RESEARCH

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The WVU Critical Care and Trauma Institute strives to participate in research that will improve patient care in West Virginia and the region. From case studies to retrospective research to clinical trials, the Institute is evaluating various aspects of critical and trauma care to advance medical practices.

Some research focuses on patients with rare injuries and illnesses, while other projects focus on medical services overall. As part of an academic medical center, the Institute also studies educational practices to improve the performance of clinical students.

Below are some current trials and studies involving the WVU Critical Care and Trauma Institute.

For more information on research efforts at the WVU Critical Care and Trauma Institute, call 304-598-4000, ext. 75424, or email [email protected].

TRIALS AND STUDIES
Clinical Trial: TIGRIS

Principal Investigator: Paul McCarthy, MD

Co-Investigator: James Bardes, MD

WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital is one of many healthcare facilities performing this sepsis-related clinical trial sponsored by Spectral Medical, Inc. This study administers hemoperfusion with an antibiotic cartridge to patients experiencing endotoxic septic shock in hopes to decrease mortality rates. If the trial is successful, this could expand advanced therapeutic options for endotoxemia and septic shock patients. Learn more.

Prospective Study: Investigation of TEG6s During Aeromedical Flight

Principal Investigator: James Bardes, MD

The TEG6s is a device used to analyze the clotting ability of whole blood. The analysis guides providers for patient care, particularly when the patient has sustained trauma with blood loss. This study focuses on testing the validity of TEG6s results when the analysis is performed by crew members during aeromedical flight. Analysis performed during flight transportation could provide point-of-care results that may affect patient outcomes.

Retrospective Study: ATV- and UTV-related Trauma in the Pediatric Population from 2005-2020: A General Surgery Analysis

Principal Investigator: Patrick Bonasso, MD

Co-Investigator: Daniel Grant, MD

The WVU Health System has cared for many ATV- and UTV-related traumatic injuries in pediatric patients. Partnering with the WVU Department of Orthopaedics, our trauma providers are investigating the type and severity of these injuries and factors that impact them, such as the use of safety devices. Patient status is being evaluated from the time of injury to patient outcome to investigate how to minimize these injuries.

Retrospective Study: An Analysis of ATV- and UTV-related Injuries Pre- and Post-enactment of West Virginia Senate Bill 690

Principal Investigator: Toni Marie Rudisill, PhD

Co-Investigator: James Bardes, MD

In 2020, the West Virginia Senate passed a bill legalizing the use of ATVs and UTVs on streets. These special-use vehicles have been the cause of many severe traumas. In collaboration with the WVU School of Public Health, this study is investigating ATV- and UTV-related traumas before and after the bill passed to evaluate the impact on trauma from making these vehicles street-legal.

Retrospective Study: Perioperative Outcome Differences in a Geriatric Trauma Medicine Service Versus Trauma Surgery Service

Principal Investigator: Conley Coleman, DO

Co-Investigator: James Bardes, MD

Geriatric patients are prone to having many comorbidities that strongly influence the care they require. Because of this, clinicians at WVU Medicine have spent years building the geriatric trauma service to better care for trauma patients aged 65 and older. This research project is investigating the impact of the specialized geriatric trauma service. By comparing the care and patient outcomes of the traditional trauma service and the geriatric trauma service, this research team can evaluate how to best care for geriatric trauma patients.

Retrospective Study: Development of a Facial Trauma Transfer Protocol

Principal Investigator: James Bardes, MD

Co-Investigator: Brian Kellermeyer, MD

When patients experience facial trauma resulting in cuts or broken bones, they are often transferred to a hospital with facial surgeons, such as WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. However, these patients do not always require surgical care or even additional interventions. This can lead to patients being transported via ambulance hours from their homes without any benefit to their care. With the availability of virtual care, physicians at Ruby Memorial Hospital believe imaging done at local hospitals can be remotely evaluated to determine which patients would benefit from transfer to a trauma center. Through the review of data from hundreds of patients, the goal is to develop a protocol regarding facial trauma transfer and eliminate unnecessary interhospital transfers.

Retrospective Study: Assessing the Translational Capability of Fresh Tissue Training using Human Performance Research

Principal Investigator: Daniel Grabo, MD

Daniel Grabo, MD, performs innovative work in the WVU Critical Care and Trauma Institute Fresh Tissue Training Lab. Through the use of perfused cadavers, he provides a more realistic training environment for residents and students. The cadavers are perfused with simulated blood to effectively mimic injuries with severe bleeding, allowing participants to experience the bleeding effects that would be seen in live patients during operations. A study has been underway to determine if the use of perfused cadavers effectively simulates the stressful environment that participants may face in their practice, including traumatic amputations with severe bleeding.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS
2024
2023
2022