  • Co-Investigator, Combat Trial (Complete Bifurcation Atherectomy Trial) Fox Hollow, 2004
  • Principal Investigator, Freedom Trial (randomized trial of multivessel DES stenting to CABG in DM), 2005
  • Principal Investigator, Atheretech Trial of LA Occluder in Atrial Fibrillation, 2005
  • Co-Investigator, Medtronic Endeavor IV Trial (Endeavor DES vs. Taxus DES), 2005
  • Principal Investigator, EXACT Study: Emboshield and Xact Post Approval Carotid Stent Trial using the Emboshield BareWire Rapid Exchange Embolic Protection System and Xact Rapid Exchange Carotid Stent System (Protocol No. 640-0063-01). 2006-20077
  • Principal Investigator, Sapphire Registry:  Cordis Carotid Stenting with Angioguard Distal Protecdtion, 2007
  • Co-Investigator, Choice Trial (Abbott Carotid Stent Registry), 2007
  • Principal Investigator, CABANA Trial:  Filterwire Boston Scientific Carotid Stent Registry, 2008
  • Principal Investigator, Protect II Trial Abiomed Impella LV assist for high risk PCI and Shock, 2008-2009
  • Principal Investigator, Gravitas Accumetrics Trial measuring clopidigrel platelet inhibition following PCI, 2008-2009

Office Based

  •  Filodepine Hypertension Trial 1992
  •  Principal Investigator, Valsartan/Diovan CHF Trial, 1998-1999
  •  Principal Investigator, Valiant Trial (Valsartan vs. Capoten post MI), 1998
  •  Principal Investigator, 2nd Symphony Trial (sibrafiban vs. ASA), 1998
  •  Principal Investigator, Camelot Trial (Secondary Prevention Ca Blocker) 1998
  •  Principal Investigator, BMS HTN 030 (omapatrilat vs. amlodipine in HTN) 1998
  •  Principal Investigator, BMS HTN 045 (omapatrilat titration) 1998
  •  Principal Investigator, Trophy Trial (Candesartan vs. placebo for prehypertension) 1998
  •  Principal Investigator, Prove-It Trial (Lipitor vs. Pravachol in Acute Coronary Syndromes), 2001
  •  Principal Investigator, Roche CETP Inhibitor R04607381, phase III Trial in ACS patients, 2008
  •  Prinicpal Investigator, St. Judes ICD Trial, 2009-
  •  Prinicpal Investigator, Medtronic Shock-less ICD Trial, 2009-2010
  •  Sub-Investigator, ARISTOTLE Trial using APIXABAN in preventing stroke and systemic embolism in subjects with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, 2008-ongoing, sponsor BMS-Pfizer.
  •  Principal Investigator, DAPT Trial to assess the effectiveness and safety of 12 versus 30 months of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing OCI with DES or BMS, Harvard Clinical Research Institute, 2009-
  •  Principal Investigator, Takeda EXAMINE Trial (SYR-322_402).  Cardiovascular Outcomes in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes And Acute Coronary Syndrome, 2010-
  •  Principal Investigator, Novartis Protocol No. LCZ696B2314, entitled “A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group active-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and saftey of LCZ696 compared to enalapril on morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction”, 2010-
  •  Prinicpal Investigator, The ASPECT Trial:  A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial of Apadenoson for the Detection of Myocardial Perfusion Defects Using Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Myocardial Perfusion Imaging, protocol no. PGX-III-AP-001

Publications

Dr. Laufer has published numerous abstracts, manuscripts, and articles in highly prestigious magazines and journals on his findings in scientific research and the technological advancements in treating coronary artery disease. His most recent publications are:

  1. Hodgson JM, O’Neill WW, Bourdillon PD, Walton JA, Colfer HT, Weiss RJ, Graham JD, Laufer N, Pitt B:  Detection of Reversible Asynergy During Acute Myocardial Infarction. (Abstract) Circulation 68 (Supp III): 393, 1983.
