The investigation of heart development and the treatment of congenital heart malformations are a major emphasis of the Sarver Heart Center.

Currently there are several scientific research projects and clinical trials directed by the CPNFHD group. One study focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying very early development of the heart and blood vessels. Researchers are developing methods to study the function of genes in the heart development using frogs and chicken embrios as models. Future application of these techniques will allow for rapid and inexpensive analysis for gene regulation during cardiac development.

Convenient clinical service for children in Southern Arizona continues to be a primary mission of the Section of Pediatric Cardiology. Doctors travel weekly throughout the state to deliver state-of-the-art pediatric cardiology services, in Douglas, Sierra Vista/Fort Huachuca, and Yuma. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Sarver Heart Center and Steel Memorial Childrens Research Center members, the future has never looked more promising for families afflicted with congenital heart malformations.