Mechanical Support
Mechanical circulatory support devices for the heart have been decreasing in size, but fundamentally use the same principles/technology.
Organ transplantation is a valuable therapy, however, due to low availability of transplantable organs, there is an immense need to promote native organ recovery as well as make transplantable organs more available. To solve these problems, we have begun a research program that establishes feedback controlled mechanical support systems that will lead to a modular platform of organ support that is scalable, cost-effective, and accessible to all clinicians and researchers. Currently, our research group has focused on the heart, limb, and lungs as paradigmatic models.
Mechanical circulatory support devices for the heart include highly translational projects using novel percutaneous ventricular assist devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). By examining how these devices operate with physiology and pathophysiology, we are able to leverage unique insights into cardiac state to improve clinical outcomes.