  2. O’Neill WW, Laufer N, Bourdillon PDV, Colfer HT, Walton JA, Pitt B:  Prediction of Reversible Asynergy Prior to Coronary Thrombolysis in Man.  (Abstract) J Am Coll Card 2 (Number 2, Part 2): 601, 1984.
  3. Wilber D, Walton J, O’Neill W, Laufer N, Pitt B:  The Effects of Reperfusion on Complete Heart Block Complicating Anterior Myocardial Infarction.  J Am Coll Card 4: 1315, 1984.
  4. Hodgson JM, O’Neill WW, Laufer N, Bourdillon PDV, Walton JA, Pitt B:  Assessment of Potentially Salvageable Myocardium During Acute Myocardial Infarction:  Use of Post-Extra Systolic Potentiation.  Am J Card 54: 1237-1244, 1984.
  5. Laufer N, O’Neill WW, Hodgson JM, Bourdillon PDV, Walton JA, Pitt B:  Use of Post-Extra Systolic Potentiation as a Predictor of Potentially Salvageable Myocardium During Thrombolytic Therapy.  Presented at regional American College of Physicians meeting, Boyne, Michigan, 1984.
  6. Diltz EA, O’Neill W, Walton JA, Bourdillon P, Laufer N, Nicklas JM:  Regional Myocardial Perfusion During Medical Revascularization in Acute Myocardial Infarction.  Presented at regional American College of Physicians meeting, Boyne, Michigan, 1984.
  7. O’Neill W, Terris S, Laufer N, Bourdillon P, Walton J:  Emergency Non-Surgical Coronary Revascularization by Coronary Angioplasty During Evolving Transmural Myocardial Infarction.  Presented at American College of Physicians meeting, Boyne, Michigan, 1984
  8. Wilber DJ, O’Neill WW, Bourdillon PDV, Laufer N, Walton JA, Pitt B: Protective Effect of Collaterals Visualized Early After Myocardial Infarction.  (Abstract) J Am Coll Card 5 (Number 2, Part 2): 385, 1985.
  9. Diltz A, O’Neill WW, Walton JA, Bourdillon PD, Laufer N, Nicklas JM:  Regional Myocardial Perfusion During Medical Revascularization in Acute Myocardial Infarction.  (Abstract) J Am Coll Card 5 (Number 2, Part 2):  397, 1985.
  10. O’Neill WW, Lai PY, Gangadharan V, Bourdillon PD, Ramos RG, Laufer N, Walton JA, Linert DP, Timmis GC, Pitt B:  Preliminary Report of a Randomized, Prospective Clinical Trial of Intracoronary Streptokinase Versus Coronary Angioplasty Therapy of Acute Myocardial Infarction.  (Abstract) J Am Coll Card 5 (Number 2, Part 2): 494, 1985.
  11. Laufer N, O’Neill WW, Bourdillon PD, Walton JA, Pitt B:  Comparison of Coronary Angioplasty and Intracoronary Streptokinase in Acute Myocardial Infarction.  Presented at Inter-American Congress of Cardiology, Vancouver, Canada, June 1985.
  12. Laufer N, Buda AJ:  Quantitative Coronary Arteriography.  In: Digital Cardiac Imaging; Delp E and Buda AJ, eds. p. 119-139.  Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, The Hague, 1985.
  13. Laufer N, Crevey B:  Atrial Fibrillation in the Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome:  Effects of Verapamil and Procainamide.  Arizona Medicine, XLII: 150, March 1985.
  14. O’Neill W, Erbel R, Laufer N, Walton J, Bates E, Topol E, Bourdillon PD, Meyer J, Pitt B:  Coronary Angioplasty Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction.  (Abstract) Circulation 72, Part II: III-309, 1985.
  15. O’Neill W, Timmis G, Lai P, Bourdillon P, Ganghadarhan V, Walton J, Ramos R, Laufer N, Gordon S, Schork MA, Pitt B:  A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial of Intracoronary Streptokinase Versus Coronary Angioplasty Therapy of Acute Myocardial Infarction.  N Engl J Med 314:  812, 1986.
