About

Dr. Travis J. Bench, MD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine specializing in cardiology and interventional cardiology. He is based at Stony Brook Internists - Cardiology with locations in Hampton Bays and Center Moriches, NY. Dr. Bench completed his medical education at the School of Medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center in 2006. He further specialized through fellowships in IM-Cardiology in 2011 and CARDI in 2010 at Stony Brook University Medical Center. His residency in Internal Medicine was completed at New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell in 2009. He holds board certifications in Interventional Cardiology from the American Board of Internal Medicine (2025), Nuclear Cardiology (2012), and Cardiovascular Disease (2012). Dr. Bench's expertise includes interventional cardiology and vascular interpretation, and he is fluent in English. His professional focus is on providing advanced cardiology care, and he is actively involved in clinical practice at Stony Brook Medicine.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Cardiology
• Intensive care medicine

Selected publications

• Safety of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

  European Heart Journal · 2025-11-01

  article

  Abstract Background Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) remains a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used in treatment of AMI-CS, however the safety of this therapy compared to alternative forms of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) such as percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD) remains unclear. Aim The goal of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association of ECMO compared to pVAD with safety outcomes patients presenting with AMI-CS. Methods A database search was performed for studies reporting on the association of ECMO compared to pVAD with safety outcomes in patients with AMI-CS. The endpoints of interest were device-related limb complications, ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and occurrence of moderate to severe bleeding. The databases searched included Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase. The search was not restricted by time or publication status. Registry studies were excluded from this analysis. Results A total of 6 studies with 868 participants (410 treated with ECMO, 458 treated with pVAD) met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 62 years old, 80.3% were men, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 26%, mean follow-up was 5.2 months (ranging 1-12 months). Treatment with ECMO in patients with AMI-CS was associated with significantly higher risk of device-related limb ischemia and moderate to severe bleeding compared to pVAD (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.56-5.17; p<0.01; OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.17-4.06; p=0.01). Heterogeneity for these analyses was low (I2=0%). Treatment with ECMO in patients with AMI-CS was not associated with higher risk of ischemic CVA compared to pVAD (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.47-5.43; p=0.45). Heterogeneity for this analysis was low (I2=0%). Conclusion In patients presenting with AMI-CS, use of VA-ECMO is associated with significantly higher risk of device-related limb ischemia and bleeding compared to use of pVAD but is not associated with higher risk of ischemic CVA. Given these significant risks, additional high-quality studies are needed to further elucidate the clinical benefits of ECMO use in this patient population.Safety events of ECMO vs medical therapy

  PublisherDOI

• Heart Failure and Cognitive Impairment Through the Lens of the Gut Microbiome: A Narrative Review

  Journal of Personalized Medicine · 2025-12-03 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Heart failure (HF) affects over 55 million individuals globally, with prevalence projected to exceed 11 million in the United States by 2050 and is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder extending beyond hemodynamic dysfunction to encompass profound alterations in neural and gut physiology. Cognitive impairment affects nearly half of HF patients and represents a major determinant of morbidity, self-care capacity, and mortality. Recent advances suggest that the gut microbiome serves as a pivotal intermediary in the heart-brain crosstalk, influencing neurocognitive outcomes through inflammatory, metabolic, and neurohumoral pathways. Dysbiosis in HF disrupts intestinal barrier integrity, facilitating translocation of endotoxins and microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bile acids, which in turn modulate neuroinflammation, cerebral perfusion, and neuronal signaling. The gut-heart-brain axis provides an integrative framework linking HF and cognitive impairment pathophysiology through dysbiosis-driven systemic inflammation and metabolite dysregulation. Gut-derived biomarkers and microbiome-targeted interventions represent promising strategies for detection of early alterations and precision treatment, highlighting the urge for prospective, multi-omics studies to establish causality and therapeutic efficacy. This review synthesizes current evidence connecting gut microbiome dysbiosis and metabolite alterations to both HF and cognitive impairment pathophysiology and proposes translational strategies for integrating microbiome-targeted therapies in HF patients with cognitive dysfunction.

