Richard Schuessler

Dr. Richard Schuessler is a distinguished retired Professor of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he has made significant contributions to cardiovascular research and surgical innovation. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Schuessler dedicated his career to advancing the understanding of cardiac electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation, and surgical ablation techniques. A member of the Department of Surgery’s Cardiothoracic Division and research laboratory director, Dr. Schuessler has collaborated extensively with clinicians and scientists to develop pioneering treatments for heart rhythm disorders. His research has been instrumental in developing and refining the Cox-Maze procedure, a gold-standard surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation. His work combines experimental models with clinical translation, improving patient outcomes worldwide. An accomplished scholar with an H index of 81, Dr. Schuessler has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, earning recognition from prestigious organizations in cardiothoracic surgery and electrophysiology. He is still actively involved in mentoring trainees and fostering interdisciplinary research. Dr. Schuessler’s leadership at Washington University drove innovation in cardiac surgery, blending scientific rigor with a commitment to patient care.