Caitlin Ciallella, APN

What are some of the specific conditions you treat?

Thoracic aortic aneurysms, heart valve disorders, including but not limited to aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, bicuspid aortic valve and associated aortopathy, other valvular disorders, and coronary artery disease.

What techniques or procedures do you use in your practice?

Diagnostic evaluation and interpretation of cardiac surgical testing including CT/MRI, echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization, as well as genetic testing and surgical wound care including but not limited to care of surgical drains, wound VAC/negative pressure therapy devices and local wound treatment including debridement.

What would you like patients to know about your approach to care?

With nearly 15 years of experience in bedside surgical and cardiac critical care nursing, as well as advanced training at the master's and doctoral levels as an acute care nurse practitioner, my care philosophy is to bridge the gap between nursing and medical care in order to provide comprehensive care in a well-coordinated approach. In the pre- and post-operative cardiac surgery specialty, my patients require thorough evaluation, preparation, diagnostic work-up and follow-through, as well as extensive education. I am an approachable and accessible provider who understands the importance of communication and responsiveness with patients, families and multidisciplinary care providers.

What inspired you to become an advanced practice nurse?

I was inspired to pursue my career within the nursing profession by my mother, who instilled in me at a young age, a strong work ethic and a calling to provide compassionate care for others in a time of need while being able to engage in lifelong learning.

Jabagi, H., Shaw, R.E., Kontorovich, A.R., Alemany, V.S., Ciallella, C., Burns, P., & Grau, J.B. (2026). Utilization of current ACC/AHA genetic testing recommendations for thoracic aortic disease at a large adult aortic center. Genetics in Medicine. doi: 10.1016/j.gim.2026.102069