Longer-term mechanical circulatory assist will provide an improved quality of life for thousands of pediatric patients per year in the United States who suffer from ventricular failure secondary to acquired or congenital heart disease. There are currently very few mechanical circulatory support systems available as viable bridge-to-transplant or recovery alternatives.

To address this substantial need, we are developing alternative biodevices to augment circulatory flow and pressure in these pediatric patients with biventricular or univentricular physiology. Noninvasive, minimally invasive, and invasive technologies are being designed, developed, and evaluated in this laboratory.

Our research group constitutes an ideal multidisciplinary team to carry out this line of research and bench-to-bedside device development. These biomechanical devices will become an effective therapeutic option for thousands of infants and children suffering from heart failure in the United States – ultimately saving lives and addressing a significant human health problem.