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The Cardiopulmonary Physiology And Mechanical Support (CPAMS) Research Group investigates how the heart and lungs work together in critically ill patients, particularly when supported by mechanical devices like heart-lung machines (ECMO) or heart pumps (Impella). We develop new ways to monitor patients' circulation and create computer models to test and identify new treatment strategies. Our goal is to understand better how critical illness impacts key cardiorespiratory functions and explore when and how to use potential life-support devices, making them safer and more effective for patients. By combining laboratory experiments, animal studies, and computer simulations with clinical research, we translate scientific discoveries into practical improvements in patient care.

The CPAMS Research Group focuses on cardiovascular dynamics and cardiopulmonary interactions in critical illness, particularly on mechanical circulatory support. Our research encompasses the following main areas:

1. Investigating heart-lung interactions during mechanical support, studying right ventricular-pulmonary vascular coupling and venous return physiology.
2. Developing and validating new strategies to optimize heart and lung function as an integrated unit, particularly during mechanical ventilation and circulatory support.
3. Exploring novel monitoring approaches and therapeutic targets for mechanical circulatory support, including VA-ECMO, VV-ECMO, and Impella devices.
4. Creation of computational models for cardiovascular dynamics, validated through experimental and clinical data.

We employ a comprehensive translational approach, combining in vitro experiments, in vivo, animal studies and clinical research expanded with targeted in silico models. These models may then serve as platforms for testing new therapeutic strategies and monitoring approaches before clinical implementation.

The CPAMS Research Group builds on over a decade of previous work in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and mechanical circulatory support. Our unique expertise combines physiological understanding with technical innovation:

Established Research Foundation:

• Foundational work in understanding venous return and heart-lung interactions during mechanical ventilation
• Development and validation of novel monitoring approaches during ECMO therapy
• Extensive experience in translational research from bench to bedside
• Expertise in large animal studies focused on cardiopulmonary interactions
• Development of innovative measurement techniques for cardiac output during mechanical support

Technical Infrastructure:

• Advanced cardiovascular monitoring laboratory
• Large animal research with full ECMO and mechanical ventilation capabilities
• In vitro circulation simulation setup
• Computational modeling platform for cardiovascular dynamics
• Access to clinical research facilities at University Hospital Basel

Strategic Collaborations

• Integration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering
• Close collaboration with the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Basel
• International research network
• Industry partnerships for sensor development and monitoring technologies

Methodological Expertise

• Advanced hemodynamic monitoring techniques including PV-Loop analysis
• Large animal experimental models
• In vitro circulation modeling
• Computational simulation of cardiovascular dynamics
• Signal processing and data analysis

Current Research Programs:

• Development of novel monitoring approaches for mechanical circulatory support
• Investigation of interventricular cross-talk and right ventricular-pulmonary vascular coupling during mechanical support
• Optimization of ECMO weaning strategies through improved monitoring and physiological modeling
• Creation of predictive models for cardiovascular collapse

Our combination of clinical expertise, research infrastructure, and methodological knowledge positions our group to advance the field of critical care cardiorespiratory medicine and mechanical circulatory support. Our integrated approach, from basic science to clinical application, allows us to acquire the required funding and translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care rapidly