The Extracorporeal Circulation Laboratory

The ECC laboratory in the Department of Surgery has been training academic surgeons for more than 25 years. More than 60 surgeons have worked in the laboratory, most of whom are in major academic centers including Drs. Hirschl, Gauger, Hemmila, Soldes, Haft and Hirsh. The lab team includes surgical research fellows from around the country and around the world.

Faculty supervising the lab are Drs. Bartlett, Hirschl, Haft, Annich, Micheliska and bioengineer Keith Cook. There are many research projects underway in the laboratory all related to the physiology, pathophysiology, bioengineering and treatment of cardiac and pulmonary failure. The specific projects currently underway include:

• Development of a nonthrombogenic surface for artificial organs
• The development of an implantable artificial lung
• Development of liquid fluorocarbon ventilation

Evaluation of devices and techniques for prolonged life support in acute cardiac pulmonary failure:

• The mechanism of blood damage during cardiopulmonary bypass
• The use of extracorporeal circulation to resuscitate organs for donation and transplant
• Development of an artificial placenta for prematurity
• Organ culture

Residents can combine laboratory and clinical aspects of these projects. Laboratory experience can range from one to several years. The laboratory has been continuously funded by NIH since 1971, and the experience includes grant writing, grant administration and learning the details of NIH and other funding institutions.

The ECC laboratory has been an excellent training ground for residents planning careers in academic critical care, trauma, pediatric surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. For further information please visit the laboratory (currently on the 7th level of Kresge, moving to MSRB II level B). Contact Dr. June Reoma, UM resident currently in the lab or any of the faculty investigators.

Robert H. Bartlett, M.D.    Ronald B. Hirschl, M.D.