Roberto M. Lang, MD, former president of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and a pioneer in cardiac imaging, passed away on June 10 at age 73 after a brief illness. Lang was instrumental in developing 3D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), now standard tools enabling advanced transcatheter structural heart procedures.
Known globally for his leadership and dedication to education, Lang was a beloved mentor who engaged deeply with students, fellows, and physicians. His contributions extended beyond science, touching thousands of colleagues with his generosity and passion for advancing echocardiography.
Lang’s groundbreaking work revolutionized cardiac care by allowing visualization crucial for procedures such as mitral and tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using devices like MitraClip. He also contributed to research on artificial intelligence in echocardiography. Lang served as director of the noninvasive cardiac imaging lab and A.J. Carlson Professor at the University of Chicago, where he worked since 1985.
Throughout his career, Lang published over 700 manuscripts, authored 100+ book chapters, and edited key texts including ASE’s Comprehensive Echocardiography. He held numerous ASE leadership roles, including Board president (2009-2010), and led influential guideline development such as Recommendations for Cardiac Chamber Quantification by Echocardiography.
Beyond research, Lang was an active ASE Foundation volunteer involved in global health initiatives and helped launch the ASEF Research Awards Gala. At his passing, he was president of the National Board of Echocardiography (NBE), remembered as a visionary leader.
Lang earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires in 1977 and completed residencies and fellowship training in the US and Israel. He is survived by his wife Lili, children Gabriel and Daniella, and two grandchildren. A funeral service will be held June 15 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with livestream access available.
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