“Responders” have a (1) relative increase in EF >50% AND an absolute EF>40%, (2) relative decrease in LV end-systolic volume >25%. (JACC, 2013)
Clinical Research
The Selzman lab performs research through industry-sponsored clinical trials that study new mechanical circulatory assist devices including the HeartWare, Jarvik, and HeartMate III.
For more information, see our clinical trials.
The lab also has therapeutic modulation of LVAD-unloaded patients that are both institutionally derived (Interleukin-1ra therapy in LVAD patients), and those sponsored by the NIH (mesenchymal stem cells in LVAD patients).
Translational Research
On the translational side, we have one of the largest prospective databases of patients who have received:
- durable LVAD devices with serial functional (echo)
- and LVAD devices with structural data (tissues and serum).
We have identified that nearly 20% of patients supported with LVAD will increase their native heart function to an EF>40% (the so-called “responders”).
Much of our collaborative activity aims to better characterize profiles in these patients. Our current interest focuses on metabolomics and inflammatory signatures.
We are also investigating the role of the platelet transcriptome in advanced heart failure patients supported with LVADs.
