New Ways to Mend Hearts

Helping the body repair itself, known as regenerative medicine, is a rapidly developing field that holds promise for cardiovascular patients when conventional therapies are not working. As opposed to medication or surgical remedies, regenerative medicine utilizes gene therapy or autologous stem cell therapy to promote tissue repair and regenerate and replenish new tissue growth. Douglas W. Losordo, MD, an internationally known leader in the field, explores this potential through clinical research trials for participants with advanced forms of cardiovascular disease. "Our understanding of regeneration is growing at an amazing pace," says Dr. Losordo. "With this understanding comes the possibility of saving lives and improving the quality of life for our patients."

Dr. Losordo, who brings years of experience in basic and clinical research to Northwestern and the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, discusses how collaboration aids his research in this video.
Photograph
In an early-stage clinical trial, 167 patients with severe heart disease were injected with stem cells. After one year, the transplant subjects experienced increased levels of activity and reduced chest pain.
Photograph
"When they told me about the therapy, my eyes lit up," says Jim Koleno, 68. After two open heart surgeries, he enrolled as a participant in one of Dr. Losordo's clinical trials. "I'm very fortunate and so thankful to be chosen because I had no other options."

Small Test, Huge Potential

In the laboratory of C. Shad Thaxton, MD, PhD, innovative techniques and materials allow researchers to break new ground in the fight against prostate cancer. In 2009, Dr. Thaxton, Chad Mirkin, PhD, and their McCormick School of Engineering colleagues announced the creation of a new nanotechnology-based diagnostic test 300 times more sensitive than anything previously available for prostate cancer, the second leading cause of male cancer death in the United States. These scientists are currently conducting a retrospective study of more than 400 patients to validate their discovery, potentially leading to a large prospective study. Findings may help physicians diagnose patients with prostate cancer recurrence years earlier than is possible today. Learn more about Dr. Thaxton's work here.

Photograph
Honored by Bioscience Technology as Researcher of the Year, Dr. Thaxton was a 2009 recipient of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Physician-Scientist Award and named one of the world’s top innovators under 35 by MIT’s Technology Review.
Photograph
"Nanotechnology may someday be applied to a number of conditions, like ovarian and pancreatic cancer, where early detection could enable substantial improvements in treatment and survival," says Dr. Thaxton.
"Determining the disease at hand as early as possible is crucial to positive outcomes for patients," says Dr. Thaxton. He talks about his groundbreaking research in this video.

Hands-on Learning

Many methods of teaching and learning exist in the academic medical center environment, but hands-on experience – coupled with expert feedback – is critical to applying information and techniques to patient care in a reliable and consistent manner. Using state-of-the-art devices called simulators, which are computerized and often anatomically correct figures with organs and moving parts, medical students and residents gain skills and confidence by responding to real-life scenarios in a controlled environment. These invaluable experiences help them gain competency in a setting that reinforces knowledge, increases uniformity of care and improves outcomes.

Photograph
Studies show that simulation training reinforces quality of care practices by reducing medication errors, bloodstream infections and safety issues. Northwestern develops unique devices and techniques to expand these learning experiences.
Photograph
Successful simulation relies on deliberate practice and expert feedback. While medical residents respond to realistic scenarios, teachers work from a control room, using computerized technology to manage the drill, observe and evaluate student performance.
Cynthia Galvan, MD, a fourth-year resident in Emergency Medicine, talks about the value of simulation training in this video.
Click here to read about how Northwestern Medicine develops people, culture and resources.

Our Shared Goals:

Deliver Exceptional Care

Advance Medical Science and Knowledge

New Ways to Mend Hearts

Small Test, Huge Potential

Hands-on Learning

Develop People, Culture and Resources

 

Back to Homepage

Advance Medical Science and Knowledge

At Northwestern Medicine, we are creating partnerships among many disciplines to increase the possibility of breakthrough research that can translate to improved care and new hope for patients everywhere. We also recognize our role in providing a comprehensive and contemporary learning experience for medical students as well as the responsibility we accept to train the next generation of physicians and scientists who will become tomorrow’s leaders in their chosen fields.