  16. Fung AY, Lai P, Juni JE, Bourdillon PDV, Walton JA, Laufer N, Buda AJ, Pitt B, O’Neill WW:  Prevention of Subsequent Exercise-Induced Periinfarct Ischemia by Emergency Coronary Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction:  Comparison With Intracoronary Streptokinase.  J Am Coll Card 8: 496-503, 1986.
  17. Lee L, Walton JA, Bates E, Bourdillon PD, Laufer N, O’Neill WW:  Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction:  Changing Therapies and Prognosis.  (Abstract) Circulation 74, Part 2:  II-276, 1986.
  18. Krell MJ, Kline EM, Bates ER, Hodgson JM, Dilworth LR, Laufer N, Vogel R, Pitt B:  Intermittent Ambulatory Dobutamine Infusions in Patients with Severe Congestive Heart Failure.  Am Heart J 112: 787, 1986.
  19. Lee L, Erbel R, Brown T, Laufer N, Suhy P, O’Neill WW:  Multicenter Registry of Angioplasty Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock, Initial and Long Term Survival.  (Abstract) Circulation 76, Part 2: IV-261, 1987.
  20. Laufer N:  Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction.  Presented at American College of Physicians meeting, Tucson, Arizona, 1987.
  21. Peek BW, Cooper AL, Stucky ED, Kassel DM, Miller TD, Laufer N, Desser KB:  Efficacy of Protamine Sulfate in Preventing Bleeding Complications After Cardiac Catheterization.  (Abstract) Clinical Research 36:  112A, 1988.
  22. Lee L, Bates ER, Pitt B, Walton JA, Laufer N, O’Neill WW:  Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty Improves Survival in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock.  Circulation 78: 1345, 1988.
  23. Loukinen KL, O’Neill W, Laufer N, Lew AS, Timmis GC:  Myocardial Rupture Complicating Tissue Plasminogen Activator Therapy of Acute Myocardial Infarction.  (Abstract) J Am Coll Card 13: (2) 94A, 1989.
  24. Lee L, Erbel R, Brown TM, Laufer N, Meyer J, O’Neill WW:  Multicenter Registry of Angioplasty Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock:  Initial and Long-Term Survival.  J Am Coll Card 17: 599, 1991.
  25. Binette M, Laufer N:  Failure of APSAC Thrombolysis in a patient with acute myocardial infarction and antistreptococcal antibodies.  Presented at American College of Physicians meeting, Tucson, Arizona, 1991.
  26. Raschke R, Guidry J, Laufer N:  Nitroglycerine Induced Heparin Resistance.  (Letter), Am Heart J. 121: 1849, 1991.
  27. ISIS-3 (Third International Study of Infarct Survival) Collaborative Group:  ISIS-3: A Randomized Comparison of Streptokinase vs Tissue Plasminogen Activator vs Anistreplase and of Aspirin plus Heparin vs Aspirin Alone Among 41,299 Cases of Suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction.  Lancet 339:  753, 1992.
  28. Percutaneous Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty Registry:  Clinical Success, Complications and Restenosis Rates with Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty.  Am J Cardiol 70: 1533-1539, 1992.
  29. Proli J, Laufer N:  Left Ventricular Rupture following Myocardial Infarction Treated with Streptokinase:  Successful Resuscitation in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory using Pericardiocentesis and Autotransfusion.  Catheter & Cardiovasc Diag 29: 257-260, 1993.
  30. Percutaneous Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty Registry:  Coronary Artery Perforation During Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty.  J Am Coll Cardiol 21:1158, 1993.
  31. The GUSTO Investigators:  An International Randomized Trial Comparing Four Thrombolytic Strategies for Acute Myocardial Infarction.  N Engl J Med 329:673, 1993.
  32. The changing profile of patient selection, procedural techniques, and outcomes in excimer laser coronary angioplasty. Participating Investigators of the Percutaneous Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty Registry:   J Interv Cardiol. 1995 Dec;8(6):653-60.
  33. The GUSTO Investigators:  Comparisons of Characteristics and Outcomes Among Women and Men with Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy.  JAMA 1996; 275:777-782
  34. The Pursuit Trial Investigators:  Inhibition of Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa with Eptifibatide in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes.  N Engl J Med 1998; 339: 436-43
  35. Recreate Investigators:  Evaluation of the ACS Multi-Link Stent in the Treatment of Abrupt or Threatened Abrupt Closure – Acute and 30 Day Results.  Presented at Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Scientific Sessions, Washington DC, Oct 1998.
