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People

Dr Michael J Mullen

Research Lead

Dr Michael J Mullen

Contact us

The Heart Hospital
16-18 Westmoreland Street
London W1G 8PH

PA to Dr Michael Mullen - Michaela Dacosta

Tel- +44 (0)20 3456 6100

Structural heart disease interventions

Structural Heart Disease Intervention

Overview

A new emerging field within adult Cardiovascular Medicine and one that has experienced exponential growth in recent years is Structural Heart Disease Intervention. This subspecialty of Cardiovascular Medicine focuses on developing and expanding transcatheter therapies for the treatment of both valvular and congenital heart disorders. Ultimately, these new treatment strategies can lead to shorter recovery time for patients.

At UCL/ULCH, our research is led by Dr Michael Mullen who has expertise in both structural heart intervention and adult congenital heart disease. He has an extensive research portfolio and is involved in the introduction of a number of new technologies including first-in-man studies. He is named as an inventor on a number of patents of a novel cardiac device and is focussed on continuing to develop new technologies for the treatment of valvular and structural heart disease.

Key research activities

Stroke Prevention During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

A number of studies are underway to evaluate new technology for the protection against stroke in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Most notably Dr Mullen is the Chief Investigator for a study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the SMT umbrella device.

Development of New Transcatheter Aortic Valve

This collaborative project with the department of mechanical engineering at UCL is supported by a grant of £1.5M from the Wellcome Trust. The aim is to develop a novel transcatheter aortic valve implant using a self expanding frame and polymeric leaflets.

Marfans Syndrome

Dr Mullen is the Chief Investigator for the AIMS study (Aortic Irbesartan Marfan Syndrome Study).

This randomised controlled multi centre UK study is evaluating the effect of Irbesartan on aortic dilatation in patients with Marfan syndrome. The study is supported by a British Heart Foundation grant of £1.5M.

Pathophysiological Role of PFO

Dr Mullen has undertaken a large body of research evaluating the pathophysiological role of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Current studies include evaluations of the role of PFO in stroke, chronic obstructive airways disease, sleep apnoea and migraine.