Dr. Christopher B. Komanapalli, MD, FACS, FACC

Expert Publications

• Gastropericardial fistula and Candida kruzei pericarditis following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (gastropericardial fistula).
• Survival after simultaneous blunt injury to the ascending aorta and transverse arch.

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Christopher B. Komanapalli, who serves patients in Tucson, Arizona.

An experienced adult cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Komanapalli works at Pima Heart & Vascular in Tucson, Arizona. He treats complex cardiovascular and thoracic medical diseases with attention to detail, skill, kindness, and compassion.

Among his other roles, Dr. Komanapalli serves as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa Medical Center (since 2014) and as a Clinical Surgeon at the University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson (since 2020).

From 09/1992 to 06/1997, Dr. Komanapalli completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Then, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine from 08/1997 to 06/2001, earning a Medical Degree. 

Later, Dr. Komanapalli pursued a Certificate in Human Investigations from the Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology at Oregon Health and Sciences University, under Cynthia Morris, PhD, graduating in 06/2006.

Board certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery, Dr. Komanapalli is recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS). The ABTS is an American surgical organization devoted to surgery of the chest.

Furthermore, he is board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS serves patients, society, and the specialty of surgery by providing leadership in surgical education and practice. 

Holding fellowship status, Dr. Komanapalli is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). In addition, he is an active member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of organs inside the thorax. Cardiothoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures inside the thorax, which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. Alongside performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.

Attributing his success to his mentorship and faith, Dr. Komanapalli’s notable accolades include the following: Summa Cum Laude; Phi Beta Kappa; OHSU CT Surgery Faculty Award: Most Outstanding General Surgery Resident rotating on the Cardiothoracic Surgery Service June 2004; National Institutes of Health – National Heart Lung Blood Institute – Ruth M. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Fellowship F32- 5F32HL081945-02 (July 2005 – June 2007); Society for Thoracic Surgeons Looking to the Future Scholarship (January 2006); Karen E. Deveney Excellence in Clinical Research Award (June 2007); Sommer Memorial Lectureship Research Award Recipient (2009); OHSU Medical Student Teaching Award; Good Samaritan Hospital Research Award 2009; The Institute for Basic and Applied Research in Surgery Grant in Aid 2010; Coleman-Connolly Award for Teaching 2010; and Unitypoint Health Des Moines – Always Committed to Excellence (ACE) Award 2015. 

On a more personal note, Dr. Komanapalli enjoys running half marathon races. His favorite place to vacation is New York City, and his philanthropic endeavors extend to New York Road Runners and Capital Striders, Des Moines.

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