Team SynCardia

Team SynCardia cycling consists of friends and supporters of SynCardia. The team’s goal is to promote cardiovascular health. The team is captained by SynCardia co-founder and Dr. Marvin J. Slepian, an internationally renowned interventional cardiologist at University Medical Center (UMC).

Team SynCardia has more than 60 members, representing a wide cross-section of riders. Each cyclist rides 4,000-7,000 miles annually in preparation for El Tour de Tucson, the country’s largest perimeter cycling event for riders of all ages and abilities. SynCardia cyclists also participate in various other competitions and activities throughout the year.

Former Patients Ride with Team SynCardia

Bill Wohl was bridged-to-transplant with the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart in 2000. He has been an avid cyclist ever since. Each year, Bill looks forward to riding with the doctors that helped save his life, Dr. Jack Copeland, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at UMC and Dr. Slepian. Read Bill’s story

Vanessa Cirillo is one of Team SynCardia’s newest members. On Nov. 24, 2007, Vanessa was bridged-to-transplant after 106 days of life with the Total Artificial Heart. The 2009 El Tour de Tucson was her first ride with Team SynCardia. Read Vanessa’s story