J. Yasha Kresh
Professor and Research Director
Cardiothoracic Surgery
New College Building
245 N 15th St; MS# 111; Rm #6320
Philadelphia  PA 19102
Tel : 215-762-1703
Fax: 215-762-5021
Email: JYasha.Kresh@drexelmed.edu

Research Interests:
1. Much of our research effort is focused on elucidating and advancing new treatment strategies, directed to alter the course of clinically relevant cardiovascular disease states.

This overarching effort includes investigation of:

a. Topobiology of cellular cardiomyoplasty (milieu-dependent cardiomyocyte differentiation and adaptation)

b. In vitro "pre-programming" of adult stem cells (e.g. hMSC commitment, cell differentiation)

c. Bioengineering of 3D-polymer structures and artificial muscle constructs for use as energy conversion cardiac assist devices

d. Effects of temporary ventricular support devices on cellular and biochemical markers of left ventricular reverse-remodeling

2. Advance and improve the capabilities of robot-assisted cardiac surgery, through the incorporation of sensors that provide haptic (tactile) feedback to the user, and through improvements in computer imaging and vision.

- Computer-Assisted (Robots), Endoscopic Manipulators

- Automated Anastomotic Device (sutureless fasteners, sutureless snaps)

3. Design and construction of a live-cell observatory for monitoring of platelet concentration, transport and adhesion kinetics in high sheer-stress environment
 
Publications:
Rabbany, S.Y., Kresh, J.Y., Noordergraaf, A. “Myocardial Wall Stress: Evaluation and Management.” Cardiovascular Engineering (Journal for Extracorporeal Circulation, Assist Devices, Transplantation and Artificial Organs) Vol. 5(1) , p. 3-10, 2000.

Izrailtyan I, Kresh JY, Brozena SC, Morris RJ, Wechsler AS. “Early Detection of Acute Allograft Rejection by Linear and Nonlinear Analysis of Heart Rate Variability. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 120:737-45, 2000

Kresh, J.Y., Izrailtyan, I “Evolution in Functional Complexity of Heart Rate Dynamics: A Measure of Allograft Adaptability After Transplantation” Am. J. Physiol. (Integ. Comp. Physiol.) Vol. 275, Issue 3, R720-R727, 1998.

Kresh, J.Y., Izrailtyan, I., Morris, R.J., Wechsler, A . “Vascular Determinants of Univentricular Support “ J. Am. Soc. Artif. Int. Organs Vol. 44, p. M330-M335, 1998

Izrailtyan, I., Kresh, J.Y. "Bradykinin Modulation of Isolated Rabbit Heart Function is Mediated by Intrinsic Cardiac Neurons." Cardiovascular Research. Vol. 33, p. 641-649, 1997.

Grant Reviews:
1994-National Institute of Health (NHLBI) - Peer Review Special Emphasis
1995-Panel: Innovative Ventricular Assist system
1996-Swiss National Science Foundation 

Awards/Recognitions:
Fellow, American College of Cardiology; Fellow, American Heart Asoc.; Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering; Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Soc., Member of many biological, medical and engineering organizations and has also served as Board Member and Officer.