Research & Education
The Division of Surgical Sciences is a world leader in basic and clinical research.
Current studies include basic investigations into surgical treatments for Alzheimer's disease and diabetes, clinical studies of new minimally invasive heart procedures, and development of infection-resistant materials for catheters and other implantable devices, among others.
The work of division faculty promises to improve quality and length of life for the benefit of all humanity.
The following ongoing trials have received major funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
REMATCH: FDA Approval Provides New Options for Heart Failure Patients
In November 2002, the FDA approved use of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a permanent, "destination therapy" for heart failure patients ineligible for heart transplantation.
Approval was based on data from the landmark multicenter REMATCH study, (Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure), led by principal investigator Eric A. Rose, MD, Chief of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at Columbia University Medical Center.
REMATCH demonstrated that using LVADs in the care of these patients improved the length of their lives, and the quality of life, as compared with standard medical management.
The REMATCH trial "transforms decades of hopeful research into the development of man-made machines to support the failing heart into a successful long-term treatment," Dr. Rose said. REMATCH was ranked by the American Heart Association as the second most important cardiac research breakthrough in 2001.
Ventricular Function Study
The ventricular function study looks at the effects of open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease on left ventricular function.
NETT Study Tests LVRS
Columbia is participating in the multicenter NETT study (National Emphysema Treatment Trial), funded by NIH.
This is the first study to designed to determine the safety and efficacy of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in the treatment of emphysema.
Colorectal Cancer — Tumor Vaccine Study
Columbia is the only center in the New York area to participate in a study of the efficacy of a tumor vaccine in the management of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
A study in the molecular process of cellular damage and destruction as seen in Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
Liver Disease: Liver Transplantation and Hepatitis C
Columbia is participating in two multicenter trials funded by NIH to study liver disease:
- Adult to Adult Living Donor Liver Transplant Co-hort Study (A2ALL), a seven-year, multimillion dollar study whose purpose is to gather accurate data about living donor liver transplantation.
The goal is to be able to give potential donors solid information about the risks and benefits of this innovative procedure; and
- VIRAHEP-C (Viral Resistance to Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C), a study that is investigating racial differences in response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
This study is part of the NIH's long-term initiative to prevent and control hepatitis C across all demographic groups.
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