Harvard Catalyst Profiles

This is a collaborative effort focused on utilizing 3D printing to advance plastic surgery. We have been developing applications for 3 Dimensional printing in various settings in surgery. The project is extensively evaluating these 3D printed materials under in vivo and in vitro conditions.

This is a collaborative effort with a group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is focused on innovation in basic neuroscience. Based on our original Nature paper in 2011, we have been developing electrochemical nerve stimulation and blocking methods via local modulation of ion concentrations at the peripheral nerve surface using a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device.

This project aims to develop liquid bandage that can non-invasively monitor oxygen levels in wounds after burn injuries. The bandages are composed of sprayable solvents and use oxygen sensitive fluorescent dyes to evaluate healing in porcine models. Such bandages hope to replace current standards of care involving invasive assessment of burn tissue with faster, non-invasive methods.

This study aims to analyze breast reconstruction rate following partial mastectomy, comparison of clinical outcomes and evaluation of patient satisfaction as well as calculation of the cost of using different reconstructive techniques. A retrospective cohort analysis of breast reconstruction procedures following partial mastectomy is being undertaken. Using the BIDMC computer database, all cases of partial mastectomy for both breast cancer and non-cancer patients performed between January 2010 and January 2014 will be reviewed.

Our research group works with large databases that are nationally based in the inpatient (NSQIP, NIS) and outpatient space (accreditation agencies) along with insurance based large databases. These are large databases that house valuable information on patient care. Many projects are able to be coded using R as well as AI based methodology for patient care related outcomes across the entire spectrum of plastic surgery, head to toe. Our group presents routinely at plastic surgery conferences, regional, national, and international. There are many opportunities for speaking at conferences and manuscript preparation.