Biomedical Research, Innovation & Translation in Extracorporeal Life Support
Engineering Better Life Support for Children
When a child's heart or lungs fail, every second counts. The Biomedical Research, Innovation and Translation in Extracorporeal Life Support (BRITE) Lab at 91大神 Children鈥檚 in Delaware Valley is pioneering next-generation technologies to give these children hope.听
We focus on improving life support systems (called extracorporeal life support, or ECLS) 鈥 a critical technology that temporarily takes over heart and lung function allowing time to heal.
While ECLS saves lives, it can come with serious complications like bleeding, blood clots, and infections. That's why we're developing new solutions, like advanced membrane technologies and specialized surface coatings to make these devices work better with the body's natural systems. We're using cutting-edge tools like computational fluid dynamics and microfabrication to create smarter, more effective devices.
Our team combines expertise in bioengineering, clinical medicine, and chemistry to improve how we approach life support systems. Together, we鈥檙e turning promising ideas into real solutions that can help kids heal and thrive.
Principal Investigator
David Blauvelt, MD听
Principal Scientist
Critical Care Specialist
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
- Research Interests
- Notable Projects
- Impact & Collaboration
Our Areas of Focus
Engineering Safer, Smarter Life Support Devices听
We are reimagining life support technologies using advanced engineering and design. Our innovations include developing semiconductor silicon-based membranes (ultra-thin, precisely engineered materials) for better gas exchange and incorporating specialized coatings that reduce complications like blood clotting.听
Using computer modeling and microfabrication (precision manufacturing at microscopic levels), we design and build better devices. This allows us to perfect everything from blood flow to oxygen delivery, making treatments safer and more effective for children.
Enhancing Recovery & Repair
Beyond supporting children during critical illness, we are also working to improve their recovery. Our research explores the best ways to help lungs heal during life support and develops new materials to repair blood vessels afterward. We鈥檙e investigating everything from different breathing machine settings to innovative biological materials that can help heal blood vessels. This will help kids recover better and faster.
Moving Discoveries From Lab to Bedside
Our lab bridges the gap between scientific discovery and clinical care through a comprehensive development pathway. We begin with benchtop innovation, progress through preclinical trials using small and large animal models, and work to translate our research into human clinical trials. This rigorous approach ensures that our innovations can safely reach the patients who need them most.
Recent Research Highlights
Semiconductor Silicon-Based Flat Plate Membranes
Microfabrication technology has enabled the development of semipermeable membranes based on semiconductor silicon technology. These membranes are a composite structure consisting of a pore-containing silicon backbone and a thin gas-permeable elastomeric layer. The key advantage of these membranes over existing technology is their rigid and flat-plate nature, which allows high efficiency gas exchange and laminar blood flow.
Hemocompatible Surface Modifications
The properties of the artificial material contacting the blood can have significant effects on activation of platelets and clotting factors. Hydrophilic coatings such as polyethylene glycol or sulfobetaine have been shown to reduce protein adsorption and subsequent thrombosis formation. Covalent bonding of these materials can make semipermeable membranes much more hydrophilic (reduced water contact angle) and thus more hemocompatible.
Computational Fluid Dynamic-Informed Flow Path Design
A key component of engineering microfluidic blood oxygenators is the design of the flow path. The design needs to balance resistance, priming volume, shear forces and gas transfer efficiency. We use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to evaluate flow path characteristics using computational resources. CFD can inform design changes for optimal performance.
Lung Recovery While on Extracorporeal Life Support听
One of the primary indications for placing a patient on ECLS is to 鈥渞est鈥 the lungs and facilitate recovery after acute lung injury. However, there is little research to help guide the optimal way to rest and recover the lungs. We have developed a swine model of acute lung injury and ECLS to evaluate various ventilator strategies and their effect on lung recovery.
Vascular Repair After ECLS Decannulation
ECLS requires placement of large cannulas in the vasculature, often within major arteries such as the carotid artery. Repairing the artery can be challenging and often requires ligation (and subsequent loss of the artery). We are developing biopolymeric solutions to arterial repair after ECLS decannulation.
Publications
91大神 researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. In the realm of medical advancements, we pioneer solutions that enhance patient care and safety. Learn more about our work.听
Data Sharing
Our team shares our knowledge, insights, and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research. Email us to learn more about our data sets, software, and protocols.
Partner With Us
We seek input from investigators of all scientific and personal backgrounds, and believe collaboration is the key to innovation. We鈥檙e committed to creating a culture that fosters creativity, mentorship, and teamwork.听
Email听Dr. Blauvelt to learn more about working with us.听
Research in Context
Our labs contribute to research that informs pediatric care, working in alignment with research centers and focused areas of scientific study at 91大神.