Protecting the Infant Brain Following Cardiac Surgery

Lay Summary: This project is focused on translation of a new therapeutic approach for limiting brain damage following brain hypoxia or ischemia that can occur during corrective heart surgery. Our new approach capitalizes on the ability to modulate mitochondrial responses to injury, using a non-invasive approach to reduce the progression of brain injury.  Our studies on mitochondrial function identified wavelengths of near infrared light that specifically and reversibly reduce mitochondrial respiration. We have also found that these NIR wavelengths are neuroprotective if applied after brain hypoxia. Based on these data, we propose to develop a therapeutic device that will safely deliver therapeutic NIR to the brain in infants. We anticipate, if successful, the proposed project will lead to the translation of a much-needed therapeutic approach to improve neurologic outcomes and quality of life in infants that undergo corrective heart surgery.