As one of the premier research centers in cardiac imaging, the Cardiac CT Scanner and Advanced Imaging Center helped establish CCTA as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in the world of cardiology. Its core laboratory has participated in numerous NIH studies, as well as ongoing multicenter trials validating the use of this exciting technology. In addition, the research team allows for unlimited opportunities for research, and multiple studies have analyzed or are underway in looking at the effects of testosterone, anti-retrovirals, phosphate binders, hormone replacement, garlic, statins, thiazolidinediones, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive agents on plaque progression.

The CT Scanner currently uses a state-of-the-art Revolution CT Scanner, the General Electric Healthcare newest scanner available.  The hospital acquires images on a Toshiba 160 and Siemens Dual Source, all of which are read in the CT imaging center. With refined protocols, radiation dose has been minimal in many of these image acquisitions.

Visit http://www.calciumscan.com for more information.

The Liu Center for the Study and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension is involved in multiple trials studying the efficacy of oral prostacyclins, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, endothelin antagonists, as well as inhaled, subcutaneous, and intravenous therapies. There are current projects using cardiopulmonary exercise testing to screen patients at high risk for pulmonary arterial hypertension, including those with heritable disorders and autoimmune disease processes like scleroderma.

The world-class faculty of Harbor-UCLA’s Division of Cardiology has contributed invaluable advancements to the field of Cardiovascular Disease, including:

• Establishment of one of the first fireman/Emergency Medical Technician units in Los Angeles providing prehospital care in the United States that would lead to development of the paramedic system nationwide
• Discovery of the mechanism and functional anatomy of mitral valve prolapse
• Contributing to research of the mortality benefit of beta blockers in congestive heart failure
• Landmark research into the complex mechanism and physiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Discovery of the mechanism of blood flow in “cough CPR”, a revolutionary, noninvasive technique in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Development of the first computer software used in electrocardiograms
• Development of electrocardiographic criteria in the setting of pericarditis and endocarditis
• Landmark research in the use of mixed oxygen saturation measurements in obtaining cardiac output
• Research targeting the yield of endomyocardial biopsies in myocarditis
• Research investigating the efficacy of cangrelor in acute coronary syndrome as well as other antithrombin therapies
• Establishment of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center as one of the first academic centers in Los Angeles to being a full-time ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)-Receiving Center (SRC)
• Establishment of a Cardiovascular Observation Unit (see “CORE Unit” Section) which is designed for facilitating same-day patient care and risk stratification; this has resulted in quicker patient discharges, reduction in Emergency Department wait times and the ability to appropriately admit more acutely ill patients.
• Research on the hemodynamic and anatomic effects of balloon valvuloplasty
• Landmark studies studying the prognostic significance of electron beam angiography (EBA) and the yield of noninvasive evaluation of coronary anatomy through cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA)
• Multiple research trials working in drug development with major pharmaceutical companies as well as start-up companies with innovative treatments for pulmonary hypertension. Major contributions to landmark clinical trials in pulmonary hypertension with direct, practice-changing influence
• Research in the role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension