Center for Cardiovascular Innovation: Research & Project Management

The CCI’s research mission is to advance pediatric cardiac care through cutting-edge research studies and clinical trials. Overall, the CCI’s research aims to improve long-term outcomes by developing innovative treatments for pediatric heart diseases and conditions. By fostering research collaborations and project management agreements with leading experts in the field, the CCI remains at the forefront of pediatric cardiology. Our collaborative research and project management efforts thus benefit the scientific community as well as the many patients and families Lurie Children’s serves.  

Our areas of research include: 

• Congenital Heart Defects: We investigate the genetic and environmental factors which influence congenital heart defects such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), Ebstein’s anomaly, single ventricle, and tricuspid atresia.
• Heart Failure: We develop novel therapies to improve outcomes for children with heart failure.
• Arrythmias: We research pediatric heart electrical abnormalities for better arrhythmia management.
• Cardiac Imaging: We advance diagnostic techniques to enhance precision and accuracy in pediatric cardiac imaging.
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: We study new treatments to improve heart muscle health in those with duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
• Stem Cell Therapy: We pioneer stem cell interventions to treat congenital heart diseases.
• Genetics: We employ genetic tests to identify heart conditions, guide treatment decisions, and personalize interventions.
• Ventricular Assist Devices: We innovate ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation and use for transplantation, recovery, and decision management processes; we also participate in multiple VAD registries.
• Investigational Heart Valves: We trial novel valves which better regulate blood flow within the heart.
• Exercise Physiology and Testing: We implement cardiopulmonary exercise programs which enhance cardiovascular health and overall quality of life.
• Fetal Cardiac Intervention: We spearhead cutting-edge fetal cardiac interventions for the most serious congenital heart diseases. 
• Registries and Biorepositories: We participate in numerous registries and biorepositories which collect data to help progress cardiology research.
• Health Outcomes: We establish programs that promote optimal cardiovascular health and well-being for children and adolescents.
• Preventative Cardiology: We identify early risk factors and execute strategies to prevent heart disease in children and adolescents, including promoting healthy lifestyles and managing obesity.
• And Many Others: We possess expertise in numerous other cardiological areas not listed here; please reach out to us for more information on what we research. 

For a list of active clinical trials: 

View Active Clinical Trials

Better understand how clinical trials may offer new treatments: 

Learn More About Participating in Clinical Trials