Alan B. Gazzaniga

Picture of Alan B. Gazzaniga
Professor Emeritus, Surgery
School of Medicine
M.D.
Phone: (714) 456-5766
Fax: (714) 544-3950
University of California, Irvine
Rm 117 - Bldg 53 - Rt 81
101 The City Drive
Mail Code: 5390
Orange, CA 92668
Research Interests
Thoracic Surgery
Academic Distinctions
Appointments
Research Abstract
It is not uncommon for a baby to be born with a life-threatening cardiac anomaly (heart defect). Generally, these defects can be corrected surgically. However, during the repair it is necessary to administer heparin, a drug which inhibits body's blood from clotting. Unfortunately, an undesirable consequence of this drug administration is hemorrhaging (bleeding) through the incisions created to enter the chest and heart. Controlling this bleeding can be difficult and, sometimes not possible. Research is directed towards correcting this problem.

1. The traditional bypass machine, used during bypass surgery, requires a lengthy circuit of tubing which is used to route blood. Consequently, a large volume of blood is required to prime this bypass circuit. Anticoagulating drugs are given, which are measured in an amount dictated by the volume of blood flowing through the circuit and the baby's own circulatory system. A novel bypass machine, which is minuscule in comparison to the traditional bypass machine, is being evaluated. Anesthetized rabbits undergoing cardiac bypass surgery are placed on this machine. Practically every imaginable physiological parameter is evaluated in order to define the strengths of this machine, and weaknesses if any exists.

2. Bypass circuitry (tubing through which the blood flows) has been developed which is coated with an anticlotting agent. This special circuitry has the promise of either minimizing reliance on systemic administration of anticlotting drugs are eliminating the use of these drugs entirely. Anesthetized rabbits undergoing cardiac bypass surgery, are connected to this circuitry. Innumerable physiological parameters are evaluated in order to determine the efficacy of this specially coated bypass circuit.
Publications
Tominaga GT; Waxman K; Scannell G; Annas C; Ott RA; Gazzaniga AB. Emergency thoracotomy with lung resection following trauma. American Surgeon, 1993 Dec, 59(12):834-7.
Last updated
07/12/2011