Davide Tosi1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; 2CCTS Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. CCTS Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: ccts@amegroups.com
This interview can be cited as: Tosi D, Yeo JY. Meeting the Editorial Board Member of CCTS: Dr. Davide Tosi. Curr Chall Thorac Surg. 2025. Available from: https://ccts.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-editorial-board-member-of-ccts-dr-davide-tosi.
Expert introduction
Dr. Davide Tosi (Figure 1) is currently a Professor and tutor at the School for Specialization in Thoracic Surgery at the University of Milan. He is a member of the Thoracic Surgery staff at Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan. He is particularly interested in the uniportal VATS technique, which he adopts in highly technical complex cases, too. He is actively involved in the program of lung transplantation, with high expertise in extracorporeal circulation methods and devices. He is the principal investigator or sub-investigator of several clinical trials in the thoracic oncology and lung transplantation fields. He is also an Active Member of several scientific societies such as IASLC, EACTS, and ESTS, besides national societies of Thoracic Surgery, and Thoracic Endoscopy.
Figure 1 Dr. Davide Tosi
Interview
CCTS: What inspired you to pursue a career in thoracic surgery, and what has kept you motivated in this field?
Dr. Tosi: After an initial experience in general surgery, I found myself increasingly drawn to thoracic surgery. I was particularly fascinated by the comprehensive preoperative cardiorespiratory assessment, which adds a crucial dimension to surgical decision-making. Moreover, the evolution of minimally invasive techniques has been truly exciting and inspiring for me. The continuous advancements in this field, allowing for better patient outcomes with less invasive approaches, keep me highly motivated and passionate about my work every day.
CCTS: As a thoracic surgeon, you focus on highly complex cases, including lung transplantation. Can you describe some of the most challenging cases you have encountered and how you approached these high-risk surgeries?
Dr. Tosi: In thoracic surgery, and especially in lung transplantation, every case presents unique challenges. Some of the most complex cases I have encountered involved patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, complex anatomical variations, or previous thoracic surgeries, which significantly increase the technical difficulty and risks. One of the most demanding scenarios I have faced involved bilateral lung transplantation requiring extracorporeal circulation with complete circulatory arrest. In such high-risk cases, meticulous preoperative planning is essential. A multidisciplinary approach involving anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and intensivists is crucial to optimize patient management and anticipate complications. Intraoperatively, maintaining precise coordination within the surgical team is vital, ensuring smooth transitions between phases of the procedure. Despite the complexity, the ability to successfully perform these procedures and offer patients a second chance at life remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.
CCTS: From your active involvement in clinical trials in thoracic oncology and lung transplantation, could you share some of the most exciting research findings, particularly those that have the potential to change clinical practices in these areas?
Dr. Tosi: In both thoracic oncology and lung transplantation, ongoing research is continuously reshaping clinical practice. One of the most exciting areas in thoracic oncology is the integration of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment. Recent clinical trials have shown that combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy before surgery significantly improves outcomes by enhancing tumor response and reducing recurrence rates. This approach is changing how we select and manage surgical candidates, offering new hope for patients with locally advanced disease.
Another significant advancement is the increasing adoption of lung segmentectomies for early-stage lung cancer. These procedures have demonstrated oncologic validity while preserving lung parenchyma, offering a less invasive alternative to lobectomy, particularly for patients with limited respiratory function. I had the honor of contributing as an expert to the ESTS (European Society of Thoracic Surgeons) recommendations on this topic, which has been a highly rewarding experience.
In lung transplantation, one of the most promising developments is the use of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) to assess and rehabilitate donor lungs that would have previously been considered unsuitable for transplantation. Clinical trials have demonstrated that EVLP can safely extend the donor pool and improve post-transplant outcomes by reducing early graft dysfunction. Additionally, novel strategies in immunosuppression and tolerance induction are paving the way for reducing long-term rejection and improving graft survival.
These advancements are truly exciting because they not only improve surgical outcomes but also redefine patient selection and perioperative management, ultimately expanding treatment options and improving survival rates in both fields.
CCTS: Uniportal VATS has become a significant part of your practice. What led you to specialize in this technique, and how has it impacted your practice?
Dr. Tosi: I was drawn to uniportal VATS because of its minimally invasive nature and the remarkable advantages it offers in terms of patient recovery and surgical precision. The idea of performing complex thoracic procedures through a single small incision was both fascinating and challenging, which motivated me to fully embrace this technique. To refine my skills, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Shanghai and train with pioneers of the approach. This experience was transformative, allowing me to understand the nuances of the technique, particularly the benefits of the "direct view," which enhances depth perception and control during surgery.
Integrating uniportal VATS into my practice has had a profound impact. It has allowed me to offer my patients less invasive procedures with reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and excellent oncological outcomes. The continuous evolution of minimally invasive thoracic surgery keeps me deeply engaged in this field, always striving to refine techniques and push the boundaries of what we can achieve for our patients.
CCTS: What are the key lessons you have learned throughout your career, especially as a mentor and researcher, that you would pass on to the next generation of thoracic surgeons?
Dr. Tosi: Mentoring young surgeons is one of the aspects of my work that I value the most. In an era of rapid evolution in thoracic surgery, my goal is not only to teach technical skills but also to inspire passion and curiosity in the next generation. Surgery is much more than a series of procedures—it requires dedication, adaptability, and a constant desire to learn.
I focus on a hands-on approach, encouraging residents to engage actively in surgical procedures, decision-making, and perioperative management. I emphasize the importance of mastering both open and minimally invasive techniques, particularly uniportal VATS, which is becoming a cornerstone of modern thoracic surgery. Additionally, I stress the significance of a comprehensive understanding of patient assessment, from preoperative evaluation to postoperative care, ensuring that future surgeons develop a holistic approach to treatment.
Beyond technical skills, I believe in fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience. The ability to stay motivated and embrace innovation is crucial in a field that is continuously evolving. Seeing young surgeons develop confidence and enthusiasm for thoracic surgery is incredibly rewarding, and I consider it a privilege to contribute to shaping the future of our specialty
CCTS: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of CCTS?
Dr. Tosi: My experience as an Editorial Board Member of CCTS has been extremely rewarding. I am part of a highly active and motivated group of experts who are deeply committed to advancing thoracic surgery through high-quality research and scientific discussion. The journal is expanding rapidly, which makes this an exciting time to contribute to its growth and impact.
Being involved in the editorial process allows me to stay at the forefront of new developments in thoracic surgery while also supporting researchers in disseminating their work. I particularly enjoy the collaborative nature of this role—exchanging ideas with colleagues, reviewing innovative studies, and helping shape the future direction of thoracic surgical research. It is an honor to be part of a platform that fosters scientific progress and education in our field.
CCTS: As an Editorial Board Member, what are your expectations for CCTS?
Dr. Tosi: I hope to see CCTS continue its scientific growth, further establishing itself as a key platform for high-quality research in thoracic surgery. The journal has been expanding rapidly, and I believe it has great potential to become an increasingly influential resource for surgeons and researchers worldwide.
In addition to its academic development, I would love to have the opportunity for an in-person scientific exchange with my fellow Editorial Board Members. A meeting, perhaps in Asia, would be a fantastic occasion to strengthen collaboration, share ideas, and discuss the future direction of the journal.