Science

Studies in Progress

  • Using hierarchical clustering machine learning to discover new subgroups in single ventricle heart patients, enhancing treatment strategies.

  • Establishing standard CMR imaging results for Fontan patients to improve diagnosis and treatment.

  • Developing automated tools to analyze 4D flow MRI data, aiding early detection of Fontan failure.

  • Exploring how weight affects heart characteristics and function in adults with Fontan circulation.

  • Studying blood flow efficiency in the Fontan circuit to predict long-term health outcomes.

  • Investigating factors behind 'supranormal' exercise capacity in some Fontan patients to improve overall patient care.

  • Exploring novel cardiac and hepatic fibrosis biomarkers for Fontan-associated liver disease.

  • Analyzing ventricular performance and blood flow to anticipate health outcomes in Fontan patients.

  • Methods paper describing the innovations required to launch a AI-enabled registry so that others can replicate the success of FORCE.

  • Utilizing machine learning to automate and standardize ventricular size and function measurements in CMR exams.

  • Investigating the impact of ventricular interaction on systemic RV dysfunction in HLHS patients post-Fontan.

  • Using MRI and simulations to study heart shape and function in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

  • Developing a risk score for sudden cardiac death in Fontan patients to guide clinical decisions.

  • Applying machine learning to segment Fontan baffles and pulmonary arteries for improved outcome prediction.

  • Examining the impact of aortic reconstruction on heart performance in Fontan patients using 4D imaging.

  • Identifying factors predicting diastolic dysfunction in Fontan patients to enhance clinical management.

  • Creating a comprehensive model to predict death/transplant risk in patients post-Fontan operation.

  • Using AI to identify early predictors of cardiac complications in single ventricle patients post-Fontan.

  • This study will compare how the modern style Fontan operations (lateral tunnel versus extracardiac conduit) impact outcomes.

  • This project investigates if stroke work, a cardiac MRI-derived measure of heart pump function, can predict exercise capacity and complications in patients with Fontan circulation.

  • This study aims to assess the hemodynamic outcomes of a novel iteration of the Fontan operation. We will analyze the effects of this innovative technique to determine its impact on heart function and overall patient health.

  • This study explores the long-term impact of creating a small hole (fenestration) during the Fontan procedure. While fenestration helps reduce pressure and improves short-term recovery, its long-term effects are unclear. The goal is to inform better decision-making and management of the fenestration in older Fontan patients.

  • This study investigates the impact of atrioventricular valve regurgitation on heart function and clinical outcomes in single ventricle patients after the Fontan procedure. We aim to identify risk factors for valve failure by analyzing clinical data, heart imaging, and exercise tests.

Prospective Trials

Leveraging the FORCE infrastructure and human network, FORCE creates a unique opportunity to design and execute prospective clinical trails.

“Trials within a registry” or “registry clinical trials” have the following advantages:

Dramatically reduce the data collection burden, as key variables of interest and outcomes metrics are already being collected

Order of magnitude decreased costs to run the trial

Reduced paperwork burden as data use agreements have already been signed and executed

Utilizes robust data quality and auditing processes that already exist

Leverages a team of center PIs who already passionate about Fontan patients and work well together