Vascular and Endovascular Surgery: Research
Clinical Research
The Division is supported by 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, estrogens and estrogen replacement theory.
- Studies of endovascular technology, such as stented grafts, the use of angioscopy during surgical procedures.
Basic Research
The basic science research program has been funded by the NIH for 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.
