Cardiothoracic Surgery research
The Cardiothoracic Unit performs a full range of adult cardiac and thoracic surgery including minimally invasive valve operations, off-pump surgery and aortic surgery, as well as providing state heart and lung transplant services.
About our research
The transplant program is supported by the mechanical assist device program, which involves 20-30 Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implants per year as well as supporting a busy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program.
The main areas of research for the department centre around improving outcomes in transplantation, particularly donor organ optimisation and preservation as well as innovations in cardiothoracic surgery, including sutureless valves, bidirectional ECMO cannulae and new generation VADs.
The Cardiothoracic Unit also supports a busy trauma service at The Alfred and continues rib fixation research for severe chest wall injuries.
Our team
Prof David McGiffin - Head of Research
Dr Christina Kure - Research Manager
Ms Rong Shen - Research Nurse
Mrs Robyn Summerhayes - Research Assistant
