Research

Research: (ri-‘sәrch: vt, 1593) 1: to search or investigate exhaustively <~ a problem> ~ 2:  to do research for <~ a book>. To the preceding definitions from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, I would add the simple definition, "to answer a question."

It could be a conference call involving investigators from several institutions across the nation discussing the risks/benefits of continuing a study. Or it could be a small group of individuals discussing the paradoxical findings of recent experiments at a weekly lab meeting. Or it could simply be a late-night PubMed search, trying to uncover treatment options for a patient. It is all research.

Research is the cornerstone of progress in all fields. Congenital heart surgery is no exception. This section is devoted to highlighting some of these research efforts in congenital heart surgery. The content could and will likely evolve over time, just like research! But as a first attempt, the subject areas have been divided into four subsections:" In the News," "Spotlight," "Trials," and "Funding."

"In the News" is aimed at providing a glimpse at selected recent findings that have been reported in the literature or scientific media. "Spotlight" serves to highlight the works or efforts of congenital heart surgeons or other colleagues involved in research, to provide readers with insight into the background of the individuals and how they became interested in research and in congenital heart surgery. Also addressed would be challenges they have had to face in carrying out their research, with perhaps some advice for trainees interested in academic pediatric cardiac surgery. Finally, this section may provide an opportunity for those trainees seeking research experience to become acquainted with potential opportunities. For this first edition of CTSNet Congenital Heart Portal Research, we have chosen to interview Michael E. Mitchell, MD, from Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Mitchell is the author of an excellent recent review on potential molecular mechanisms of congenital heart diseases [1].

"Trials" serves to highlight some of the important pre-clinical or clinical trials being carried out in congenital heart surgery. For this edition of the CTSNet Congenital Heart Portal Research, we have chosen to highlight the ongoing Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) trial. Dr. Rick Ohye, the principal investigator of this study, provides us with an update on this timely and highly important study. In this section, we will try to continue to update the results of the discussed trials as they become available.

Finally, the "Funding" section is meant to serve as simply an added source of information for potential funding opportunities, with emphasis on extramural resources that may not be as well publicized as the NIH. In view of the difficult NIH funding environment, particularly for surgeon-scientists, these alternative funding opportunities may provide critical and much-needed support. For this inaugural report, we have highlighted the Thrasher Research Foundation.

Certainly for those of us involved in compiling and editing this section this will be a learning experience and we will be "researching" perhaps other venues to more effectively serve the community of congenital surgeons. For this reason, those of you who may have suggestions or thoughts as to how this section could better serve your needs, please feel free to contact me at pirooz.eghtesady@cchmc.org.

References

1. Mitchell ME, Sander TL, Klinkner DB, Tomita-Mitchell A. The molecular basis of congenital heart disease. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2007;19:228-237.

Publication Date: 11-Apr-2008
Last Modified: 17-Mar-2010