91´óÉñ Cardiac, Center for Research & Innovation
- About Us
- Our Research
- Research Impact
Cardiovascular Research That Changes Children’s Lives
The 91´óÉñ Cardiac, Center for Research & Innovation in Delaware Valley leads groundbreaking research to solve the most pressing challenges in children's heart health. With more than 20 investigators and $1 million in annual research funding, we are advancing how doctors detect, treat, and prevent pediatric heart disease.
From studying heart development before birth to creating better treatments for adolescents, our research spans the formative years of a child’s life and covers a wide spectrum of heart care, from congenital to acquired.ÌýWe're particularly known for our innovative management solutions of complex conditions like aortic valve abnormalities and single ventricle heart disease. We are internationally recognized for our commitment to making advanced heart care accessible across the life span, and our expertise in preventive heart care.
We partner with leading hospitals, research centers, and primary care physicians nationwide to improve children's heart health. Our work spans making heart surgery safer, detecting heart conditions, treating high blood pressure and cholesterol in youth, addressing inherited disorders, supporting families with babies with heart conditions, and providing neurodevelopmental resources. We implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance hypertension management and lipid screening, preventing early cardiovascular disease and translating discoveries into better care for kids.
Our research program is also active in training the next generation of researchers. We offer pilot grant funding and mentorship to early stage investigators, within our center and in partnership with internal funding and research mentorship programs within the Delaware Valley.Ìý
Leading in Pediatric Cardiovascular Research: By the Numbers
Our vision is to be a leading hub for transformation in cardiovascular research and innovative solutions. Our work, spanning congenital heart surgery, cardiovascular genetics, preventive cardiology, perinatal cardiovascular care and psychosocial interventions, solidifies our place as a pediatric leader.
$1 million+
Annual research funding for cardiac research
70+
Research articles published in medical journals each year
60+
Posters and presentations at scientific sessions annually
20+
Investigators conducting research in our CenterÌý
We’reÌýleaders and collaborators on national scientific statements and guidelinesÌýin the field of maternal-child cardiovascular health and acquired and congenital cardiology, helping to improve the standard of care.
WithÌýfunding from industry partners, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other agencies, we conduct high-impact research that makes a difference in the lives of children.
We rapidly moveÌýnew understandings of pediatric and congenital cardiovascular diseaseÌýinto clinical practice and commercial applications.
Our extensive network of partnerships meansÌýwe’re actively translating discoveriesÌýinto improved clinical care.Ìý
Our Leadership
Carissa M. Baker Smith MD, MPH, MSÌý
Director of Research
Director of Pediatric Preventive Cardiology Program
Senior Research ScientistÌý
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical CollegeÌýÌý
Carol J. Prospero, CCRC
Research Program Manager
Research Team
-
Claude Anthony Beaty Jr., MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Site Director, Temple Thoracic Residency Program, Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Mark Joseph Cartoski, MD
Cardiologist Assistant Professor at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Sean Daniel Connolly, DO
Cardiology Associate Program Director, Pediatric Cardiology FellowshipPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Christopher D. Derby, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery Surgical Director Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Mechanical Circulatory SupportPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Colin Blair Meyer-Macaulay, MD
Cardiac Critical Care -
Bradley W. Robinson, MD
Cardiologist Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Aryaz Sheybani, MD
Cardiology Medical Director, Heart Transplant ProgramPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Shubhika Srivastava, MD
Chief of Cardiology Professor of Pediatrics — Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Inga Friederike Strelow, MD
Cardiac Critical Care -
Deepika Thacker, MD
Cardiologist Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Takeshi Tsuda, MD
Physician Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Abbas Haider Zaidi, MD
Cardiologist Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE
Join Us
Research Excellence in Cardiac Surgery & Cardiology
Our researchers investigate all aspects of cardiovascular health in children. Though our research is broad and exploratory, our efforts have coalesced around some key focus areas and themes.Ìý
Getting Heart Surgery Right: Congenital Heart Surgery & Outcomes
We study outcomes and recovery after heart surgery. By tracking how children do after certain types of surgery and sharing what we learn with other hospitals, we're helping doctors choose the best surgical options for each child. This can mean better outcomes and healthier lives for kids who need heart surgery.
