The Objectives:

• Test and enhance industry-created, existing heart assist devices by taking them through testing and FDA approval to early-phase clinical trials for the rapid transfer from concept to clinic, from bench to bedside
• Integrate micro-and nano-technology (microscopic oxygen and pressure sensors) into heart assist devices to optimize their physiological performance as truly bio-adaptive heart innovations
• Train surgical teams from around the world to gain the required expertise to implant various mechanical hearts and bio-adaptive heart assist devices
• Generate preliminary data needed to compete for grants and contracts from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other funding sources
• Develop the Institute’s own prototype bio-adaptive heart innovations, biofeedback sensors, and product enhancements
• Work with industry and start-up companies throughout the entire product development and testing cycle, with an eye on developing Louisville-based enterprises.
• Develop a core competency in translating the data gathered by biofeedback sensors into useful information for adapting the performance of devices and for assisting patients and physicians to better manage patient care and to improve quality of life