  36. Sandoval A, Laufer N:  Graft Thrombolysis Complicated by Acute Stroke:  Salvage with Local Intracerebral TPA Infusion.  Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diag. 44:412-414, 1998
  37. Sandoval A, Laufer N:  Iatrogenic Brain Attack: Treatment and /or Prevention?  Reply to the letter to the editor.  Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diag. 46: 121, 1999.
  38. Speed Group, Gusto-4 Pilot Group, Trial of Abciximab with and without Low-dose Reteplase for Acute Myocardial Infarction.  Circulation 2000; 101: 2788-2794
  39. Marc A. Pfeffer, MD, PhD, John McMurray, MD, Alain Leizorovicz, MD, Aldo P. Maggioni, MD, Jean-Lucien Rouleau, MD, Frans Van de Werf, MD, PhD, Marc Henis, MD, Eric Neuhart, MD, Paul Gallo, PhD, Susan Edwards, MS, Mary Ann Sellers, RN, Eric Velazquez, MD, and Robert Califf, MD, for the VALIANT Investigators:  Valsartan in Acute Myocardial Infarction Trial (VALIANT): rationale and design.  American Heart Journal 2000; 140: 727-34.
  40. Limit AMI Investigators:  A Double-Blind Randomized Trial of anti-CD 18 Antibody in Conjunction with rtPA for Acute Myocardial Infarction:  the LIMIT AMI Study.  Submitted to Circulation, 2001
  41. Nirvana Investigators (NIR Vascular Advanced North American Trial):  Final results of a randomized trial comparing the NIR stent to the Palmaz-Schatz stent for narrowings in native coronary arteries.  Am J Cardiol. 2001 Jan 15;87(2):152-6.
  42. Hernandez J, Pershad A, Laufer N:  Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm:  Successful Exclusion with a Covered Self-Expanding Stent.  J Invasive Card 14: 278-279, 2002
  43. Saphenous vein graft Angioplasty Free of Emboli Randomized (SAFER) Trial Investigators:   Randomized Trial of a Distal Embolic Protection Device During Percutaneous Intervention of Saphenous Vein Aorto-Coronary Bypass Grafts.  Circulation, Mar 2002; 105: 1285 – 1290.
  44. Naqi K, Pershad A, Laufer N, Sapareto S, Sapozink M:  Renal Artery Restenosis-Successful Management with External Beam Radiation, submitted for publication, 2002
  45. Sirius Investigators:  Sirolimus-Eluting Stents versus Standard Stents in Patients with Stenosis in a Native Coronary Artery.  N Engl J Med 2003; 349: 1315-23
  46. SECURITY: Multicenter Evaluation of Carotid Stenting With a Distal Protection Filter, presented in Washington, at TCT 2003
  47. A Calcium Antagonist vs a Non–Calcium Antagonist Hypertension Treatment Strategy for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: The International Verapamil-Trandolapril Study (INVEST): A Randomized Controlled Trial : Carl J. Pepine, MD; Eileen M. Handberg, PhD; Rhonda M. Cooper-DeHoff, PharmD; Ronald G. Marks, PhD; Peter Kowey, MD; Franz H. Messerli, MD; Giuseppe Mancia, MD; José L. Cangiano, MD; David Garcia-Barreto, MD; Matyas Keltai, MD; Serap Erdine, MD; Heather A. Bristol, MS; H. Robert Kolb, RN; George L. Bakris, MD; Jerome D. Cohen, MD; William W. Parmley, MD; for the INVEST Investigators. JAMA. 2003;290:2805-2816.
