NEW YORK – October 26, 2026 – The Cardiovascular Research Foundation ® (CRF ® ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Ranard, MD, MS , as Director of the Cardiac CT Core Laboratory . A recognized leader in structural heart disease and cardiovascular computed tomography, Dr. Ranard will oversee advanced imaging analyses that support multicenter clinical trials evaluating novel cardiovascular therapies and devices.
The Cardiac CT Core Laboratory is part of the CRF Clinical Trials Center (CTC) , a globally respected academic research organization dedicated to advancing cardiovascular medicine through the design, management, and analysis of clinical trials. The CTC provides comprehensive research services, including trial operations, biostatistics, data management, safety monitoring, clinical event adjudication, imaging core laboratories, and publication support, helping advance innovative therapies and technologies worldwide.
Dr. Ranard is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and cardiovascular imaging specialist with expertise spanning structural heart disease, transcatheter valve interventions, and cardiovascular computed tomography (CT). She serves as an attending physician at the Columbia Structural Heart and Valve Center and Columbia Interventional Cardiovascular Care at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
"Lauren brings an exceptional combination of clinical expertise, scientific rigor, and innovative thinking to this role," said Juan Granada, MD , President and Chief Executive Officer of CRF. "Her leadership in structural heart disease, advanced cardiac imaging, and translational research makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Cardiac CT Core Laboratory. As cardiovascular imaging continues to play an increasingly important role in device development and clinical trials, Lauren's vision will help further strengthen CRF's position at the forefront of research and innovation."
A faculty member of CRF, Dr. Ranard has long been involved with the Cardiac CT Core Laboratory, where she evaluates imaging for multiple ongoing clinical trials focused on structural heart interventions. She also has extensive experience assessing novel transcatheter technologies through preclinical studies at the CRF Skirball Center for Innovation and is actively involved in numerous first-in-human, early feasibility, and pivotal clinical trials.
"Lauren has been an integral member of our faculty and Cardiac CT Core Laboratory, and her experience as a structural heart operator brings a distinct clinical perspective to our day-to-day operations," said Alexandra Popma, MD , Executive Director of the CRF Clinical Trials Center. "She combines deep expertise in cardiovascular CT with a thorough understanding of structural heart interventions, core lab processes, and clinical trial methodology. Her collaborative leadership style, commitment to scientific excellence, and passion for innovation will help expand the laboratory's impact across the global cardiovascular research community."
"I am honored to serve as Director of the Cardiac CT Core Laboratory at CRF," said Dr. Ranard . "The CRF Clinical Trials Center has a remarkable legacy of advancing cardiovascular medicine through rigorous science and meaningful collaboration. I look forward to working with our faculty, investigators, and partners to further elevate the role of cardiac CT in clinical research and support the development of innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes around the world."
About CRF ®
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation ® (CRF ® ) is a global leader in interventional cardiovascular medicine, driving innovation, spearheading groundbreaking research, and transforming education in the field. Through its relentless pursuit of excellence, CRF not only accelerates medical breakthroughs but also equips healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance survival rates and elevate the quality of life for millions worldwide. CRF’s centers of excellence include the CRF Skirball Center for Innovation, CRF Clinical Trials Center, CRF Center for Education, CRF Digital, TCTMD®, and Structural Heart: The Journal of the Heart Team .
For more information, visit www.crf.org .
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