Understanding how aortic dissections change over time
Official title: A Geometric and Morphoelastic Study of Aortic Dissection Evolution
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10862611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better understand and predict the stability of type B aortic dissections using advanced imaging techniques, so that doctors can provide more personalized care and help patients know their risk.
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 start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,150 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159205-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with type B aortic dissections who are undergoing imaging evaluations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable aortic conditions or those who do not have aortic dissections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unpredictable nature of aortic dissections, particularly type B dissections, by analyzing their biomechanical stability through advanced imaging techniques. By utilizing modern geometric and computer vision methods, the study aims to identify specific patterns in imaging data that can help classify the risk associated with aortic fragility. The goal is to develop algorithms that can predict the stability of aortic dissections, allowing for personalized risk assessments and improved clinical management for patients. This approach seeks to uncover hidden geometric structures in CT angiography data that correlate with aortic dissection risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better risk assessment and management strategies for patients with aortic dissections, potentially improving outcomes and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using imaging data to predict outcomes in other cardiovascular conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pocivavsek, Luka — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pocivavsek, Luka
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving Outcomes in Vascular Disease for Aortic Dissection: Upfront TEVAR vs Surveillance
A large US study will compare starting treatment with a repair procedure plus medicine to medicine alone with careful follow-up in people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
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Improving Outcomes in Aortic Dissection: Upfront TEVAR vs Surveillance (IMPROVE-AD) for Uncomplicated Type B Dissection
A large, patient-friendly study will compare starting with medicine plus an upfront TEVAR procedure versus medicine with careful monitoring for people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
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IMPROVE-AD: Better outcomes for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
A large patient study in the US will compare starting with medical care plus upfront TEVAR versus medical care with monitoring alone to see which approach leads to better outcomes for people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
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Upfront TEVAR plus medical therapy vs lifelong monitoring for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
A large US study tests whether adding early TEVAR to standard medical care helps people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection live better than medical care alone with ongoing monitoring.
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Non-invasive 4D flow MRI to predict risk in aortic dissection
A study using 4D flow MRI to help doctors predict which patients with aortic dissection are at higher long-term risk so they can tailor treatment.
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Early aortic stent plus medicine versus medicine with watchful waiting for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
This compares giving an early aortic stent graft plus medicines to using medicines with close follow-up for people with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection to find which approach leads to better outcomes.
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.