  48. Marc A. Pfeffer, M.D., Ph.D., John J.V. McMurray, M.D., Eric J. Velazquez, M.D., Jean-Lucien Rouleau, M.D., Lars Køber, M.D., Aldo P. Maggioni, M.D., Scott D. Solomon, M.D., Karl Swedberg, M.D., Ph.D., Frans Van de Werf, M.D., Ph.D., Harvey White, D.Sc., Jeffrey D. Leimberger, Ph.D., Marc Henis, M.D., Susan Edwards, M.S., Steven Zelenkofske, D.O., Mary Ann Sellers, M.S.N., Robert M. Califf, M.D., for the Valsartan in Acute Myocardial Infarction Trial Investigators (Valiant Trial):  Valsartan, Captopril, or Both in Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Heart Failure, Left Ventricular Dysfunction, or Both.  N Engl J Med 349:  893-906, 2003
  49. Velazquez EJ, Pfeffer MA, McMurray JV, Maggioni AP, Rouleau JL, Van de Werf F, Kober L, White HD, Swedberg K, Leimberger JD, Gallo P, Sellers MA, Edwards S, Henis M, Califf RM; VALIANT Investigators:   VALsartan In Acute myocardial iNfarcTion (VALIANT) trial: baseline characteristics in context.  Eur J Heart Fail. 2003 Aug;5(4):537-44.
  50. A Calcium Antagonist vs. a Non–Calcium Antagonist Hypertension Treatment Strategy for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease : The International Verapamil-Trandolapril Study (INVEST): A Randomized Controlled Trial, JAMA. 2003;290:2805-2816.
  51. 51 Taxus IV Investigators:  A Polymer-Based, Paclitaxol-Eluting stent in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.  N Engl J Med  2004; 350: 221-31
  52. Steven E. Nissen; E. Murat Tuzcu; Peter Libby; Paul D. Thompson; Magdi Ghali; Dahlia Garza; Lance Berman; Harry Shi; Ethel Buebendorf; Eric J. Topol; for the CAMELOT Investigators:   Effect of Antihypertensive Agents on Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Disease and Normal Blood Pressure: The CAMELOT Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial.  JAMA. 2004;292:2217-2225.
  53. Teirstein PS, Kao J Watkins M, Tannenbaum MA, Laufer N, Chang M, Mehran R,  Dangas G, Russell, ME, Ellis SG, Stone G:  Impact of Platelet GP IIb/IIIa Inhibition on the Paclitaxol-Eluting Stent: A TAXUS-IV Substudy. The American Journal of Cardiology, Volume 96, Issue 4, Pages 500-505, 2005
  54. A. Pershad, R. Sabapathy, A. Brodsky, R. Espinosa, N. Laufer:  Intermediate Term (2 Year) Outcomes Following Unprotected Left Main Trunk Percutaneous Intervention with Drug Eluting Stents.  Presented at Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Scientific Sessions, Washington DC, Oct 2006
  55. A. Pershad, R. Sabapathy, A. Brodsky, R. Espinosa, N. Laufer:  Intermediate Term (2 Year) Outcomes Following Unprotected Left Main Trunk Percutaneous Intervention with Drug Eluting Stents.  Am J. Cardiol (Suppl) 98(8) 148M, 2006.
