The Heart institute, in affiliation with UC San Diego, has made research a major focus, with a mission to conduct high-quality, patient-oriented research. UC San Diego is recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide and is among the top 10 institutions in the nation receiving research funding from the National Institutes of Health.
The Institute's research includes clinical trials, outcomes analysis and evaluation of clinical pathways. We also facilitate basic and translational research, and foster a culture of collaboration to ultimately improve care for those with congenital heart disease.
Our faculty and fellows are currently involved in over 60 ongoing research studies, which include clinical trials, to advance the understanding and application of pharmacological interventions, surgical procedures, electrophysiology procedures and transcatheter interventions in the treatment of children and adults with congenital heart defects.
Several physicians from the Heart Institute, in collaboration with the UCSD Bioengineering department, are investigating cardiovascular flow dynamics and ventricular mechanics. In addition, they are developing a web accessible database of congenital heart disease models.
The Heart Institute also participates in the following registry studies:
- Congenital Heart Surgeons Society's (CHSS) ongoing multi-institutional study of outcomes and practices.
- Improving pediatric and adult congenital treatment (IMPACT) registry.
- Pediatric Heart Network (PHN).
- Congenital cardiac catheterization outcomes (C3PO) -quality improvement registry.
- Pediatric Heart Transplant Study (PHTS) registry.
Our vision is to be a world renowned academic center committed to excellence and advancement in the field of congenital heart disease through innovative and cutting-edge research.