Established in the early 90’s, our laboratory has been focused on the pathophysiological development of congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF Now affects over 30 million people in the US and has the potential to reach epidemic proportions. Dr. Joseph and Robert Gorman are

nationally recognized for their contributions to our current understanding of CHF at the mechanical, cellular, biochemical and molecular level. Our laboratory has previously established an animal models for CHF in large (sheep) and small animals (rabbits) that are reproducible, reliable and most importantly clinically relevant.

Our animal models are now referenced and utilized as benchmarks in the field of CHF research. The tremendous reproducibility offered by our models has allowed us to investigate and establish the pathophysiological process of post-infarction ventricular remodeling– now recognized as the crux in the development of CHF. In addition, the broad based expertise of our lab members allows cross-fertilization of ideas amongst cardiologists, surgeons, radiologists,, physiologists, engineers and molecular biologists. The result has been extensive and varied contributions to the literature that encompass a more global understanding of this pathological process. We have further enhanced our understanding by developing and utilizing advanced non-invasive diagnostic tools such as 3D echocardiography and also MRI based regional wall motion abnormalities–these laboratory techniques not only enhance our research effort but also hold tremendous clinical promise in their own right.

Our laboratory has also been the leader in understanding the contribution of mitral regurgitation in the development of CHF. Not surprisingly, in addition to our own NIH and nationally funded ongoing studies, our laboratory is actively sought out by manufacturers and research sponsors to help design and test therapies (such as stem cell transplantation) and as well as devices and procedures (such as novel annuloplasty ring designs, and percutaneous approaches to mitral valve repair). Our knowledge and expertise of CHF continues to develop, allowing us to design and carry out even more sophisticated investigations directed now at preventing or reversing this pathological process.