Mirko Belliato is Senior Consultant of the 1st ICU of Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo of Pavia Italy, chief of the Advanced Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (under the direction of Prof. Giorgio Antonio Iotti). He obtained his medical degree from the University of Pavia University where he developed an interest in new technologies and their use in medicine. This interest was piqued during his studies of human physiology and his curiosity focused on the deeper understanding of vital life mechanisms.  After starting his fellowship at the Physiology Institute, Dr. Belliato focused his interests on artificial organs, in particular respiration and the treatment of lung failure following the teaching of Prof. Antonio Braschi and Prof. Giorgio Antonio Iotti, his mentor.

In addition to practicing medicine under the supervision and direction of Prof. Iotti, he has continued his research work in this area over the past 14 years and has participated in clinical and laboratory research projects on intelligent ventilation for lung support and the development of extracorporeal lung and heart support.  In 2008, Dr. Belliato became formally involved in the initiation of the ECMO project at the Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo.  Dr. Belliato leads the ICU multidisciplinary team for respiratory support at Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo. He is involved in the ELSO activity as leader of the EuroELSO workgroup for “Innovation on ECMO and ECLS” and as member of the ELSO adult ECMO and the EuroELSO workgroup for neuromonitoring.