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Stuart Dean Russell

Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Cardiology
Box 3126 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
DUMC Box 3126, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


The focus of my research is on the care of patients with advanced heart failure.  We are involved in single and multicenter clinical trials evaluating new drug therapies for patients with advanced heart failure.  Additionally, we are working to understand the exercise limitations and how to improve them in this patient population. We are trying to understand some of the basic pathophysiologic consequences of heart failure such as the origin of the symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue.

We have established an invasive cardiopulmonary exercise lab in which we carry out the majority of our research. We have the ability to monitor hemodynamics and gas exchange during exercise. Additionally, we have been the exercise core lab for various trials involving exercise as an endpoint in the evaluation of new therapies for heart failure. 

Key words include: Advanced heart failure, Exercise physiology, and Cardiac transplantation.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Medicine · 2021 - Present Medicine, Cardiology, Medicine

Recent Publications


Surgical Intervention for Outflow Graft Obstruction in Patients With Magnetically Levitated Centrifugal-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Journal Article ASAIO J · March 6, 2025 Outflow graft obstruction (OGO) is an under-reported but severe complication after insertion of magnetically levitated centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The optimal treatment and long-term outcomes have not been well-described. We r ... Full text Link to item Cite

Appropriate and inappropriate ICD shocks in patients with LVADs: Prevalence, associated factors, and etiologies.

Journal Article Heart Rhythm · February 2025 BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks are a common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation; however, data on their frequency and causes are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to define ... Full text Link to item Cite

Prognostic value of repeated peak oxygen uptake measurements in patients with a left ventricular assist device.

Journal Article J Heart Lung Transplant · February 2025 BACKGROUND: Peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) predicts mortality in patients with heart failure on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. This follow-up of the PRO-VAD study examines the prognostic value of repeated pVO2 measurements during long-term follo ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study-Field Center

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Johns Hopkins University · 2017 - 2025

Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catherization Effectiveness (ESCAPE), RFP NHLBI-HV-98-24

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 1999 - 2002

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Washington, School of Medicine · 1991 M.D.