Cardiothoracic: Research
We aim to have a depth of multidisciplinary programs within the University of Michigan across departments and schools. For example, we are investigating the test characteristics and cost effectiveness of both diagnostic and screening coronary CT angiography in a multidisciplinary program with our Cardiovascular Medicine colleagues.
Collaborative research programs with the Basic Sciences Division of the Radiology Department include the evaluation of computer-aided diagnosis for lung nodule detection and characterization on CT, pulmonary embolism and coronary artery disease. Members of the division participate in training grants held by Pulmonary Medicine and Vascular Surgery.
We participate in many major multicenter trials that involve cardiothoracic imaging. Currently, we are a site for:
- the ACRIN arm of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST)
- PIOPED III for the evaluation of MR angiography in suspected venous thombolembolic disease
- the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) and the Image Database Resource Initiative (IDRI) funded by the NCI
- the Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) for Interstitial Lung Disease, funded by NHLBI
- the Specialized Centers of Clinically Oriented Research (SCCOR) in Translational Research in Acute Lung Injury funded by the NHLBI
- the Lung Tissue Research Consortium (LTRC) funded by the NHLBI
- the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) funded by NHTSA
- SPARC trial of cardiac CT and SPECT in the evaluation of coronary artery disease
Resources available through the Department of Radiology’s Associate Chair for Research include a team of research associates, seed money for pilot studies, personnel to assist in identifying funding sources and preparing grant applications, as well as support for attending grant preparation workshops.
The Department of Radiology supports the Consortium for Health Outcomes, Innovation and Cost-Effectiveness Studies (CHOICES) in the Medical Center, for assistance in with research design, data management and performing statistical analysis.
Through Taubman Medical Library, UM-MEDSEARCH and PubMed with UM electronic journal links allow online access to medline, and electronic journal subscriptions from PCs throughout the medical center and at home, with password access, to facilitate research.
