From being the lead institution on the Berlin Heart study to bioengineering involving tissue and cells in the lab, we lead the way in cardiovascular research. The Division of Congenital Heart Surgery at Texas Children’s has a variety of research endeavors in both clinical and basic science areas. We have achieved national recognition for our studies and are continuing to break new ground in some of the most exciting research areas to date.
Berlin Heart
The Division was the lead center in a 17-hospital national study for the Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). The United States Food and Drug Administration has granted a Humanitarian Device Exemption for the EXCOR device to be used in the US. The EXCOR, used to provide circulatory support to pediatric patients with severe heart failure, is the only VAD approved in the United States for use in babies. Thanks to this study, babies are benefiting across the nation.
Pediatric cardiac bioengineering
Additionally, in collaboration with Rice University, the Division of Congenital Heart Surgery has established the Pediatric Cardiac Bioengineering Lab. Under the direction of Dr. Jeff Jacot, the lab is committed to developing innovative therapies that translate into clinically relevant and beneficial solutions for our patients.
Research in the Pediatric Cardiac Bioengineering Lab focuses on the influences of biophysical cues such as stress, strain, shear, substrate stiffness and electrical stimulation on the development and maturation of heart cells and tissues. This is just one of many areas where we are on the cutting edge of research, education and patient care.
Research collaborations
Those interested in collaborating with our researchers or training in our top-flight research areas should contact Dr. Elizabeth McCullum at EOMcCull@texaschildrens.org.
