Cardiovascular Surgery Research

Fascination with the human heart has existed throughout the ages, but great strides in our understanding of this amazing organ began with World War II. Military doctors were confronted with trauma on a large scale and began the pioneering advances that ushered in modern surgery. The next generation of pioneers took the techniques from European battlefields to the leading health institutions in this country. Surgical techniques, the development of the heart-lung bypass machine and improved anesthesia advances made cardiac and vascular surgery a “standard of care.” Today, modern research continues to provide advances in the field of cardiac and vascular surgery.

The Research Department and the Cardiovascular Care Team work closely in the development of cardiac and peripheral vascular surgical techniques and procedures.

The present generation of cardiac and vascular researchers are focusing on:

• New therapies to minimize trauma to the heart and vessels during surgery
• Techniques to reduce the need for large surgical incisions
• Methods to protect the body from potential negative side effects of anesthesia and the heart-lung bypass machine
• Improved devices (valves, pacemakers, and artificial hearts)
• Understanding the relationship of diet, exercise and lifestyle in recovery and prevention
• Understanding the relationship between the body-mind-spirit and healing

History has proven that every new development leads to a new level of surgical care. We have two goals for our generation at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation:

• To participate in clinical trials and to provide our patients with the best and most current surgical therapy available
• To leave firm building blocks for the next generation

Current Research Studies:

• Syntax study 
• Surgical A-Fib Database 
• EPIC: Bioprosthetic Valve for use in Aortic or Mitral Position
• EPIC: Bioprosthetic Valve for use in Aortic or Mitral Position
• EPIC: Bioprosthetic Valve for use in Aortic or Mitral Position

Research Studies that are closed to new patients/follow-up only:

• Mend-CABG 
• CHOOSE 
• ANEURX 
• Restore-MV: Coapsy System for Support of Mitral Valve 
• PREVENT IV: Treatment of coronary vein grafts with CGT003 in patients undergoing CABG 
• Edwards: Mechanical versus tissue valve

Click here to view a list of archived Cardiovascular Surgery Research

Frazier Eales, MD

Thomas F. Flavin, MD

Timothy J. Kroshus, MD, PhD

Vib R. Kshettry, MD

Sue Sendelbach, RN, MS

Dave Chose, RN

For more information about the cardiovascular surgery research program at the Minneapolis Heart Institute and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, please contact Julia Price at 612-863-6121.