Current Heart and Vascular Research Interests

At the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, our strength in cardiovascular research is the result of three things:

1. Our close affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh, our academic partner, which remains one of the top 10 institutions in the United States funded by the American Heart Association.
2. Our very large clinical practice.
3. Our ongoing commitment to finding new and better ways for treating heart and vascular conditions.

Cardiology Research

Our diverse portfolio of cardiology research studies allows us to expand our knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, and technology.

We share our discoveries with our colleagues around the globe so that more people may benefit.

Our interests are many, but the major strengths of our cardiology clinical research program include studies in:

Cardiothoracic Surgery Research

Cardiothoracic surgeons at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute also conduct novel research, with a focus on the following:

• Antirejection techniques for heart and lung transplantation.
• Ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy — including pediatric VADs — to help the heart heal itself.
• Minimally invasive cardiac and cardiothoracic surgical techniques to reduce length of hospital stay.

Our numerous cardiothoracic clinical research studies incorporate the disciplines of:

Vascular Surgery Research

Our vascular physicians and scientists explore and develop treatments and technologies in the field of vascular medicine and surgery to improve the outcomes of our patients.

The scope of research involves bioengineering, molecular biology, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and other aspects of vascular biology, especially in these areas:

Ongoing basic science research studies include:

• The pathogenesis and treatment of intimal hyperplasia after vascular interventions with application of the potential therapeutic effects of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide; we also are studying the effect of these therapies on diabetic wound healing.
• The angiogenic response to skeletal muscle ischemia and the roles of circulating bone marrow-derived stem cells in both wound healing and vascular injury response.
• The pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms and the cellular events that contribute to aneurysm growth or rupture.
• The genetic determinant of venous stasis ulcerations.

We lead a very active outcomes research program using local and national administrative databases to look at the outcomes of patients with:

• Peripheral vascular disease
• Carotid disease
• Renal failure
• Aneurysm disease

We also participate in several cardiovascular clinical trials testing new devices and technologies.

Data Collection & Analysis

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute’s researchers rely on high-quality data collection, analysis, and preparation from our Center for Cardiovascular Outcomes and Innovation (COIN) (HVI-COIN).

The HVI-COIN employs two full-time biostatisticians and a research data manager who collect, analyze, and prepare data, advise on the development of study questions, and prepare abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for research activities. Our team uses proven statistical and mathematical methods to help HVI doctors and scientists conduct better research in a timely manner.

Learn more about the HVI-COIN.