Cardiovascular Research
A state-of-the-art research institute in the heart of downtown Louisville
The Cardiovascular Innovation Institute (CII) drives medical technology advancement and economic growth by solving clinical challenges in heart and vascular health. Focusing primarily on heart muscle treatments, the institute's research extends to broader vascular system conditions like peripheral artery disease, diabetes and inflammation. Its integrated structure and comprehensive approach make it a valuable partner for scientists and collaborators worldwide, including researchers in the University of Louisville's Health Sciences Center and engineering programs.
Program highlights
- Developing treatments to reconstitute blood vessels
- Using high resolution ultrasound to measure heart structure
- Design, development and testing of artificial organ systems
- Using nanotechnology and bio-mimicking for new biomaterials
- Developing therapeutic methods and diagnostic capabilities
- Creating new products from discovery to market release
Program overview
Our areas of expertise include:
- Pre-clinical development and testing of mechanical circulatory support devices
- Large animal model development and characterization
- Static and dynamic mock circulatory loops
- Human cadaver models
- Hemodynamic and hemocompatibility instrumentation and analyses
- Writing (study protocols, SOPs, abstracts, manuscripts and grants)
- Educating future engineers, clinicians and scientists
- Developing innovative wet labs for hands-on education and training
- Engaging and inspiring the community through STEM outreach
Notable accomplishments of the advanced heart failure research program
$55.4M
in funding
95
Grants & contracts
24
NIH SBIR grants
Other accomplishments of note:
- 586 large animal studies
- 379 manuscripts
- 15 cardiovascular devices advanced into clinical use
- 34 patents and invention disclosures
- 392 invited presentations
- 109 trainees
- 123 educational wet labs
- 9,990 participants in our Heartwheels! STEM mobile outreach program
Contacts
Please reach out to any of the people listed below with questions regarding our research programs.
Mark S. Slaughter, M.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Gretel Monreal, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Steven C. Koenig, Ph.D.
Professor
Bioengineering / Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery