Research Matters
Evolutions in heart care research
Researchers first to do imaging evaluation in a beating heart
Live fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray imaging) is standard during the implantation of pacemakers. A new approach is to use fluoroscopic views of the heart anatomy obtained before the implant ("virtual fluoroscopy"). Aurora researchers evaluated the results of an experimental study designed to test the success of implanting pacemaker wires using virtual fluoroscopy and compared it to a traditional implant procedure. To the researchers' knowledge, this is the first evaluation of this type of system in a beating heart. The procedure was found to be effective, so it may have clinical application in the future. Jasbir S. Sra, M.D., led the research.
Aurora Scientific Day highlights stellar research projects
The Rieselbach Distinguished Paper presentation by Tanvir Bajwa, M.D., on the "Impact of 24 X 7 in-hospital
interventional cardiologists" was a highlight of this year's Scientific Day, held May 28. Dr. Bajwa's paper discussed the implementation of a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week, in-house
interventional cardiologist and cardiac catheterization laboratory program at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. The program significantly reduced door-to-balloon (angioplasty) time and
reduced in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. Several researchers were honored and an array of research projects in addition to Dr. Bajwa's were shared at this
year's event. Dr. Dennis Baumgardner, the director of research for the Aurora UW Medical Group and the chair of the Scientific Day Committee, led the event
Study examines use of atrial band in cardiac surgery
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center is one of five research sites nationwide to participate in a research study of a cardiac surgical device that places a band around the left atrial appendage of the heart. Aurora was recruited as a trial site because of its successful participation in prior trials with the funding firm, the Medtronic medical device company. The technique/device being studied is seeking to reduce or avoid the collection of blood clots in the left atrial appendage. Blood clots have the potential to be released into the bloodstream and lead to stroke. The principal investigator is David Kress, M.D.
