The activities of the laboratory concentrate on development and research related to hydrodynamic and fatigue characteristics of bioprosthetic heart valves, evaluation of circulatory assistance devices such as the artificial ventricle and centrifugal pumps, hemolysis assays, flow mapping, and measurements of of gas and heat exchange.
Head of Unit: Sérgio A. Hayashida
The Biotechnology Lab is focused on tissue engineering and gene therapy focusing on the heart. Experiments are directed towards application of new technologies to improve the understanding of myocyte hypertrophy and potential therapeutic interventions. The scientific activity of the Laboratory covers cellular and molecular biology techniques applied to cardiac hypertrophy models. It studies the effects of hypertrophy on force and velocity of contraction of isolated myocytes as well other functional and morphologic changes of the heart during experimental hypertrophy.
Head of Unit: Dr. Ismar N. Cestari
Pioneer in this area, the unit accumulates decades of involvement in the field. It is specialized in the development and manufacture of medical components involving biological tissues, such as valve bioprostheses, patches, tubes either simple or valved. This unit works mainly with bovine pericardium being qualified to harvest, treat and manufacture devices incorporating this material. It was pioneer in the development of heart valves made of human "dura-mater".
Head of Unit: Dr. Marina J. Maizato
Develops products and processes incorporating biocompatible materials for medical applications be it polymeric, metallic or ceramic. It is also dedicated to the treatment of surfaces in processes as heparinization and texturing. Among the specific products that are developed we name cannulas and catheters, prostheses in general, electrode catheters for electrophysiology, balloon catheters, components for artificial ventricles and stents.
Head of Unit: Helena T. T. Oyama
Possesses facilities and equipment for "in vivo" experimentation using animals of diverse sizes ranging from mice to calves. Equipped for hemodynamic, electrophysiological and gasometric measurements. The activities of the laboratory are carried out in cooperation with the Surgical Unit of the Heart Institute.
The activities of the laboratory are concentrated in developing measurement and control systems applied to cardiovascular assist devices, biomedical instrumentation, biological signal processing and surgical robotics. It also provides maintenance for special equipment.
Head of Unit: Dr. Mauro Roberto Ushizima
Chief Technician: João Roberto Sampel
Equipped with facilities for projects, milling and CAD/CAM systems, the unit offers technical support for the development of mechanical systems and construction of prototypes including also several techniques of fast prototyping.
Head of Unit: Simão Bacht