  PublisherDOI

• Safety of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

  European Heart Journal · 2025-11-01

  article

  Abstract Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a complex disease process which portends poor prognosis and increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Although intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) is frequently used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock, the safety of this treatment compared to medical therapy remains unclear. Aim The goal of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety of IABP compared to medical therapy in patients presenting with AMI-CS. Methods A database search was performed for studies reporting on the association of IABP compared to medical therapy with safety outcomes in patients with AMI-CS. The endpoints of interest were occurrence of ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) and moderate to severe bleeding events. The databases searched included Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase. The search was not restricted by time or publication status. Registry studies were excluded from this analysis. To assess for temporal changes in treatment, subgroup analysis was performed based on studies conducted before 2000 and studies conducted after 2000. Results A total of 4 studies with 1008 participants (418 treated with IABP, 590 treated with medical therapy) met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 67 years old, 67.2% were men, mean follow-up was 7.8 months (ranging 1-12 months). In patients with AMI-CS, treatment with IABP was not associated increased risk of ischemic CVAs (OR 1.81, 95% CI 0.56-5.86; p=0.32). The heterogeneity was low (I2=0%). There was no subgroup differences noted between studies conducted before and after 2000. Use of IABP was associated with significantly higher risk of moderate to severe bleeding compared to medical therapy (OR 7.26, 95% CI 2.66-19.79; p<0.01). The heterogeneity was low (I2=0%). Conclusions Use of IABP compared to medical therapy in patients with AMI-CS is not associated with increased risk of ischemic CVAs but is associated with increased risk of moderate to severe bleeding. Given these findings, the risks of IABP use must be weighed against its clinical benefits in treatment of patients with AMI-CS.Safety events of IABP vs medical therapy

  PublisherDOI

• Association of complete revascularization with safety and outcomes in elderly patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  IJC Heart & Vasculature · 2025-10-22

  reviewOpen access

  Background: The utility of complete revascularization has been well defined in young patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the clinical benefit in elderly patients remains unclear with current literature has yielded conflicting results. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of complete versus culprit-only coronary revascularization with mortality in elderly patients with multivessel CAD. Methods: A literature search was conducted for studies reporting on outcomes after complete versus culprit-only revascularization in elderly patients with multivessel CAD presenting with ACS. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The main secondary endpoint was cardiovascular (CV) mortality. The search included the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The search was not restricted to time or publication status. Results: 14 studies with 11,994 elderly patients (7,236 with culprit-only, 4,758 with complete revascularization) met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up duration was 29.0 months (range 12-56 months), mean age was 79.5 years old, 56.9% of patients were men, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 54.3%. Patients who underwent complete revascularization had significantly lower all-cause and CV mortality compared to culprit-only revascularization (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.40-2.18; p < 0.001; OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.14-2.68; p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis demonstrated this association to be statistically significant for studies with cohorts presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and mixed cohorts that included NSTEMI and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. However, there was no significant difference in risk of all-cause mortality with complete versus culprit-only revascularization in studies of only STEMI patients (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.61-1.72; p = 0.92). Conclusion: Complete coronary revascularization is associated with lower risk of all-cause and CV mortality in elderly patients with multivessel CAD presenting with NSTEMI. However, there does not appear to be a difference in outcomes in patients presenting with STEMI.

  PublisherDOI

• UTILITY OF INTRAAORTIC BALLOON COUNTERPULSATION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION COMPLICATED BY CARDIOGENIC SHOCK

  Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2025-03-29

  articleOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• Heart Failure and Cognitive Impairment Through the Lens of the Gut Microbiome

  Preprints.org · 2025-10-31 · 1 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Heart failure (HF) affects over 55 million individuals globally, with prevalence projected to exceed 11 million in the United States by 2050 and is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder extending beyond hemodynamic dysfunction to encompass profound alterations in neural and gut physiology. Cognitive impairment affects nearly half of HF patients and represents a major determinant of morbidity, self-care capacity, and mortality. Recent advances suggest that the gut microbiome serves as a pivotal intermediary in the heart–brain crosstalk, influencing neurocognitive outcomes through inflammatory, metabolic, and neurohumoral pathways. Dysbiosis in HF disrupts intestinal barrier integrity, facilitating translocation of endotoxins and microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bile acids, which in turn modulate neuroinflammation, cerebral perfusion, and neuronal signaling. The gut-heart-brain axis provides an integrative framework linking HF and cognitive impairment pathophysiology through dysbiosis-driven systemic inflammation and metabolite dysregulation. Gut-derived biomarkers and microbiome-targeted interventions represent promising strategies for detection of early alterations and precision treatment, highlighting the urge for prospective, multi-omics studies to establish causality and therapeutic efficacy. This review synthesizes current evidence connecting gut microbiome dysbiosis and metabolite alterations to both HF and cognitive impairment pathophysiology and proposes translational strategies for integrating microbiome-targeted therapies in HF patients with cognitive dysfunction.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Utility of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

