Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
Our collaborative research group studies perioperative ishemic neuronal injury. Our model is transient cerebral ischemia associated with carotid artery clamping in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Specifically, we are attempting to identify cellular markers of ischemic neuronal injury and to devise simple clinical maneuvers that may mitigate the effects of ischemia on the brain. Additionally, the group is interested in cognitive changes in patients undergoing CEA.
Another line of research interests focuses on hemodynamic derangements in patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. We are currently testing how minimally invasive hemodynamic monitors, that calculate cardiac index based on the arterial pressure waveform, compare to the accept standard, the pulmonary artery catheter.