Duhram Herald Sun

Duke study probes surgery and memory

By David Work: October 9, 2007

Over five years ago I had triple bypass surgery and an aortic heart valve replacement at Duke University Medical Center.  It was a classic case of a family history of heart disease, including a brother and sister who had the same blockage, so it was not a surprise to me that my coronary arteries needed surgical attention.  What I was not expecting was involvement in a research project that has now morphed into part of an effort labeled the Duke Dream Campaign. As with many things these days this is an expression of an acronym using the first letters from the formal title, Developing Research Excellence in Anesthesia Management.

 Prior to surgery a technician offered me an opportunity to take part in a research project intended to measure memory after the bypass procedure.  I had a positive attitude and agreed to participate in the study.  I was mindful of an observation of a former law school professor who said  “People can be separated into Spectators and Participants; In most cases the rewards go to the Participants rather than the Spectators.” Periodic memory tests occurred and a five year follow up was administered last spring.

As part of this effort I believed that I had a real and vested interest in the outcome of the project. This has the added dimension of actively bringing the patient into the treatment process with a stake in the results rather than being only a passive recipient of health care. I believe this fostered a mindset that a solid recovery is a realistic possibility with the right effort.

Duke University Medical Center, like many other research and teaching institutions, has experienced cutbacks in federal support for research such as my project.  This is important work because there is dysfunction in memory, attention and learning in 35% of patients at 6 weeks after cardiac surgery. Physicians need a better understanding of this phenomenon in order to take steps to prevent its’ occurrence.

Recognizing the need to continue vital research in the face of diminished federal funding, the leaders in the Department of Anesthesiology at Duke including Dr. Mark Newman and Dr. Joseph Mathew initiated The Duke Dream Campaign to generate private contributions to continue this and other essential programs.  Among the studies which will benefit from this campaign are Magnetic Resonance Imaging tests for cognitive problems after cardiac surgery, long term effects of surgery on memory, the genetic factor in organ injury during surgery, any causal effect of a certain anesthetic gas and Alzheimer’s disease as well as a series of collaborative projects on pain with investigators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   This is important because some experts now suggest that pain be added as a fifth vital sign after pulse, blood pressure, respiration and body temperature.

The commercial real estate developer Anthony and Company has played a key role in launching the Duke Dream Campaign as a founding sponsor.  This is the company which is creating Lakeview, a mixed use group of buildings on Erwin Road opposite the Duke University Medical Center.  This proximity can work towards a synergy to create a successful relationship between their occupants and Duke.   

Last month the organizers and supporters of the Campaign met for an evening of entertainment at Lakeview highlighted by a performance from the famous Jazz musician and Durham resident Branford Marsalis.  He has many connections with University communities including North Carolina Central, Stanford and Michigan State .  One of the most socially conscious artists active today he was an early voice in favor of the Dream campaign.  His advocacy for this cause should accelerate its success.

Currently the politicians in Washington have a choice as to where they want to spend money. They could send funding to the research and teaching medical centers in the Triangle, Greenville and Winston Salem. Or they can direct dollars to military installations in Fayetteville, Goldsboro and Jacksonville.  As long as the people in charge in our nations Capitol favor the latter,  there is a real need for  private donors to pitch in with contributions to efforts such as the Duke Dream Campaign.  For more information contact Elizabeth Perez  at 681 2849.

David Work is the Executive Director Emeritus Of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy

dwork@nc.rr.com