Research The Institute's research focuses on defining the biology of regurgitant valvular diseases — studying the interactions of heart valve function with the patient, the heart muscle, and the cells and genes of the heart. Our research centers on identifying the best heart valve treatments and the best time to administer them. Surgery Currently, the primary treatment for patients with valve disease is surgery. We are continually working to improve surgical methods, while devoting our energies to perfecting knowledge about the optimum time to perform surgery. The decision to operate is based on a judgment about what is likely to happen over time, if the operation is performed, versus what is likely to happen if the operation is withheld. These judgments are called prognoses. Institute-developed Evaluation Tools Accurate prognoses are based on research that relates the condition of the heart, at initial evaluation, to what happens later. These studies require accurate and precise measuring tools. Our team has developed these tools —now being used around the world. Currently, our researchers are studying non-invasive imaging methods with and without radioisotopes to further refine these measurements and their optimal interpretation. Direct Study of the Heart Muscle Recently, we have developed techniques to study the heart muscle directly, which allow us to go beyond imaging to better understand heart function. Our researchers are studying the cells and genes of the heart to determine when muscle damage occurs and when it becomes important. These studies will provide a non-invasive basis for developing methods for preventing the deterioration of heart function. Drug Therapy Drugs can be used in certain situations to forestall heard muscle deterioration and to deal with associated problems like abnormal heart rhythms. However, drug treatment currently is of limited value. Another goal of Institute research is to expand the potential for drug therapy to counteract deterioration of heart function, stall or eliminate the need for surgery, and increase the rate and completeness of recovery when surgery is performed.	In This Section Research Projects Publications