Iki Adachi Lab

American Heart Association (AHA)
Iki Adachi and James Martin (MPI)

Collection of myocardial tissue at the time of routine surveillance endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) and performance of scRNA-seq to assess gene expression profiles within the tissue. As a prospective study, we will continue to obtain tissue at the time of each surveillance biopsy as well as at the time of clinical changes. The ability to correlate scRNA-seq data with the patients’ clinical and histopathological changes will yield powerful insights into cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) development. We will also collect large ventricular cores of failing CAV hearts obtained at the time of ventricular assist device (VAD) placement or heart explantation. We will perform scRNA-seq on these tissues and compare these results with the scRNA-seq data from EMBs.

Additional Ventures Expansion Award
Iki Adachi (PI)

In this study, we aim to develop a mechanical circulatory device to assist Fontan Assist Device (FAD) circulation. The FAD will reduce chronic congestive HF symptoms in patients with Fontan circulation by pumping blood to the lungs, thereby decreasing central venous pressure (CVP) and normalizing circulation. Although there have been several attempts to develop a circulatory assist device to aid Fontan circulation, it has not been clinically tested because of the low durability of the device due to the use of contact bearings to support the rotating rotor/impeller and hemolysis and thrombus challenges caused by the destruction of red blood cells in the sliding parts of the contact bearings. This project aims to develop a unique/novel FAD by use of magnetically levitation (MagLev) technology that can address the unmet need to minimize physiological complications in patients with single ventricle heart disease transitioned to Fontan circulation, thereby improving their quality of life and longevity.

Additional Ventures Single Ventricle Research Fund (SVRF)
Iki Adachi (PI)

The Fontan procedure has successfully extended the lifespan of children with single-ventricle anatomy. However, the long-term effects of elevated systemic venous pressure result in progressive dysfunction in multiple organ systems, leading to a "Failing Fontan" physiology with high mortality rates. This project proposes a novel mechanical circulatory support device, the "ReVolution" pump, designed to transition Fontan circulation from a univentricular to a biventricular configuration, mimicking the natural hemodynamics of a healthy two-ventricle heart. The "ReVolution" pump features a unique dual-inlet system that facilitates integration into the existing Fontan pathway, accommodating anatomical variation, minimizing blood shear stress and mechanical wear, and enhancing durability and hemocompatibility.

Graeme McDaniel Foundation
Iki Adachi (PI)

Although the Fontan operation is considered the ultimate goal of single-ventricle treatment, it is becoming clear that patients with Fontan circulation are not free from long-term complications and, in some cases, premature death, due to the palliative nature of the unique circulation with single ventricle. To address the fundamental issue of Fontan circulation, i.e. lack of a ventricle for the lungs, the research team is developing a ReVolution Fontan Assist Device, a magnetically levitated sub-pulmonary pump designed to restore normal ‘two-ventricle’ circulation. This project involves the development of prototypes, in-vitro testing, and design refinement, aiming to create a practical solution for this life-threatening issue.