Frontier Tissueline Pvt. Ltd.
1. Development of Biological Products for Clinical Use
Our laboratory is already processing biological patch material and biological conduits from xenograft and homograft tissues. Some of them are under clinical trial(bovine pericardium, bovine jugular vein and porcine pulmonary artery) and some of them are under the process of development(Amniotic membrane, homologous saphenous vein graft and porcine vascular conduit). Bioprosthetic devices and implants are also under the process of development.
2. Stem Cell Research
Stem cells, the fundamental building block of human development, may be capable of replacing the damaged heart muscles and establish new blood vessels and may be of use in patients with heart attacks and congestive heart failure, Scientists have shown that stem cells can be developed into cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells under specific growth conditions. Frontier Lifeline aims to use this technology to replace dead or impaired cells so that the weakened heart muscle can regain its normal function.
3. Cardio Vascular Bio-Informatics
New Age Drug Discovery
Developing therapeutic molecules by conventional methods such as extraction from plant source and synthetic chemistry consume exorbitant energy, cost and time. Critical bioinformatic technologies by completion of human genome has given an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 genes for drug discovery research. Functional genomics, proteomics and gene regulatory networks would help in narrowing down the potential targets and promises avenues, for prevention and treatment of ischaemic heart disease. Identification of genes and gene clusters responsible for various congenital heart disease and would give leads for gene therapy. At Frontier Lifeline, bioinformatic modeling softwares assist us in testing the efficacy and toxicity of these, in silico as against in vivo studies.
4. Bio Material Research
Studies are being conducted in the area of Biomaterials in collaboration with various national research laboratories and academic institutions, to develop bioprosthetic valves. As the supply of Xenografts is limited, options of developing alternative biomaterials as a scaffold on which autologous cells would be layered, is being explored.
5. Modeling of the Heart
In patients with heart attack, the infracted muscle is replaced by fibrous tissue and this does not withstand pressure, hence dilates and results in decreasing cardiac function.
In graded steps, data from various diagnostic modalities is used to build computer models of the different types of heart cells and ultimately an accurate 3-D computer model of the ventricle in produced. These scaled models give us a thorough understanding of the focus of arrhythmia and thus enable us to find focused therapeutic approaches to treat the same.
The modeling technologies are also being studies for designing artificial - heart valves and other implants.
At Frontier Lifeline, we have extensively used homografts and our goal now is to produce bioprosthetic valves from Xenograft and enginees them so that they would mimic the native valves as closely as possible by using deantigenisation and tissue engineering techniques.
HOSPITAL
Over the decades, diseases of the heart have emerged as a leading challenge to human health. In response, tremendous advancements have been made in diagnosis and treatment as a result of the commitment, skills and untiring efforts of outstanding individuals. Dr. K M Cherian, the world-renowned cardiac surgeon is one of them.
In his long and distinguished career, Dr. Cherian has played a leading role, bringing the latest in cardiac care to India. He has introduced many advances in the sub-continent, including the first successful coronary bypass surgery, the first open heart surgery on a neonate first laser surgery for myocardial revascularisation, first heart and lung transplantation in India and the extensive use of homograft valves
Frontier Lifeline
Under the chairmanship of Dr. Cherian, Frontier Lifeline Pvt. Ltd. represents the next dimension in heart care. Today, India is already a leading destination for cardiac treatment. Frontier Lifeline aims to ensure that India remains at this forefront.
The International Centre For Cardiothoracic And Vascular Diseases
Started by Frontier Lifeline in Chennai, India, this institution aims to provide state-of-the-art facilities in cardiac diagnosis, treatment, research and education at an affordable cost. Aided by the most advanced technology, the strength of the centre lies in its team of highly dedicated, experienced and competent doctors, nurses and paramedical staff whose motto is “Service before Self”.
ISO 9001:2000 certifies that we follow the highest order of international standards in quality management system in the departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Haematology, Histopathology and Cytology, Immunology, Microbiology and Serology, Transfusion Medicine ensuring reliable, dependable and reproducible laboratory reports. The lab services are also in the process of getting National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation of the labs for quality competence. Cardiac pathology specialty services also available.
The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery has a winning team of skilled cardiothoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, intensive care specialists and dedicated critical care nurses. The department houses state-of-the-art Porcelain operating suites with separate adult and paediatric intensive care units.
The team is actively engaged in training programs and research in areas such as angiogenesis, gene therapy and genetically engineered valves in cardiovascular diseases to ensure accurate diagnosis and improve patient care.
Contact Person:
Dr.Soma Guhathakurta, M.S, M.Ch., FIACS, Ph.D
Director & Research Co-ordinator
Phone: 044 - 2254 2966
