Líneas de investigación

• Pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease and right ventricular dysfunction: identification of new pathophysiological mechanisms, phenotyping and innovative therapeutic strategies.

  Pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease is a highly heterogeneous condition, representing the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension. It is associated with a poor prognosis, especially in cases of right ventricular dysfunction, and currently lacks specific treatments. Our research group has extensively investigated the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying right ventricular dysfunction, extending beyond mere pressure overload. We have focused on identifying biological and advanced imaging markers that enhance patient phenotyping and help to pinpoint subtypes, that would likely benefit from targeted therapies. To support this work, we have developed and characterized various experimental large-animal models of pulmonary hypertension and employed omics and advanced imaging techniques in both experimental and clinical studies. 

• Hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies: underlying mechanisms of differential phenotypic expression, therapeutic alternatives and risk stratification.

  Significant gaps remain in our understanding of the penetrance and variable expression of genetically driven cardiomyopathies. Our group adopts a translational approach, studying myocardial samples through histology, molecular biology, and proteomics to identify the underlying mechanisms of differential expression. This research aims to enhance our understanding of these cardiomyopathies and identify potential therapeutic alternatives. Additionally, we collaborate within large research networks to consolidate knowledge on rare cardiomyopathies and improve risk stratification. 

• Cardiac arrest: role of inflammation and mRNA in the incidence and prognosis of brain damage.

  Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a severe event related to a high mortality, primarily due to hypoxic-ischemic neurological damage. Our group focuses on identifying clinical and molecular factors—such as inflammation and mRNA—that may impact the incidence and prognosis of neurological damage in these patients. Our goal is to enable earlier diagnosis and uncover new therapeutic targets. 

• Cardiogenic shock and advanced heart failure: Extracorporeal oxygenation devices (ECMO), mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation.

  Extracorporeal oxygenation devices (ECMO), mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplantation are crucial interventions for managing cardiogenic shock and advanced heart failure. Members of our group are international leaders in this field, focusing on research related to patient selection, device insertion techniques, adjuvant intensive care procedures (such as mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy) and the management of patients with mechanical ventricular assist devices and heart transplant recipients.  

• Chronic heart failure: the relevance of the cardiorenal axis and innovative devices for monitoring and treatment.

  The prognosis for patients with heart failure has improved in recent years due to advances in understanding its pathophysiology, particularly the cardio-renal-metabolic interactions that have revealed new pharmacological targets. Nevertheless, chronic heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our group studies the impact of renal function and natriuresis on patient outcomes, as well as innovative percutaneous devices that may enhance monitoring and treatment strategies. 

• Development of minimally-invasive surgical techniques in valvular heart disease.

  Our group is a pioneer in developing minimally invasive surgical techniques for valvular surgery, evolving from port-access methods to fully endoscopic robotic approaches. Ongoing research and innovation in these techniques facilitate early treatment of valvular abnormalities, preventing the progression to heart disease and symptoms of heart failure. 

• New strategies for the treatment and follow-up of patients with congenital heart disease.

  The prevalence of congenital heart disease in adults has risen in recent years due to improved management and results during childhood. However, these patients often require increasingly complex re-interventions and close monitoring due to risks of sudden death or progression to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Our group is exploring novel surgical and  transcatheter alternatives, including the use of decellularized tissues, as well as proactive monitoring and follow-up systems. 

• Chagas cardiomyopathy

  Chagas cardiomyopathy is a global public health issue, presenting significant management challenges due to the inability to predict which T. cruzi-infected patients will develop the condition. Our group has been researching the role of imaging and biomarkers for decades to facilitate the early detection of cardiac involvement in Chagas cardiomyopathy. 

• Molecular drivers and prevention of human atherosclerosis.

  Atherosclerosis arises from a maladaptive inflammatory response to chronic exposure to cardiovascular risk factors. Our group investigates the inflammatory pathways that drive atherosclerosis and how these are influenced by inherited and acquired genetic variants. By deepening our understanding of the clinical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms driving human atherosclerosis, we aim to enhance preventive strategies to reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease or prevent recurrence after an acute coronary event.