Lynch Lab for Novel Biomedical Optics Research Overview

In conjunction with other investigators from the CHOP Biomedical Optical Group, we are working towards the development of novel neuromonitoring devices for improved neuroprotection during pediatric cardiac surgery. We are currently using these devices to understand the optimal cerebral protection strategies during neonatal arch reconstruction.

Shaw K, et al. The use of novel diffuse optical spectroscopies for improved neuromonitoring during neonatal cardiac surgery requiring antegrade cerebral perfusion. Front Pediatr. 2023 Jun 23;11:1125985. PMID: 37425272

Lynch JM, et al. Association of Ongoing Cerebral Oxygen Extraction During Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest With Postoperative Brain Injury. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2022 Winter;34(4):1275-1284. PMID: 34508811

Laurent GH, et al. Electroencephalography as a tool to predict cerebral oxygen metabolism during deep-hypothermic circulatory arrest in neonates with critical congenital heart disease. JTCVS Open. 2023 Aug 13. In press.

Novel, noninvasive modalities of measuring cerebral oxygen delivery and utilization have helped shed light on the unique changes in cerebral physiology that occur in neonates with critical congenital heart disease. Through these investigations, we now have a better understanding on why waiting longer for neonatal cardiac surgery may increase risk for neurologic injury in certain forms of congenital heart disease and, more importantly, what potential therapies may decrease this risk.

Lynch JM, et al. Preoperative cerebral hemodynamics from birth to surgery in neonates with critical congenital heart disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2018 Oct;156(4):1657-1664. PubMed PMID: 29859676

Lynch JM, Licht DJ. Commentary: Diffuse optical spectroscopies: Shedding light on neuroprotective strategies during cardiac surgery. JTCVS Tech. 2021 Jun;7:178-179. doi: 10.1016/j.xjtc.2021.02.004. eCollection 2021 Jun. PMID: 34318237

Our work over the past decade has led to the crucial understanding that the time period between birth and cardiac intervention in neonates with certain forms of critical congenital heart disease may be when these patients are most vulnerable to neurologic injury.

Lynch JM, et al. Time to surgery and preoperative cerebral hemodynamics predict postoperative white matter injury in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome .J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Nov;148(5):2181-8. PMID: 25109755

Lynch JM, Licht DJ. First things first: The importance of the preoperative period for neurocognitive outcomes in hypoplastic left heart syndrome .J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2016 May;151(5):1367-8. PMID: 27085617

Lynch JM, Gaynor JW, Licht DJ. Brain Injury During Transition in the Newborn With Congenital Heart Disease: Hazards of the Preoperative Period.Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2018 Dec;28:60-65. Review. PMID: 30522729.