The Cardiothoracic Surgery (CTS) Research Laboratory is a joint laboratory of all the general thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons. The mission of the laboratory is: 1) to train future cardiothoracic surgeons in the basic sciences and methodology of research in order for them to become independent physician–scientists; and 2) to solve the clinical problems that arise in cardiothoracic surgery by understanding the basic physiology and pathology of the underlying problems. In the last 10 years, we have trained 92 fellows in our laboratory. Our research-training program allows us to support research fellows both from within Washington University and from other institutions.
The following is a partial list of ongoing research projects of the CTS faculty.
- Lung Preservation for Transplantation (Dr. Patterson)
- IL-8 Inhibition Study (Repertaxin) (Dr. Patterson)
- Surgical Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias (Dr. Damiano)
- Dual-Phase Small Caliber Vascular Prosthesis (Dr. Damiano)
- The Learning Process in Robotic Surgery (Dr. Damiano)
- Development of Linear Lesion Device (Dr. Damiano)
- Left Ventricular Remodeling in Aortic Insufficiency (Dr. Pasque)
- 3D Myocardial Strain Vectors in Ischemic Heart Disease (Dr. Pasque)
- Analysis Software to Characterize Myocardial Mechanics (PI: Dr. Pasque)
- Left Ventricular Remodeling in Aortic Insufficiency (Dr. Cupps)
- 3D Myocardial Strain Vectors in Ischemic Heart Disease (Dr. Cupps)
- Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension (Dr. Moon)
- Surgical Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias (Dr. Schuessler)
- Regulation of Myocardial Gap Junctions (Dr. Schuessler)
- Structural and Electrical Remodeling of Cx45 (Dr. Schuessler)
- Cx43 in a Genetic Model of Altered Myocardial Conduction (Dr. Schuessler)
- Membrane-Mediated Alterations in Diabetes (Dr. Schuessler)
- Surgical Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias
The research is supported by NIH, NIST, private foundations, corporate and division funding.
This is a partial list of funding sources:
- T32 Basic Science Research Training-Cardiopulmonary Surgery. PI: Patterson
- F32 Individual NRSA. PI: Melby and Voeller
- R01 Regulation of Myocardial Gap Junctions $11,000. Co-PI: Schuessler
- R01 Cx43 in a Genetic Model of Altered Myocardial Conduction. Co-PI: Schuessler
- NIH SBIR Analysis Software to Characterize Myocardial Mechanics. PI: Pasque
- NIST SBIR Dual-Phase Small Caliber Vascular Prosthesis. PI: Damiano
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, Mechanisms of postoperative arrhythmias in patients underoing thoracic surgical procedures (Schuessler)
- Atricure Inc. PI: Damiano
- Dompe. PI: Patterson
The laboratory has a full-time staff of 10 people who have a range of skills. These include trained animal technicians, molecular biology technicians, computer and electronic engineering staff, and administrative support staff. These individuals are not only involved in research, but have a primary task of training students and research fellows.
If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities for research training in the CTS Research Laboratory, contact Richard B. Schuessler, Ph.D., director, Cardiothoracic Research Laboratory, at
schuesslerr@wudosis.wustl.edu or call 314-362-8300.