  56. EXACT 1,500 Registry: Report of United States Multi-Center Experience in Carotid Stenting in High Surgical Risk Patients, presented at ACC March 2007
  57. Emmans L, Nguyen, T, Laufer N:  Percutaneous Treatment of Severe Carotid Stenosis due to Takayasu’s Arteritis Early After Carotid Endarterectomy,   Journal of Invasive Cardiology 19: E258, Sept, 2007
  58. Duong PN, Desser K, Laufer N: :  Case Report: Treatment of a Recurrent Carotid Artery In-stent Restenosis Utilizing a Sirolimus Eluting Coronary Stent. Submitted for publication, 2007
  59. Micheleanne Celigoj, MD; Marc Rosenberg, MD; Roxanne Garcia-Orr, MD; Kenneth B Desser, MD; Richard Gerkin, MD, MS Nathan Laufer, MD; COMPLIANCE WITH ACC/AHA GUIDELINES FOR RIGHT-SIDED ECG LEADS IN PATIENTS WITH INFERIOR WALL ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, submitted for publication, 2007
  60. S. Nafisi, KB Desser, R. Gerkin, N. Laufer:  Reduced Incidence of Fourth Heart Sound Associated with Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Re-perfusion Era, submitted for publication, 2007
  61. N. Farraj, K.B. Desser, N. Laufer, M. Burns: The Electrocardiographic Brugada Pattern is rarely associated with the Brugada Syndrome but is common with Acute Coronary Syndrome, submitted for publication, 2007
  62. Yarkoni A,  Kalayeh A, Kahn Y, Gonzalez FJ, Loli A, Cardello F, Halligan RE Jr., Gerkin R, Desser KB, Laufer N:  Creatine Kinase-MB Enzyme Elevation is a Powerful Independent Predictor of Depression and Mortality in Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome, submitted for publication
  63. Yarkoni A, Kalayeh N, Kahn Y, Gonzalez FJ, Loli A, Cardello F, Halligan RE Jr., Gerkin R, Desser KB, Laufer N:  High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol is a Powerful Independent Predictor for the  Development of Cardiovascular Complications in Subjects with the Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome, submitted for publication
  64. Yarkoni A, Kalayeh N, Kahn Y, Gonzalez FJ, Loli A, Cardello F, Halligan RE Jr., Gerkin R, Desser KB, Laufer N:  High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol is a Strong Independent Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in the Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.  J Am Coll Card:  51:10 pA217 Mar 2008
  65. Kaykha A, Desser KB, Laufer N, Halligan R, Pershad A, Myers J, Froelicher VF:  Prognostic Significance of QT Prolongation in a Clinical Population of Male Veterans. J Am Coll Card: 51:10, pA30, Mar 2008,
  66. Kaykha A, Myers J, Desser KB, Laufer N, Cardello F, Froelicher VF:  The Prognostic Importance of Isolated P Wave Abnormalies, Submitted to Am J Me
  67. SAPPHIRE Worldwide Registry (Stentingand Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High-Risk for Endarterectomy): 30-Day Outcomes with Asymptomatic vs. Symptomatic Patients: Raj Dave, Farrell Mendelsohn, Tift Mann, Nathan Laufer, Norberto Schechlmann, Donald Heck, Guy Piegari, M. Imran Dotani, Amy Orlick, and Suzanne Britto, for the SAPPHIRE WW Investigators.  Presented at TCT, 2008; Am J Cardiol suppl  102(8) 101i TCT-242, Oct 2008
  68. Micheleanne Celigoj, M.D., Carson Webb, M.D., Samir Ahuja, M.D., Nahel Farraj, D.O.,  Timothy Byrne, D.O.,  Kenneth B. Desser, M.D.,  and Nathan Laufer, M.D:  Case Report of Cryoplasty and Stenting of a CryoVein for Limb Salvage.  Submitted for publication
  69. Amir Kaykha, Kenneth Desser, Nathan Laufer, Timothy Byrne, Ashish Pershad,  Significant Electrocardiographic Predictors of Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block.  Banner Good Samaritan Medical Ctr, Phoenix, AZ; Jonathan Myers, Victor Froelicher, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford Univ, Palo Alto, CA; Circulation, Oct 2008; 118: S_675
  70. Dr. Laufer’s scientific presentations have been recognized by and presented at such prestigious institutions as the American College of Physicians and the Inter-American Congress of Cardiology. He also has been invited on many occasions to speak at medical centers and hospitals, university medical schools and colleges across North America.
  71. Tyree W, Desser KB, Laufer N, Sorof S. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathyafter Coronary Intervention-A Case Report of a patient who developed typical apical ballooning during hospitalization. Sbmitted for publication 2009.
  72. Hussain J, Laufer N, Sorof S. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy after Coronary Intervention-A Case Report of a patient who developed typical apical ballooning during hospitalization. Submitted for publication 2009.
  73. Amit Srivastava, MD, Rebecca Allison, MD, Nathan Laufer, MD, Ashish Pershad, MD:  Claudication and a Pulseless Right Groin…Submitted for publication 2009.
