Speaker Profile
Glen Van Arsdell

Glen Van Arsdell MD, PhD

Surgery
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Dr. Glen Van Arsdell has been at SickKids in the capacity of Staff Surgeon since August of 1996. He became Head of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery in July of 2001. His clinical practice focuses primarily on neonatal repairs, palliation, complex cases, and adult congenital surgery.

Van Arsdell’s academic focus is on defining the detailed physiology of infants and neonates following single ventricle surgery. Several peer reviewed grants have been obtained for this endeavor. A laboratory research program is run in concert with the clinical research. For example, a number of single ventricle patients require 3 operations before they reach their destination anatomy and physiology. The first of the three operations leaves an unstable physiology but is necessary because the lungs are not yet mature enough for the physiology of the second operation. The laboratory work focuses on the possibility of using temporary mechanical support as a means to eliminate the first operation.

Van Arsdell and his team are hopeful that outcomes for children with single ventricles can be improved through the fruition of this research. Presently, proof of concept work, for this mechanical assist approach, is being done in neonates and infants undergoing single ventricle surgery. Additionally, a small animal model is being studied to see if there is a useful way to accelerate lung maturation. Sandra Merklinger BScN, PhD, works directly with him on this single ventricle research endeavor.

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Canada, a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, a diplomat of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and holds an American Board of Surgery Critical Care Certificate. His medical and postgraduate primary degrees were obtained at Loma Linda University in California.
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