Scientific Research
As a Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare specializing in cardiovascular diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, thanks to its comprehensive network of laboratories and therapeutic units, is able to carry out effective translational research, integrating experimental research with clinical practice to bring laboratory results directly to the patient’s bedside.
On the clinical side, MultiMedica is structured around an inter-hospital departmental model, ensuring a full continuum of care for patients with cardiovascular diseases—from initial specialist consultation through to rehabilitation.
In terms of research, IRCCS MultiMedica operates within approximately 10,000 square meters of laboratory space at its Scientific and Technological Hub in the southern area of Milan.
The cardiovascular field, for which IRCCS MultiMedica is recognized, includes the following major diseases:
- All cardiac and vascular diseases and their complications, starting from their origin and the risk factors that contribute to their development, such as endocrine-metabolic disorders, diabetes, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia
- Respiratory system diseases, particularly bronchopulmonary conditions
- Kidney diseases, especially those associated with heart failure, which can progress to chronic renal failure requiring dialysis therapy
Objectives
The research activities of IRCCS MultiMedica aim to achieve the following objectives:
- Provide care for cardiovascular patients with multiple comorbidities, alongside high-level translational research;
- Ensure continuity of care to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital admissions and related costs, also through the widespread adoption of remote monitoring technologies and telemedicine (particularly for heart failure and diabetes);
- Develop new models of primary prevention for cardiovascular diseases by coordinating research, care, and assistance efforts focused on key cardiovascular risk factors: diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension;
- Establish new forms of collaboration with general practitioners, including the creation of intermediate care settings between hospitals and the community, to support comprehensive patient follow-up;
- Introduce new internal organizational models for managing individuals with cardiovascular diseases through the systematic use of clinical care pathways (PDTAs);
- Support young researchers and promote their participation in competitive funding opportunities.
Research lines
The research activities of IRCCS MultiMedica focus on the following areas within the cardiology–pneumology thematic field:
- Research Line 1 – Common and rare cardiovascular and respiratory diseases: cardiopulmonary pathophysiology, translational studies, diagnosis, therapy, and personalized secondary prevention.
- Research Line 2 – Dysmetabolism, obesity, aging, and inflammation/immunology as shared risk factors for cardiorespiratory diseases and their chronic-degenerative consequences (nephropathies, reverse cardio-oncology, neurological complications): translational studies, clinical-experimental applications, and targeted primary prevention.
- Research Line 3 – The role of the MACRO-environment (external) and MICRO-environment (internal) in the development and progression of cardiopulmonary diseases.
