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OUR RESEARCH
Clinical pharmacology
Our clinical pharmacology studies are focused on understanding the biological mechanisms of anesthetics currently in use and on assessing the safety and efficacy of investigational anesthetics. In a recent study, we evaluated dexmedetomidine, a new sedative for use in various neurosurgical procedures, including craniotomy for brain-tumor resection, functional neurosurgery, and cervical fusion. This research has led to changes in clinical practice and improved outcomes.
Postoperative pain control
One of the primary goals of postoperative patient care is the relief of surgical pain with minimal side effects. Opioid analgesics are traditional first-line treatments. However, they often lead to such side effects as sedation, confusion, nausea, respiratory depression, and constipation, any of which can lead to severe complications and unnecessary testing. The goal of our research is to develop new strategies to decrease postoperative pain. We are currently conducting clinical trials of new classes of analgesics in patients undergoing neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures.
Computer simulation of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular systems
Our group has developed computer models that simulate how various medications interact physiologically with the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. Such studies have the potential of suggesting optimal drug therapies. For example, these models are being used to examine the effects of various stimuli (eg, opening the skull during neurosurgery) during anesthesia on intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow, and to examine the effects of cardiotropic drugs (drugs that act on the heart) on the energetics (energy consumption) of the circulatory system and heart muscle.
Recovery of cognitive function after surgical procedures
Postoperative confusion is a common and significant complication after neurosurgical procedures, especially in the elderly. Our results indicate that recently introduced intravenous anesthetic remifentanil shortens the recovery time compared to more traditional inhalational agents in geriatric patients undergoing laminectomy (removal of the posterior arch of a vertebra). At present, we are comparing emergence characteristics and recovery profile of patients after craniotomy anesthetized with different anesthetic techniques.
Perioperative neurophysiology
These studies are investigating the effects of perioperative physiological stressors (such as decreased delivery of oxygen to the brain) and anesthetics on the central nervous system (CNS). Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a common complication after cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, especially in the elderly. However, the mechanisms behind CNS dysfunction after surgery anesthesia are poorly understood. Moreover, currently there are no preventive therapies or treatments for this condition.
Our clinical pharmacology studies are focused on understanding the biological mechanisms of anesthetics currently in use and on assessing the safety and efficacy of investigational anesthetics. In a recent study, we evaluated dexmedetomidine, a new sedative for use in various neurosurgical procedures, including craniotomy for brain-tumor resection, functional neurosurgery, and cervical fusion. This research has led to changes in clinical practice and improved outcomes.
Postoperative pain control
One of the primary goals of postoperative patient care is the relief of surgical pain with minimal side effects. Opioid analgesics are traditional first-line treatments. However, they often lead to such side effects as sedation, confusion, nausea, respiratory depression, and constipation, any of which can lead to severe complications and unnecessary testing. The goal of our research is to develop new strategies to decrease postoperative pain. We are currently conducting clinical trials of new classes of analgesics in patients undergoing neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures.
Computer simulation of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular systems
Our group has developed computer models that simulate how various medications interact physiologically with the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. Such studies have the potential of suggesting optimal drug therapies. For example, these models are being used to examine the effects of various stimuli (eg, opening the skull during neurosurgery) during anesthesia on intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow, and to examine the effects of cardiotropic drugs (drugs that act on the heart) on the energetics (energy consumption) of the circulatory system and heart muscle.
Recovery of cognitive function after surgical procedures
Postoperative confusion is a common and significant complication after neurosurgical procedures, especially in the elderly. Our results indicate that recently introduced intravenous anesthetic remifentanil shortens the recovery time compared to more traditional inhalational agents in geriatric patients undergoing laminectomy (removal of the posterior arch of a vertebra). At present, we are comparing emergence characteristics and recovery profile of patients after craniotomy anesthetized with different anesthetic techniques.
Perioperative neurophysiology
These studies are investigating the effects of perioperative physiological stressors (such as decreased delivery of oxygen to the brain) and anesthetics on the central nervous system (CNS). Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a common complication after cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, especially in the elderly. However, the mechanisms behind CNS dysfunction after surgery anesthesia are poorly understood. Moreover, currently there are no preventive therapies or treatments for this condition.
FOUNDATION FOR
PERIOPERATIVE RESEARCH & EDUCATION
PERIOPERATIVE RESEARCH & EDUCATION