Our research focuses on finding answers that change how we care for children with heart conditions. Everything we do brings us closer to better treatments and brighter futures for kids.
 

Focus Areas

Our team concentrates research efforts within these key focus areas:

Finding Root Causes: Understanding Congenital Heart Disease

We're studying how genetic and environmental factors influence heart development. By understanding these connections, one day we may identify and prevent certain heart conditions before they develop. Our team works with families to understand patterns and risk factors that could lead to better screening and earlier interventions.

Measuring Success: Surgical Database & Outcomes Research

We participate in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Databases and help develop new guidelines for congenital heart surgery from infancy through adulthood. By analyzing outcomes across thousands of patients, we're refining surgical approaches to reduce risks and improve recovery for every child.

Measuring Success: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Registry & Outcomes Research

We provide innovative, minimally invasive treatments for patients with heart disease, from infancy through adulthood. We participate in the multi-institutional IMPACT Registry® to support the development of evidence-based guidelines and guide quality improvement. By analyzing outcomes across thousands of patients, we're refining and developing our approaches in the catheterization laboratory to reduce risks and improve health for every child. 

Going Beyond the Operating Room: Critical Care Excellence

Through our work with the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4), we're enhancing how we care for children in the hours and days after heart procedures. This collaboration helps us understand which intensive care practices lead to the best outcomes, allowing us to continuously improve our approach.

Uncovering Hidden Patterns: AI & Big Data Solutions

In partnership with UCF's Division of Artificial Intelligence, we're using advanced computing to analyze large datasets and uncover patterns in rare diseases that might otherwise remain hidden. These tools help us spot connections that can lead to breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.

Seeing Inside the Heart: Advanced Imaging & 3D Models

Our 3D modeling program turns complex heart scans into physical models that surgeons can hold and examine before ever making an incision. This technology allows for more precise surgical planning and gives families a clearer understanding of their child’s condition.

Comfort & Healing: Reducing Pain After Heart Surgery

We're pioneering approaches to manage post-surgical pain while reducing reliance on opioids. By identifying risk factors early and integrating alternative pain management techniques, we're helping children recover more comfortably with fewer side effects.