  74. Sina Nafisi, MD, Amit Srivastava, MD, Jamal Hussain, MD, Amir Kaykha, MD, Adam Brodsky, MD, Kenneth B. Desser, MD, Nathan Laufer, MD, Ashish Pershad, MD:  Emergent combined percutaneous aortic valvulopathy and percutaneous coronary intervention for patient presenting with cardiogenic shock.  Published:  Cardiologyresearch.org 2009.
  75. Kathleen Benson, MD, Mohamad Altriki, MD, Nahel Farraj, DO, Claudia Dima, MD, Richard Gerkin, MD, Marshall Burns, MD, Nathan Laufer, MD, Kenneth Desser, MD.  BLAZING SADDLESL THE BRUGADA-PATTERN ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN A LARGE SOUTHWESTERN TEACHING HOSPITAL.  Circulation 120:18, S1469, P132, Nov 3, 2009.
  76.  Jamal Hussain, MD, Nathan Laufer, MD, Suzanne Sorof, MD, Ashish Pershad, MD:  Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy After Coronary Intervention Developed During Hospitalization, Ann Thorac Surg 2009;88:e63-e65.  doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2009.09.070
  77. Webb CD, MD, Ahuja S, MD, Celogoj M, MD, Farraj N, DO, Brrne T, DO, Desser KB, MD, Ashish Pershad, MD,Laufer N, MD: A Case of Blunt Chest Trauma Induced Dissection of the Right Coronary Artery: A Case Report and Review.  Submitted for publication 2009.
  78. Webb CD, Ahuja S, Celogoj M, Farraj N, Brrne T, Desser KB, Ashish Pershad, Laufer N.  A Case of Blunt Chest Trauma Induced Dissection of the Right Coronary Artery: A Case Report and Review.  Submitted for publication Journal of Invasive Cardiology, June 2008.
  79. Tann, S, Pershad, A, Laufer N:  A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Recurrent Non-atherosclerotic Carotid Stenosis in a Patient with Takayasu Arteritis, submitted for publication CCI, March 2010
  80. Tann S, Schumacher J, Laufer N:  Femoral Nerve Palsy Following Cardiac Catherization Unrelated to Compression Neuropathy, submitted for publication CCI, March 2010
  81. Kaykha A, Pershad A, Laufer N:  Percutaneous Revascularization of an Aorto-Iliac Occulusion, sumbitted for publication
  82. Kaykha A, Myers J, Desser KB, Laufer N, Froelicher V.  The Pronostic Importance of Isolated P-Wave Abnormalities. Clinical Cardiology. Published online: April 16, 2010.
  83. Ashish Pershad, MD, Victor Sein, MD, Nathan Laufer, MD:  GuideLiner Catheter Facilitated PCI – A  Novel Device with Multiple Applications.  J INVASIVE CARDIOL 2011;23(11):E254-E259

Honors and Awards

1971-76: McGill University Scholarships
1986-87: Teacher of the Year – Good Samaritan Medical Center
1995: Best Doctor Award-Cardiac Catheterization – Phoenix Magazine Physician Survey
1996: Top Doc-Cardiovascular Disease – Phoenix Magazine, Woodward/White Survey
1996-97:  Listed in Best Doctors in America: Pacific Region
1997-2007: Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare
1997: Top Doc-Cardiovascular Disease – Phoenix Magazine Nurses Survey
1998-01, 2003-2010: Top Doc-Cardiovascular Disease, Phoenix Magazine
1998-2010: Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering
1998-2001: Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the West
1998-2010: Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America
1998-2010: Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the World
1997: Listed in Phoenix Business Journal Survey of Most Influential in Health Care
1998: Listed in Phoenix Business Journal-Who’s Who in Healthcare
2000-01: Listed in The Kingston’s National Registry of Who’s Who (life member #189771)
2001-02: Listed in National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives & Professionals
2005: NCQA Heart-Stroke Certification
2007-09: Listed in Best Doctors in America
2008: National Leadership Award, Wings of Memory, US Holocaust Memorial Museum
2010: American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Recognition Award
2010: Listed in Leading Physicians of the World
2012: Listed in Phoenix Super Doctors, AZ Magazine
2012: Best Doctors 2011-201 Arizona Business Magazine’s Ranking Arizona

topdoc