Professional Education

  • BHS, University of Arizona, Physiology (2020)
  • MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson (2024)

All Publications

  • Treatment Options, Regulatory Pathways and Global Patterns of Use for Cardiac Implantable Devices in Patients With Titanium Allergy. Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology Devathu, R., Chatterjee, K., Godinez, E., Kambampati, S., Gonzalez, D. J., Kim, M. H., Li, J., Paranjpe, I., Fazal, M., Brucker, R., Baykaner, T. 2025

    Abstract

    Titanium hypersensitivity is an uncommon but important challenge in patients requiring cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Reactions are difficult to predict, often mimic infection, and complicate timely diagnosis.We reviewed diagnostic considerations, therapeutic strategies, regulatory pathways, and global distribution of coated devices. Data sources included prior case reports, regulatory guidelines, and industry distribution records.Management options range from conservative observation to prophylactic implantation of hypoallergenic devices. Gold-coated and polymer-coated alternatives are effective but constrained by production costs, lack of reimbursement, and limited availability. In the United States, access is possible through custom device and compassionate use pathways, both requiring extensive regulatory approvals. Globally, most requests originate from the U.S. and Europe, with fewer from other regions due to economic and cultural barriers.Improved awareness, streamlined regulatory frameworks, and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential to expand access and optimize outcomes for patients with titanium hypersensitivity.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/jce.70195

    View details for PubMedID 41286575

  • Four devices, one solution: gold-coated cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator in a patient with titanium hypersensitivity. Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing Devathu, R., Chatterjee, K., Godinez, E., Kambampati, S., Gonzalez, D. J., Kim, M. H., Verma, A., Wei, C., Fazal, M., Bowers, M., Baykaner, T. 2025

    Abstract

    Titanium hypersensitivity is a rare but important cause of recurrent complications in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Despite titanium's biocompatibility, hypersensitivity reactions can mimic device infection, leading to repeated device removals before diagnosis.We report the management of a 67-year-old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who presented to our institution after three failed cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) implantations over three years, each complicated by wound dehiscence and infection-like symptoms. The patient had been diagnosed with titanium hypersensitivity previously but prior attempts to mitigate exposure, including a Gore-Tex-wrapped device were unsuccessful. Therefore, a custom gold-plated CRT-D was obtained under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compassionate use provisions. The gold-plated CRT-D was implanted via a right-sided approach. At one-year follow-up, the surgical site remained well-healed with no recurrent complications or device-related discomfort and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from 29% to 50%.This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of titanium allergy, the limitations of conventional management, and the value of multidisciplinary collaboration to navigate regulatory pathways and deliver durable, patient-specific solutions.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s10840-025-02154-0

    View details for PubMedID 41148558

  • Infratemporal abscess: a rare complication of a common procedure. Access microbiology Kotagiri, R., Repp, M. L., Kim, M. H., Stipho, F. 2024; 6 (2)

    Abstract

    The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is an anatomically complex cavity that houses a variety of muscular and neurovascular structures at the base of the skull. Infections involving the ITF, though uncommon, can be fatal due to the difficulties of accessing this anatomical space and its proclivity to evolve into a cavernous venous thrombosis (CVT). As a result, a multi-disciplinary approach involving several surgical and medical subspecialists is often warranted. We present a case of an infratemporal fossa abscess (IFA) after wisdom teeth extraction with a very complicated clinical course and a distinct microbiologic profile.

    View details for DOI 10.1099/acmi.0.000721.v3

    View details for PubMedID 38482365

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10928393

  • Potential Utility of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Treating Myocarditis. The American journal of medicine Kim, M. H., Suri, Y., Rajendran, I., Pineda, J. R. 2024; 137 (2): e33-e34

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.10.005

    View details for PubMedID 37871733