Seeing Inside Little Hearts: Cardiac Imaging
We're researching ways to make heart imaging better and clearer. This research helps doctors identify risk factors and find heart problems sooner, for more accurate treatments. We work with other hospitals in collaborative groups, like the Fetal Heart Society, and conduct industry sponsored projects to keep improving cardiac imaging for kids.
Helping Hearts Before Birth: Fetal & Perinatal Cardiology
We're working to find heart problems earlierÌý—Ìýeven before babies are born. This helps families and doctors prepare better and start treatment as soon as possible, giving babies the best chance at a healthy start in life.
Supporting Hearts and Minds: Developmental & Emotional Health
We know that heart conditions affect more than just the heart. They impact a child's development and emotional well-being too. We help families prepare for having a baby with a heart condition and potential neurodevelopmental complications they may face. We also study how to support children with both heart conditions and developmental needs, like those with Down Syndrome.
Preventing Heart Problems: Preventive Cardiology
We're researching ways to stop heart problems before they start by focusing on risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. We are leading studies to improve how we detect and diagnose high blood pressure in young people. Using large, national data sets, we’re answering important questions about cardiovascular health in youth. Recently, we were one of two sites in the country offering a new treatment for a rare form of high cholesterol.
Tracking Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Impact: Cardiovascular Complications
We're part of a nationwide team studying how MIS-C complications impact children's hearts. By following the health of many children over time, we're discovering the best ways to protect kids' hearts from MIS-C complications and treat any heart-related problems that might develop.Ìý
Understanding Heart Genes: Cardiovascular Genetics
We study how genes affect heart conditions, which helps us understand why some children are born with heart problems and how we can better treat them. This research helps doctors predict potential heart issues and plan the best treatments.
Making Heart Care Better for Everyone: Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease
We look at how a child's neighborhood and family situation affect their heart health care. We're finding ways to make sure every child gets excellent heart care, no matter what.
Making Heart Care Safer & Smoother: Quality Improvement
By working with other hospitals through groups like the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative and others, we learn and share the best ways to do heart tests and treatments. We've also created better ways to help families when it's time to go home from the hospital, making sure they have everything they need to keep their child healthy. This means less stress for families and better care for every child, especially those who need extra support.
Personalizing Heart Care: Outcomes & Biomarkers ResearchÌý
We’re studying ways to measure heart health without invasive procedures, using methods like exercise tests and feedback from patients themselves. Tracking these markers and listening to patients and families helps us better understand what works best for each child. This translates to customized care plans and improved long-term quality of life for children with heart conditions.Ìý
Research Themes
Our research touches on these recurring themes:
- Clinical trials research:ÌýWe carefully study new medicines and treatments to make sure they're safe and effective for children with heart conditions. These studies help us find the best ways to help each child.
- Translating discoveries:ÌýWhen we learn something new about children's heart health, we work quickly to turn that knowledge into real treatments that doctors can use to help their patients right away.
- Health equity:ÌýWe're committed to making sure all children have access to the best heart care, no matter where they live or what resources their families have. We look for ways to overcome barriers that some families face in getting top-quality care.
- Population health:ÌýBy studying data from thousands of children, we can spot patterns and trends that help us understand heart conditions better. This big picture view helps us improve care for all kids.
- Data integration:ÌýWe combine different types of information like heart images, genetic data, and treatment results to get a complete picture of each child's heart health. This helps us personalize care for each patient.
