The surgical facility is contiguous with the UofL Research Resources Center and consists of two spacious 650 square foot, operating rooms with a large viewing window. Four overhead surgical lights illuminate the surgical site. A zoom camera resides within the handle of a surgical light in each operating room. A high definition, 45-inch flat screen monitor with recording capabilities is housed within one of the suites. This provides for the ability to remotely observe surgical procedures in conference and lecture rooms within the CII and Jewish/St. Mary’s Hospital as well as internet broadcasting capabilities for intercontinental teleconferencing. A second high definition, 45-inch flat screen is strategically located in another operating suite for easy viewing of physiological data during the surgical procedure.

Leading-edge anesthesia, surgical, and monitoring equipment provides rapid and accurate data acquisition. A fully equipped instrument and equipment processing area with steam and ethylene oxide sterilization adjoins the surgical suites; Gas plasma sterilization is also available. The facility has the most advanced imaging technologies currently available that includes 3-D ultrasound with live color imaging and an open, multi-angular digital fluoroscope for angiography techniques currently only performed in human patients.

A fully equipped post-operative intensive care unit provides for the unique needs of the animals during critical periods. Centralized monitoring that includes blood gasses, blood pressure, central venous pressure, and other physiologic parameters, ensure that the animals receive high-quality intensive care. The postoperative team has the ability and experience to provide 24-hour animal care and data collection that rivals that provided in human hospitals. The consistency in the pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative care for each surgical case allows the CII team to provide a continuum of care that is seamless and capable of detecting the slightest changes in the animal or device. This contrasts the multi-team approach practiced in most research programs.

Sterile surgical supply rooms, pathology, tissue handling facilities, and a modern full service veterinary diagnostic laboratory provide additional research support necessary for research and clinical trials. This in addition to the expertise provided by highly qualified professionals from medical, engineering, and veterinary disciplines, allows for comprehensive research and data collection capabilities.

Animal clinical trials are essential, as cardiac devices cannot be downsized and must be tested in an animal model with cardiovascular anatomy and physiology similar to humans.  The Animal Care and Use Program at the University of Louisville has been fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC) since 1965. The facilities and animal care program are maintained to comply with the USDA Animal Welfare Act and Regulations and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. All animal research activities performed in the CII have prior approval by the UofL Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which is comprised of researchers, veterinarians, and non-scientific and community members.

Components of the program are maintained to meet Good Laboratories Practices required by the FDA. The Assistant Director of the Research Resources Facilities, Mary L. Proctor, D.V.M., M.S. oversees Veterinary Services for the program. Assistant Professor, Leslie C. Sherwood, D.V.M., holds a joint appointment in the CII and RRF. Dr. Sherwood directs the management and daily operation of the CII Large Animal Surgical and Support Unit, which provides pre-operative, anesthetic, surgical, and post-operative care for the animals in the facility.  In addition, the veterinary staff participates in collaborative research projects with CII investigators. This unique relationship between the CII and RRF provides for an ideal environment for the development of cardiovascular devices and procedures that could transform clinical care for cardiac patients.

The RRF continually seeks to provide unparalleled quality of laboratory animal care, thereby minimizing the potential for animal distress and its negative impact on research data. The CII team strives to complete pre-clinical trials in the most appropriate animal models in an expedient and responsible manner prior to testing in humans.  Ultimately, this will have a profound impact on the current treatments and quality of life for human cardiac patients.

More Information

• Device Design and Fabrication
• Microscopy and Imaging Suite / Cell & Tissue Facility