Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion Device (HOPE)
Professor Ferrari Lab
Dr. Giovanni Ferrari1 and Dr. Alexey Abramov2 are pictured alongside Dr. Erfan Faridmoayer in the second image. The photo was taken approximately in October 2023, with the researcher standing next to Dr. Abramov. In the background, a white device is visible, which is a hypothermic oxygenated perfusion device used to extend the preservation time of hearts for transplantation. This is believed to be the first time the device was used in the lab, marking a significant milestone in the lab’s research on heart transplantation.
Dr. Erfan Faridmoayer played a crucial role in establishing the research program that investigates the potential of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) in improving heart transplantation outcomes. The study focuses on the molecular and cellular effects of the perfusion device, particularly in extending preservation times beyond the standard 4-6 hours and for donation after cardiac death (DCD) grafts. The research aims to expand the donor pool, enhance graft preservation up to 24 hours” leaving out the antioxidant therapies.
The device shown in the image, a hypothermic oxygenated perfusion device, is designed to preserve human donor hearts at low temperatures while maintaining oxygen supply. By improving cardiac viability during transport and storage, these devices address the shortage of viable donor hearts by extending the preservation window beyond traditional cold storage. The system used in the lab aims to enhance heart transplant outcomes by keeping the organ in a more favorable state for a longer period, which is crucial for complex logistical operations like long-distance transportation of donor organs.
1Dr. Giovanni Ferrari: Group leader and Associate Professor (with tenure) at Columbia University, Department of Surgery and School of Biomedical Engineering.
Dr. Ferrari’s X account: https://x.com/ferrag02?t=GUCjXFjUhssNBFLbQQFibQ&s=09
2Dr. Alexey Abramov: General Surgery resident in the New York Presbyterian-Columbia
Dr. Alexey Abramov’s X account: https://x.com/aabramov_md?t=e8lqAr-u3pv9ULeSg1fucg&s=09
Major: Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology
Minor: Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
Extracurricular activities:
– Research Assistant, Smith Lab,David Geffen School of Medicine
– Volunteer Recruitment and Events Coordinator
– Shot at Life UCLA Chapter
– Editor
– The Generation Online Foreign Affairs Magazine
– External Development Coordinator – Leadership Development Committee, Alumni Scholars Club
– Scholarship Director, Golden Key International Honour Society
Hobbies: Swimming, practicing Shotokan Karate, watching movies with friends, playing the piano, and finding new ways to solve my Rubik’s Cube.
Greatest accomplishment: Having the privilege to attend UCLA with an Alumni Scholarship.
Career goals: Medicine and Research
Favorite quote: “I am driven by two main philosophies, know more today about the world than I knew yesterday. And along the way, lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.”
– Neil deGrasse Tyson
Late Dr. Erfan Faridmoayer's Photo Gallery
