My laboratory research interests are related to the creation, development, and application of mechanical devices for patients with advanced heart or lung failure. I have been involved in a project to engineer an implantable artificial lung capable of providing long term respiratory support for patients with advanced lung disease, ideally to serve as a bridge to heart transplantation. I am a co-investigator on a NIH funded bioengineering research partnership grant under the direction of Dr. Robert Bartlett. Our accomplishments have lead to a currently proposed multi-center clinical trial using extracorporeal circulation, termed Ambulatory Lung Assist, for decompensating patients currently awaiting lung transplantation. I have also initiated a research plan to develop a novel Ventricular Assist Device for the temporary support of patients in cardiogenic shock. The device, termed the BioVad, is being developed in conjunction with the local bioengineering firm Michigan Critical Care Consultants. I am also engaged in clinical research related to mechanical support of end stage heart failure and cardiogenic shock.

Selected publications:

1. Haft JW, Alnajjar O, Bull JL, Bartlett RH, Hirschl RB. Effect of compliance on right ventricular load and function during perfusion of a total artificial lung. ASAIO J 2005; 51:769-772.
2. Hemmila MR, Rowe SA, Boules TN, Miskulin J, McGillicuddy JW, Scheurer DJ, Haft JW, Swaniker F, Arbabi S, Hirschl RB, Bartlett RH. Extracorporeal life support for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults. Annals of Surgery 2004; 595-605.
3. Haft JW, Suzuki Y, Aaronson KD, Dyke DB, Wright S, Poirier V, Pagani FD. Identification of device malfunction in patients supported with the HeartMate XVE left ventricular assist system. ASAIO J 2007; 53:298-303.
4. Haft J, Armstrong W, Dyke DB, Aaronson KD, Koelling T, Farrar JD, Pagani FD. Comparison of hemodynamic and exercise performance between pulsatile and continuous flow left ventricular assist devices. Circulation 2007; 116 (11suppl):8-15.
5. Haft JW, Leventhal CR, Romano MA, Dyke DB, Pagani FD, Matthews JL. Short and Long Term Survival of Patients Transferred to a Tertiary Care Center on Temporary Extracorporeal Circulatory Support. Annals of Thoracic Surgery (In Press)