- Implementation and dissemination science:ÌýWhen we find treatments and approaches that work well, we share them with doctors and hospitals everywhere. We help create clear guidelines so all communities can benefit from the latest advances in children's heart care.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at 91´óÉñ
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices, and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
ResearchÌýPartnershipsÌý
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our field of study. Partnerships include:
- Ìý— Connects top heart centers across North America to share discoveries and improve care for all children with heart conditions
- Ìý— Speeds up the process of turning laboratory discoveries into real treatments that can help children sooner
- Ìý— Links researchers across Delaware to combine expertise and create innovative solutions for children's heart care
- Delaware COBREÌý— Builds excellence in medical research by supporting promising studies and training tomorrow's heart experts
- Ìý— Learns from millions of children's health records to understand which treatments work best for different heart conditions
- Ìý(PCORI)Ìý— Ensures our research addresses what matters most to families and improves quality of life for children with heart conditions
Related Research & Clinical Focus
Centers at 91´óÉñ often align with research areas, affiliated labs, and clinical programs to support discovery and care systemwide.
Cardiac Center, Delaware Valley
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery from a dedicated team of experienced, specialized experts at 91´óÉñ Children’s Hospital, Delaware and Greater Philadelphia.
Cardiac Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our researchers study congenital and acquired heart conditions to advance pediatric cardiology through innovation in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
Our Contributions in the Field of Pediatric Cardiovascular Research
Research is only as valuable as its ability to move the field forward, whether that means discovering and clarifying disease causes, learning new insights around preventing disease, or developing new and innovative ways to approach care and treatment.Ìý
We identify our impact by the grants we’ve received, the work we’ve presented and published, and the national leadership roles our researchers have.Ìý
Grants & Awards
Our research is recognized and validated through generous grants. This support moves us forward and allows us to meaningfully contribute to scientific discovery. Our team has recently been awarded:Ìý
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Federal Supplement |ÌýFeasibility and Acceptance of Early Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring for Enhanced Pediatric Hypertension Diagnosis within a High Deprivation Community (2023-2024) | Baker-Smith, C. (PI) | $173,311
Federal Subaward |ÌýTeam Science (2023-2024) | Baker-Smith, C. (PI) | $176,546 ÌýÌý
Research Expanding Access to Child Health (REACH) Subaward |ÌýHEARTPrep: A Virtually-Delivered Psychosocial Intervention for Mothers Expecting a Baby with Congenital Heart Disease (2022-2027) | Sood, E. (PI) | $646.041
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Federal Subaward |ÌýPedsNet Scholars Project on Improving Pediatric Hypertension Detection Using Implementation Science (2022-2024) | Zaidi, A. (PI) | $265,248
Funded Trials
Pediatric Heart Network
MUSIC: Long-Term Outcomes After the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children | Srivastava, S. (PI)Ìý
Pfizer
Comirnaty COVID-19 Vaccine Study in People Less Than 21 Years Old | Thacker, D. (PI)
Mezzion Pharma
Fontan Udenafil Exercise Longitudinal Assessment Trial | Cartoski, M. (PI)
Tenaya
Natural History Study in Pediatric Patients with MYBPC3 Mutation-associated Cardiomyopathy (MyCLIMB) | Tsuda, T. (PI)
Merck
An Operationally Seamless Phase 2/3 Study to Evaluate the Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of Enlicitide Decanoate in Pediatric Participants with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia |ÌýBaker-Smith, C., Connolly, S. (Co-PI)
Research Recognition & LeadershipÌý
Researchers at 91´óÉñ Children's are often recognized for their exceptional contributions to pediatric research. Our team’s passion to advance children’s health and well-being is celebrated in these recent honors:
Setting National Standards
- Lead development of scientific statements and clinical guidelines that shape pediatric cardiology care nationwide.
- Hold key positions on scientific committees and editorial boards of major medical journals.
Sharing Knowledge
- Publish research in leading medical journals.
- Present findings at major scientific meetings including:
- American Heart Association
- American College of Cardiology
- Pediatric Academic Society
Training Future Leaders
- Provide research mentorship and oversight for cardiology fellows.
- Support next generation of pediatric heart specialists.
Publications
91´óÉñ researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights, and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.