Dr. Back studies various aspects of cardiovascular health, particularly concerning surgeries and procedures for heart conditions. He looks into the effectiveness of tools for diagnosing severe infections like sepsis in patients recovering from surgery, as well as the long-term success of saphenous vein grafts used in bypass surgeries, which often fail over time. His research also explores how the use of specific measurements, like the lesion flow coefficient, can help in diagnosing coronary artery disease. Additionally, he investigates public health issues, as seen in his studies on COVID-19 spread in university settings, and examines how leadership and collaborative efforts in schools can empower students with disabilities and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Key findings
In a study on sepsis diagnosis among surgical patients, 58% of the 61 patients tested were found to have sepsis, leading to improved recognition of this condition.
Research on saphenous vein grafts revealed that about 61% of these grafts fail within 10 years, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies for patients with blocked arteries.
An analysis of over 14,500 cases showed a significant decrease in serious complications from heart procedures, even as patient conditions became more complex, indicating improved quality of care.
In a COVID-19 study on a university campus, 236 out of 16,500 participants tested positive, showing that targeted testing can help control outbreak spread among the community.
A study on healthcare rationing found that life-saving treatments were denied more often at the policy level (35.6%) compared to bedside decisions (29.3%), highlighting emotional factors in healthcare choices.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Back study heart conditions?
Yes, Dr. Back's research focuses on various heart conditions, including the effectiveness of heart surgeries and diagnostic tools for coronary artery disease.
What treatments has Dr. Back researched?
He has researched treatments related to saphenous vein graft failures, percutaneous coronary interventions, and diagnostic tests for early identification of sepsis.
Is Dr. Back's work relevant to patients recovering from heart surgery?
Absolutely, his work directly benefits patients by improving diagnosis techniques and understanding the long-term success of heart surgeries.
What impact does Dr. Back's research have on public health?
His studies on COVID-19 transmission inform strategies for controlling outbreaks, particularly in crowded environments like university campuses.
How does Dr. Back's research help students with disabilities?
His work on school leadership provides insights into improving support systems for students with disabilities, ensuring their successful integration into regular education.
Publications in plain English
SeptAsTERS- SeptiCyte® RAPID as assessment tool for early recognition of sepsis - a prospective observational study.
2025
Infection
von der Forst M, Back L, Tourelle KM, Gruneberg D, Weigand MA +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a test called SeptiCyte® RAPID, which helps quickly identify if patients after major surgery have sepsis (a severe infection) or just inflammation. Researchers tested 61 patients and found that 34 (about 58%) had sepsis, while 25 (around 42%) had inflammation. The SeptiCyte score was significantly higher in those with sepsis—8.0 at the start and 8.5 after 24 hours—compared to lower scores for those with inflammation, indicating that this test can help distinguish between the two conditions.
Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from surgery and doctors who need to quickly diagnose sepsis.
Temporal Trends in In-Hospital Outcomes Following Unprotected Left-Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Analysis of 14 522 Cases From British Cardiovascular Intervention Society Database 2009 to 2017.
2023
Circulation. Cardiovascular interventions
Kinnaird T, Gallagher S, Farooq V, Protty M, Back L +7 more
Plain English This study examined the outcomes of a heart procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with a blocked left main coronary artery in the UK from 2009 to 2017, analyzing over 14,500 cases. Researchers found that, although patients were older and their health conditions were more complicated during this time, the occurrence of serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes significantly decreased (P<0.001). This improvement in in-hospital outcomes is important because it shows that even with more challenging cases, the quality of care during this procedure has become better.
Who this helps: Patients needing heart interventions and their doctors.
Saphenous Vein Graft Failure: Current Challenges and a Review of the Contemporary Percutaneous Options for Management.
2023
Journal of clinical medicine
Back L, Ladwiniec A
Plain English This research paper looks at the problems with saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) used in heart surgeries, revealing that about 61% of grafts fail within 10 years. While many patients initially receive these grafts, they often degenerate over time, leading to complications that require additional surgeries, like PCI (a less invasive procedure), which is increasingly favored due to the high risks associated with repeat surgeries. This is important because it helps doctors understand the best ways to treat patients whose SVGs have failed, ultimately aiming for better outcomes in heart health.
Who this helps: Patients with blocked arteries who have undergone bypass surgery.
Organizational empowerment: A framework examining historical and systemic domains in school settings.
2021
Journal of community psychology
Gooden A, Keys CB, Back L, McMahon SD, Morgan M
Plain English This study looked at how school leaders handled the transition of students with disabilities into regular education settings. Researchers interviewed 20 leaders from 16 schools and found that two main areas influenced their success: the historical background of the schools and their relationships with the district office. Understanding these aspects is important because it can help improve how schools empower themselves to support all students effectively.
Who this helps: This helps school leaders and educators working with students with disabilities.
SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiology on a Public University Campus in Washington State.
2021
Open forum infectious diseases
Weil AA, Sohlberg SL, O'Hanlon JA, Casto AM, Emanuels AW +31 more
Plain English Researchers studied how COVID-19 spread on a public university campus in Washington State by tracking infections and testing students, staff, and faculty. Out of nearly 16,500 people who participated, 236 tested positive for the virus, with over 60% showing symptoms and many linked to risky social activities. This study highlights that targeted testing, especially among those with symptoms and those attending large gatherings, can help control outbreaks.
Who this helps: This helps students, university staff, and public health officials.
Partnerships between universities and nonprofit transition coaching organizations to increase student success.
2020
Journal of community psychology
Farruggia SP, Solomon B, Back L, Coupet J
Plain English This study looked at the partnerships between universities and nonprofit organizations that help students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed in college. Researchers interviewed staff from a large university and four nonprofit organizations, finding that they both recognized the different challenges these students face and were eager to collaborate to help overcome them. The partnership led to increased effectiveness in supporting students, enhancing the university staff's understanding of the nonprofit sector's impact, which is crucial for helping these students thrive.
Who this helps: This benefits underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college students.
Evaluation of lesion flow coefficient for the detection of coronary artery disease in patient groups from two academic medical centers.
2018
Cardiovascular revascularization medicine : including molecular interventions
Peelukhana SV, Banerjee RK, van de Hoef TP, Kolli KK, Effat M +7 more
Plain English This study looked at a measurement called the lesion flow coefficient (LFC), which helps assess heart artery blockages by combining information about artery narrowing and blood flow. Researchers analyzed data from 251 patients and found that LFC strongly correlated with other important heart measurements, such as the fractional flow reserve (FFR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR). LFC can effectively identify patients with coronary artery disease and distinguish between different types of blood flow and artery conditions, showing promise for use in everyday medical practice.
Who this helps: This helps doctors in diagnosing and treating patients with heart disease.
Discrepancy between Health Care Rationing at the Bedside and Policy Level.
2018
Medical decision making : an international journal of the Society for Medical Decision Making
Persson E, Andersson D, Back L, Davidson T, Johannisson E +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how doctors and others make decisions about rationing health care—deciding who gets treatments and who doesn’t—both at the hospital bedside and in broader policy discussions. The researchers found that people were more likely to deny life-saving treatments in policy-level decisions (35.6%) than in bedside decisions (29.3%), showing that emotional factors influence these choices. The results highlight important differences in how health care rationing is approached depending on the setting, which is crucial for making fair and compassionate health care policies.
Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving understanding of decision-making in health care settings.