Henry Michael Spotnitz, M.D.
Columbia University

Myocardial Protection and Support in Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease
Amount Awarded: 2006 - $96,938

Dr. Spotnitz and colleagues are proposing research to understand the development of ventricular stiffness in patients with single ventricle. Techniques from the past will be used to measure stiffness during the Fontan operation to compare stiffness during the Norwood, Glenn and Fontan operations. They will also use a special echocardiography technique to measure the thickness and mass of the ventricle, because water retention in the ventricle can cause stiffness, and water retention increases mass and thickness. Ventricular stiffness will also be measured by techniques that do not require surgery. If it is known that a ventricle is stiff before surgery is started, treatments may be used to reduce stiffness or special management techniques can be planned during surgery.

Ventricular stiffness will be measured before, during and after the three stages of surgery for single ventricle. By comparing the results at the three stages and by relating stiffness to the results of surgery, Dr. Spotnitz and colleagues hope to develop a plan for a clinical trial that will improve the results of surgery for all blue babies with single ventricle. The results of these studies, by improving understanding of how these operations affect the heart, could improve the results of surgery for all babies with congenital heart defects.