Research

Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Extracorporeal Circulation Research Laboratory

This laboratory is a collaborative program directed by Drs. Bartlett, Hirschl, and Shanley. The laboratory focuses on cardiac and pulmonary physiology, pulmonary pathophysiology, and bioengineering specific to extracorporeal circulation and related devices. Facilities are available for small and large animal physiology studies including acute and sterile operating rooms along with support for a variety of whole animal and biomedical engineering studies. The laboratory serves as the primary research facility for the extracorporeal life support clinical program offering research opportunities to surgical residents, medical students and research fellows. In addition, the laboratory is associated with the University of Michigan Bioengineering Program, with research participation of graduate students. Undergraduate participation is available through the student research opportunities in surgery program within the college of Literature, Science and the Arts.

Current research being conducted in the “ECMO Lab”

Implantable Lung: The artificial lung is for temporarily implantation into patients to assist with carbon dioxide removal and oxygenation. The ECMO lab has been working on this device for many years. Lab studies are examining the effects of the artificial implantable lung on heart function and have completed a 7-day laboratory testing of the MC3 Biolung®. The next phase will be to perform 30 day tests in hopes of moving these devices into a clinical setting.

Total Liquid Ventilation: Perflubron is a clear, colorless, odorless substance. This liquid is an extremely efficient carrier of oxygen and carbon dioxide. PFC’s (perflurocarbons) have the consistency and appearance of water but are considerably denser. The University of Michigan Health System used perflubron for a period of time in clinical research setting in the mid 1990’s. At that time Partial Liquid Ventilation was being used. There is now a proposal for studying the usefulness of Total Liquid Ventilation in patients. Currently the ECMO lab is examining ventilator settings that provide the ideal fluid mechanics and gas exchange in the natural lungs. The lab is also working to develop a pediatric total liquid ventilator and gas exchanger. In the clinical setting, a study will soon begin (2006) trialing perflubron in neonates with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias.

Biocompatible Materials: The ECMO lab is working on nitric oxide (NO) releasing polymers that inhibit platelet activation. The hope is to develop NO extruding plastic tubing for use with all extracorporeal circuits. Benefits of such tubing would be monumental in reducing or eliminating the need for systemic anticoagulation when patients are on extracorporeal circuits, as well as reducing the consumption of platelets as is often observed when patients are on ECMO support.

Transplantation Research: The ECMO lab is examining the use of ECMO to improve the function of donor organs prior to transplantation, and looking for factors in blood that influence donor organ function.

Location/Contact

Kresge R7679A/Box 0522

Facilities and office are located on the 7th floor, the bioengineering lab and fellows office are located on the 5th floor of Kresge I.

Dr. Bartlett, Dr. Hirschl, Dr. Shanley, and/or Kim Shaffer, Research Secretary, 734-763-9007.