Translational Research in Cardiovascular Surgery in the Area of Spain

pp. 61-68

Abstract

The gap between basic research and clinical application has  grown, and, despite an explosion of knowledge of the mechanisms of the biological processes, this is not being translated into a corresponding increase in new treatments. Translational medicine arises with the need to narrow the gap between basic and clinical research. Its objective is as simple to define as difficult to achieve: to facilitate the transition of basic research to clinical applications that will result in health benefits. The present article analyzes the new challenges in cardiovascular surgery, the definition of translational research and its objectives, the models of knowledge transference, the description of the organizations supporting R&D and the legal models.