Acute Care Surgery Research

Addressing Complex Surgical Critical Needs

Our goal is to find better ways to improve patient care and outcomes throughout the entire acute surgical care process. Our acute care surgeons conduct studies caring for patients with traumatic injuries who require complex issue management for quality results.

Our team includes acute care surgeons, research assistants, a research manager and a team of research coordinators to provide 24/7 coverage. From traumatic brain injury to sepsis to post-surgical follow-up, our integrated research team spans translational, clinical and outcomes studies.

Our research capabilities are complemented with a state-of-the-art laboratory that is fully equipped with the tools and resources necessary to conduct leading bench and translational research. We have the infrastructure to conduct a comprehensive program of clinical trials.

Current research areas of focus include:

• Examining trauma system efficiency, regionalization and effectiveness in delivery of value-based care in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region and beyond
• Identifying and mitigating risk factors associated with traumatic injury and post-operative recovery
• Characterizing and improving the clinical course of injury-related complications
• Identifying intensive care unit related barriers in critically ill patients and implementing effective measures to optimize patient outcomes
• New treatment modalities for resistant bacteria, including MRSA and sepsis
• Telemedicine for improved follow-up care (particularly for remote areas)
• Targeted therapy for patients with traumatic brain injuries with associated defects in their platelet function
• New pharmacotherapeutics for the treatment and prevention of acute kidney injury
• Bedside critical care ultrasound to improve the precision of resuscitation for older patients in shock
• New respiratory modalities to reduce post-operative pulmonary complications
• State-of-the-art devices to prevent pulmonary embolism
• Innovative approaches in the treatment of severe soft tissue infections
• Finding new techniques to extend the life of blood products
• Improving methods for the detection of post-traumatic stress disorders
• New therapy in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis for high-risk patients
• Early rib fracture stabilization to reduce pain and improve recovery