  European Heart Journal · 2024

  • Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Internal medicine

  Abstract Background Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) continues to portend poor clinical prognosis and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is frequently used in the treatment of AMI-CS, studies evaluating its benefit compared to percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD) or standard medical therapy in this patient population have yielded conflicting results. Purpose The goal of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the use of ECMO compared to either pVAD or medical therapy with or without intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) in patients presenting with AMI-CS. Methods A database search was performed for studies reporting on the association of ECMO compared to pVAD or medical therapy with or without IABP with clinical outcomes in patients with AMI-CS. The endpoints of interest were 30-day all-cause mortality and long term all-cause mortality. The databases searched included Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase. The search was not restricted by time or publication status. Registry studies were excluded from this analysis. Results A total of 8 studies with 937 participants (447 treated with ECMO, 243 treated with pVAD, 247 treated with medical therapy with or without IABP) met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 63 years old, 80.5% were men, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 26%, mean follow-up was 6.3 months (ranging 1-12 months). Treatment of AMI-CS patients with ECMO was not associated with lower risk of 30-day all-cause mortality compared to pVAD or standard medical therapy with or without IABP placement (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.87-1.90; p=0.21; OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.25-1.35; p=0.13). Heterogenetic was low to moderate for each subgroup. Test for subgroup differences did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in the results for pVAD and for standard medical therapy with or without IABP (p=0.10, I2=64.1%). Compared to pVAD, ECMO was not associated lower risk of long-term mortality (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.85-1.90; p=0.24). The heterogeneity for this analysis was low (I2=0%). Conclusion In patients presenting with AMI-CS, use of VA-ECMO is not associated with lower risk of mortality compared to pVAD or standard medical therapy with or without IABP placement. The risks and benefits of ECMO should be carefully considered compared to other forms of temporary mechanical circulatory support.Figure 1

  PublisherDOI

• A-21 | Association of Complete Revascularization with Safety and Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions · 2024-05-01

  reviewOpen access

  The utility and safety of non-culprit vessel revascularization at initial angiography and as staged intervention remains unclear in the elderly patient population. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of complete coronary revascularization with cardiovascular outcomes and safety in elderly patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We performed a literature search for studies reporting on outcomes after complete versus culprit only revascularization in elderly patients presenting with ACS. The primary end-point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary endpoints included recurrent ACS, need for repeat revascularization, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), and major bleeding. Databases searched included Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. 13 studies with 10,549 elderly patients met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up duration was 29 months (ranging 12 months to 56 months), mean age was 80 years old, mean ejection fraction was 55%. Complete revascularization was associated with lower MACE and recurrent ACS (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.27-2.02; p<0.01; OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.17-2.03; p<0.01) and a non-significant trend toward lower need for repeat revascularization. There was no significant difference in risk of CVA or major bleeding in patients who underwent complete versus culprit only revascularization. Complete coronary revascularization is associated with lower risk of adverse outcomes in elderly patients presenting with ACS and is not associated with increased risk of CVA or major bleeding.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• TCT-284 Safety of Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Versus Intraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

  Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2024-10-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• OR6-1 | Association of Complete Revascularization with Mortality in Elderly Patients with Multi-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions · 2024-05-01

  reviewOpen access

  The clinical benefit in elderly patients remains unclear with current literature yielding conflicting results. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of complete versus culprit only revascularization with mortality in elderly patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). A literature search was conducted for studies reporting on outcomes after complete versus culprit only PCI in elderly patients with multivessel CAD presenting with ACS. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Databases searched included Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. 13 studies with 10,549 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 29 months (ranging 12 to 56 months), mean age was 80 years old, mean ejection fraction was 55%. Patients who underwent complete revascularization had significantly lower all-cause and CV mortality compared to culprit-only revascularization (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.4-2.28; p<0.01; OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08-3.01; p=0.02). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the association between complete revascularization and all-cause mortality was not significant in studies of only patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.61-1.72; p=0.92). Complete coronary revascularization is associated with lower risk of all-cause and CV mortality in elderly patients with multivessel CAD presenting with ACS. However, there may be differences in this association between patients presenting with with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction compared to patients presenting with STEMI.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Michael Tao

  Stony Brook University Hospital

  9 shared

• Tahmid Rahman

  Stony Brook University Hospital

  7 shared

• Noelle Mann

  5 shared

• Paola Pastena

  Stony Brook Medicine

  5 shared

• Kathleen Stergiopoulos

  5 shared

• Chad Gier

  Stony Brook University Hospital

  5 shared

• Ravi Masson

  Loma Linda University

  4 shared

• Elaine L. Shiang

  Stony Brook University

  4 shared

Education

• M.D., Medicine

  Stony Brook Medicine