Francis Robicsek (July 4, 1925 – April 3, 2020) was a Hungarian- American cardio-thoracic surgeon in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He thoroughly analyzed the causes and mechanics of sternal instability and introduced effective treatments, including parasternal weaving and pectoralis major muscle padding.
Beyond this, he has made significant strides in treating pectus deformities, advocating for a comprehensive approach that addresses not just the anatomical anomalies but also the psychological impacts on patients.
His development of a combined modified Ravitch procedure with Marlex mesh placement for severe pectus excavatum cases has been particularly impactful.
He eventually established cardiac surgery in Guatemala and supported numerous hospitals and clinics in Central American and Caribbean countries.
They fled from Soviet-controlled Hungary together via East Berlin; they spent some time in an Austrian refugee camp before arriving in America.