Ibrahim Research Group
Explore Publications
View PubMedThe Ibrahim Research Group is focused on the intersection of clinical cardiac surgery and myocardial physiology. These questions are underpinned by the principle that “Respect, understanding and restoration of biological sophistication will translate to optimal long-term clinical results.”
Explore Publications
View PubMedOngoing Research Projects
Translational Myocardial Biology: Our NIH funded laboratory is focused on understanding the role of mechanical load in regulating the transverse tubules of cardiac muscle cells. T-tubules are critical to efficient cellular contraction, but are lost in heart failure. Our team seeks to understand the mechanisms underlying this loss and investigate potential strategies to reverse this.
Mitral Device Development: Our team has developed a novel modifiable mitral annuloplasty which allows successive manipulation of the mitral annuloplasty band, potentially preventing future reoperation. This technology is being refined and studied to allow for clinical development.
Mitral Imaging Analysis: In collaboration with Dr Matt Jolley at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we develop high fidelity models of the mechanical function of mitral valves. We seek to understand not only how repair techniques resolve regurgitation but also how they support and enhance normal valve function.
Clinical Outcomes: Our clinical group is innovation focused, bringing new technologies and pushing the conventional boundaries of robotic cardiac surgery. We study and publish our outcomes in collaboration with national and international partners and in prospective multi-institutional databases.

Research Team
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Michael E. Ibrahim, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
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Emily Scheffel, MD
Surgery Resident
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Adi Narahari, MD, PhD
Surgery Resident
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Ulysis Baal, MD
Surgery Resident
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Nagendra Dhanikonda
Research Assistant
Not Pictured:
- Omar Toubat, MD – UPenn i6 Resident
- Cynthia Dodson – Research Manager





