How aorta shape affects dissection risk and stability
A Geometric and Morphoelastic Study of Aortic Dissection Evolution
This project uses routine CT angiograms and new math to find patterns in aortic shape that help predict which type B aortic dissections are stable or likely to worsen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze CT angiography scans from people with type B aortic dissection and apply tools from geometry, mechanics, and computer vision to find hidden shape features linked to fragility. They will build image-based algorithms that learn from existing patient scans to classify aortic stability and forecast risk of progression. Models will be trained and tested on clinical imaging data with the goal of producing methods that can work on routine CTAs. The team aims to create a clinically usable tool to help personalize timing of interventions based on a person’s aortic geometry.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with type B aortic dissection who have CT angiography images available or are willing to share their past CTA scans for analysis.
Not a fit: Patients without CT imaging of the aorta, those with other aortic conditions not related to type B dissection, or individuals whose care does not involve CTA are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict which type B dissections need earlier intervention and which can be safely monitored, improving personalized care.
How similar studies have performed: Some small studies using biomechanics and imaging have shown promise, but combining advanced differential geometry and computer-vision analysis on large CTA datasets is a relatively new and not-yet-established approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pocivavsek, Luka — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pocivavsek, Luka
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.