Research

Harris Lab Research Team

Harris Lab Research team
Left to right: Monica, Nicole, Mimi and Ana.

 
Harris Lab Research Team
Left to right: Mimi, Ana, Jimmy and Nicole.

 

“The Harris Lab focuses on congenital cardiac malformations in children and adolescents. They currently have ongoing research projects in the areas of interventional cardiology (focus on cardiac catheterization procedures and outcomes) and preventive cardiology (focus on physical activity in children and cardiovascular health).”

Jimmy analyzing OCT images

 

This photo shows Jimmy, one of the research assistants, analysing OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) images – an emerging technology used to monitor vessel health and aid in earlier diagnosis of heart disease.  These images form part of our large international patient registry.

 

 

 

 

Sanatani Lab Research Team

Sanatani Lab Research Team
Left to right: Michelle, Matt and Dania

 

 Sanatani Lab Research Team

"The Sanatani Lab focuses on heart rhythm conditions in children. The main area of interest is in inherited heart rhythm disorders. These conditions can affect the heart's ability to beat in a normal rhythm – known as an arrhythmia. They can cause sudden cardiac arrest or even sudden unexpected death. The Sanatani Lab has a research focus on one particularly dangerous type of inherited heart rhythm disorder called CPVT ('Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia') and coordinates an international pediatric CPVT registry. In addition to inherited heart rhythm disorders, the members of our team study the autonomic nervous system and its relation to dangerous arrhythmias. Each member of our small team is involved in consenting patients, data entry and analysis, as well as giving presentations at conferences and writing journal articles."

Children's Heart Centre

Exercise Physiology Lab

Exercise Physiology Lab

Astrid, the exercise physiologist, monitors cardiovascular function and overall fitness by carrying out exercise stress tests. During this test, Dr. Rathgeber and Dania monitor the patient’s performance.

 

 

 

Echocardiography Technicians

Echocardiography Technicians
Left to right: Maria, Josh, Kat and Shonna.

 
Echocardiography Technicians
Kat: “I love working here because I can be myself, even Spiderman.”

 

Echocardiography Technicians
Jess (left): “I get to see patients at their first and last visit, I see them get better and during this time we build a relationship based on trust, care and compassion.”

Echocardiography technician with a patient
Lindsay has worked at the Heart Center for 17 years!

 
Echocardiography technician with patient
Lindsay: “I enjoy all of our heart patients; they really are special."

 

ECG (Electrocardiogram) Technicians

ECG Technicians
Sabrina (right) says, “I love the variety of patients I get to interact with, from babies to teenagers. Every day is different.”

Electrophysiology Technologist 

Electrophysiology Technologist
“It is a joy and privilege to be part of a great team, and help children with cardiac arrhythmias in their path to health and vitality.”

 

Daniel assists physicians in electrophysiology studies, ablation procedures and pacemaker or ICD follow-ups.
 

 

 

 

 

Clinic
Sarina, the clinic’s receptionist, has worked here for two years. She says, “There is always a great atmosphere between both staff and patients. I also love interacting with the families; we remember each other and develop good relationships.”

 

Photo credit: Ana Pozas