The third annual Rumel Research Symposium was held on campus on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. The symposium is named after Dr. William “Ray” Rumel, who was the first program director of the Thoracic Surgery Fellowship. The purpose of the symposium is to highlight and celebrate the research accomplishments of our trainees and faculty, and to foster innovation and collaboration within the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
This year, a total of eight abstracts were presented during the event. The Cardiothoracic Surgery fellows presented completed or ongoing research projects. Dr. John Vossler discussed outcomes of atrioventricular valve intervention in functionally univentricular patients throughout the care pathway for single ventricle patients. Dr. Ryan Clark presented his work reviewing the institutional use of the relatively new HAART aortic ring annuloplasty device. Dr. Nicolas Contreras discussed pulmonary carcinoid in low-risk populations, and Dr. Praveen Sridhar presented a case study on the surgical management of a large, symptomatic hydatid cyst in the pleural space.
Next, perfusion student Cameron Hopper presented his research on whether bilateral cannulation or ACP has better outcomes for stroke after aortic arch repair, and Alyson Stanger discussed the relation between coagulation management, thrombotic complications, and mortality in COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO. The symposium finished with presentations from two faculty members. Dr. Matthew Goodwin discussed his work regarding factors associated with device-related readmissions in advanced heart failure patients who are on mechanical circulatory support. Dr. John Stringham presented on the learning curve associated with robotic first rib resection.
Many of the presentations resulted in lively conversation between presenters and audience members, showcasing the passion for research held by many of our students and faculty. The Fourth Annual Rumel Symposium is scheduled for June 2023.