The Myocardial Recovery Initiative focuses on advancing the understanding of cardiac recovery in patients with advanced heart failure supported by mechanical circulatory support. The initiative brings together expertise in advanced heart failure cardiology, cardiac surgery, cardiovascular imaging, and translational cardiovascular research to study how heart function can improve in select patients receiving left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy.
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have transformed the treatment of advanced heart failure by providing mechanical circulatory support for patients with severe cardiomyopathy. While these devices are frequently used as bridge-to-transplant or long-term therapy, emerging research suggests that some patients may experience meaningful recovery of cardiac function during prolonged mechanical unloading.
The Sarver Heart Center Myocardial Recovery Initiative brings together investigators studying the physiologic, imaging, and molecular mechanisms that may contribute to cardiac recovery in patients supported with LVAD therapy. Through collaborative research efforts, faculty are working to better understand which patients may experience improvement in ventricular function and how recovery pathways might be safely supported.
The initiative reflects close collaboration between investigators at the Sarver Heart Center and physicians caring for patients with advanced heart failure at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. This collaborative environment allows clinical observations to inform research studies and supports ongoing investigation into mechanisms of myocardial remodeling, recovery biology, and patient outcomes.
In addition to supporting research in advanced heart failure, the initiative contributes to fellowship education and multidisciplinary collaboration across cardiology, cardiac surgery, imaging, and translational science. These efforts are helping expand knowledge in mechanical circulatory support and the emerging science of myocardial recovery.
Heart failure and severe cardiac dysfunction do not always represent permanent loss of heart function. In some patients, the heart can improve significantly with the right combination of advanced therapies, medical management, and close clinical follow-up.
The Myocardial Recovery Program focuses on helping patients regain heart function through advanced treatment, careful monitoring, and personalized cardiovascular care.
Program Themes
Mechanical Circulatory Support
Studying physiologic changes that occur during LVAD therapy and how mechanical unloading of the heart may influence ventricular remodeling and cardiac function.
Myocardial Recovery Biology
Investigating molecular, cellular, and physiologic mechanisms that may contribute to recovery of cardiac function in patients with advanced heart failure.
Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging
Applying advanced imaging and physiologic monitoring to evaluate ventricular remodeling, myocardial performance, and functional improvement during LVAD support.
Clinical Research and Outcomes
Supporting clinical studies and collaborative research efforts aimed at improving outcomes for patients with advanced heart failure receiving mechanical circulatory support.
Education and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Providing opportunities for trainees and faculty across cardiology, cardiac surgery, and cardiovascular science to participate in research related to advanced heart failure and myocardial recovery.
Program Leadership
The Myofilament Recovery Program is led by Carl Tong, MD, PhD, clinical professor of medicine and medical director of heart failure at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. Dr. Tong specializes in advanced heart failure and cardiomyopathy care, with a clinical focus on therapies that support myocardial recovery and improve cardiac function in patients with complex heart disease.
Carl Tong, MD, PhD
Clinical Professor, Medicine
Medical Director, Heart Failure
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
Referrals and Consultations
Physicians caring for patients with advanced heart failure who may have questions regarding myocardial recovery during LVAD support may contact the Banner – University Medical Center Tucson advanced heart failure team for consultation.
Email: AdvancedHF@bannerhealth.com
Phone: 520-694-6299