Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Research
The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery's active research program includes extensive clinical research focused on patient outcomes and new technologies, as well as NIH-funded basic science research.
Clinical Research
The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery conducts a very active clinical research program, including:
- Outcome studies of arterial reconstructive surgery, including the ultimate well-being and independence of patients, prevention of amputation and stroke, the risks and benefits of all procedures.
- Wound healing agents and technology, especially for problems related to the foot in diabetes.
- Studies of the microcirculation as affected by diabetes, menopause, estrogen and estrogen replacement theory.
- Studies of endovascular technology, such as stent grafts and the use of angioscopy during surgical procedures.
Basic Research
The basic science research program has been funded by the NIH for more than 20 years, including programs such as:
- Determining the mechanisms that lead to failure of some bypass grafts. This work has led to the identification of genes that play an important role in the response of arteries to an injury.
- Improving the methods used to prepare and handle vein grafts in the operating room.
- Development of surfaces that are resistant to infection.
- Identification of blood flow disturbances leading to atherosclerosis and failure of arterial bypass grafts.
Investigators
Elliot L. Chaikof, MD, PhD
Research Focus: Development of tissue-engineered devices and cell-based therapies for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and reconstructive surgery; pathogenesis and new treatment strategies for atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, and thrombosis
Chaikof Lab
Mauricio Contreras, MD
Research Focus: Developing novel biomaterial surfaces
Christiane Ferran, MD, PhD
Research Focus: Role of A20 in organ transplantation, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hepatitis
Frank Logerfo, MD
Research Focus: Developing novel biomaterial surfaces; mechanisms of prosthetic arterial graft failure and prevention of intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts; role of neuropeptides in diabetic wound healing
Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, PhD
Research Focus: Mechanisms of prosthetic arterial graft failure and prevention of intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts; role of neuropeptides in diabetic wound healing
Marc Schermerhorn, MD
Research Focus: Re-engineering the delivery of care for patients with vascular disease; comparative effectiveness of surgery and endovascular therapy for treatment of vascular disease
Aristidis Veves, MD, DSc
Research Focus: Understanding what impairs wound healing in diabetes; developing biomaterials and other novel therapies to promote healing and regenerate tissue