Clinical Science Research & Innovation
Learn more about what cutting-edge clinical science research our investigators are doing here.
Cardiac Outcomes
The researchers at HeRO are working hard to better understand the outcomes of CHD patients following different medical interventions and how these outcomes can be improved in the future.
Dr. Matthew Oster directs outcomes research activities using big data in a variety of domains among individuals with congenital heart disease, including newborn screening using pulse oximetry, neurocognitive outcomes, and long-term outcomes / quality of life across the lifespan. In addition he has led the development of PulseOxTool, a mobile app that helps providers in the screening of critical congenital heart disease.
Dr. Lazaros Kochilas and Dr. Matthew Oster were awarded a $1.6 million Department of Defense grant to investigate the long-term outcomes of of CHD. It specifically focusses on a population-based and outcomes-based research project aiming to assess the health outcomes of individuals with congenital heart disease across their life spans. Learn more here.
Cardiac Devices
Many HeRO members are leading studies to determine if different cardiac devices can be used to assist in cardiac function and thereby significantly improve the lives of CHD patients.
Dr. William Mahle currently serves as the Study Chair for NHLBI sponsored PumpKIN (Pumps in Kids, Infants and Neonates) trial. This trial is testing the safety and feasibility of the Jarvik 2015 ventricular assist device (VAD). Dr. Mahle is also study PI or site PI in a number of other trials including the Clinical trials in organ transplantation in children (CTOTC), which is assessing the impact of donor-specific antibodies on outcomes in children who have undergone heart transplantation.
Neurodevelopmental Studies
HeRO members also investigate the role of neurodevelopment in relation to cardiac diseases.
Dr. Erin Buckley's team is developing bedside monitors for cerebral oxygenation, perfusion and metabolism. They study near infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy and are working to develop non-invasive methods to continuously monitor brain health and initiate rehabilitative strategies.