Research Program

Research Mission

Improving neurologically intact survival from cardiac arrest and optimizing the perioperative journey—from prehabilitation through recovery.

Research Areas

Prehospital ECPR Systems
Clinical Trials

The Problem

In-hospital ECPR (extracorporeal CPR) improves survival for refractory cardiac arrest, but transport delays limit its effectiveness. Mobile ECPR could transform outcomes.

Our Approach

Designing and testing prehospital ECPR delivery models through feasibility studies, simulation, and pilot clinical trials comparing prehospital vs in-hospital cannulation.

Related projects:REANIMATE-0REANIMATE-1
Personalized Defibrillation Strategy
Active Research

The Problem

Over 60% of ventricular fibrillation (VF) cases remain refractory to initial defibrillation shocks. Current guidelines follow a one-size-fits-all approach that delays escalation to advanced strategies.

Our Approach

Building foundation models that predict optimal shock strategy (standard dose, vector change, or double sequential external defibrillation) from ECG waveforms during CPR, even with compression artifacts.

Related projects:VF-FM
AI in Anesthesia & Perioperative Care
Active Research

The Problem

Anesthesiologists make hundreds of decisions per case. AI assistants could augment clinical reasoning, but rigorous evaluation is needed.

Our Approach

Randomized trials evaluating clinician performance with and without AI assistance on standardized cases, plus digital health platforms for prehabilitation and perioperative optimization.

CPR Biomechanics & Optimization
Patent Pending

The Problem

Optimal chest compressions must be centered over the left ventricle. Even a few centimeters of deviation significantly reduces survival, yet current guidelines don't account for patient-specific cardiac anatomy.

Our Approach

Developing real-time feedback systems that use multi-electrode ECG arrays to localize the left ventricle and guide compression positioning.

Related projects:Impack-CPR
Signal-Rich CPR Analysis
Active Research

The Problem

CPR quality and patient physiology are captured in multiple waveforms (ECG, impedance, PPG, capnogram), but this rich data is underutilized for real-time decision support.

Our Approach

Integrating multi-modal signal processing with machine learning to extract actionable insights during resuscitation—from predicting ROSC to optimizing compression parameters.

Related projects:Capno-ROSCVF-FM

Methodologies

Rigorous Clinical Trials
RCTs and feasibility studies with proper ethics approval and registration
Deep Learning & Foundation Models
Transformers, CNNs, and self-supervised learning for physiological signals
Simulation & Modeling
Monte Carlo simulation, digital twins, and predictive modeling
Evidence Synthesis
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform clinical practice

Key Collaborators

Working with world-class researchers in resuscitation, AI, and biomedical engineering.

YA
Yiorgos Alexandros Cavayas
Intensivist & ECMO Specialist

Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal

REANIMATEVF-FMCapno-ROSC
LinkedIn
LL
Lionel Lamhaut
Emergency Physician & Prehospital ECPR Pioneer

SAMU de Paris, Necker Hospital

REANIMATEVF-FMCapno-ROSC
LinkedIn
AC
Alexis Cournoyer
Emergency Physician & Resuscitation Researcher

Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal

REANIMATEVF-FMCapno-ROSC
Google Scholar
SC
Sheldon Cheskes
Medical Director & CPR Quality Researcher

Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto

VF-FM
LinkedIn
LK
Lyes Kadem
Biomedical Engineering Professor

Concordia University

Impack-CPRVF-FM
Faculty Page
JB
Jamal Bentahar
AI & Multi-Agent Systems Professor

Concordia University

VF-FMImpack-CPR
Faculty Page

Ethics & Open Science

All clinical research undergoes rigorous ethics review. We believe in transparent, reproducible science and commit to:

  • Pre-registration of clinical trials
  • Publication of both positive and negative results
  • Open-source code where possible (respecting patient privacy)
  • Triple-verified citations in all publications

Explore Specific Projects

See detailed information about each research project

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