Understanding how biomechanical factors affect the growth and rupture of aortic aneurysms
Official title: Developing Biomechanical Predictors of Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Growth and Dissection
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-11073101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain physical changes in the aorta can help us understand why some aortic aneurysms grow or tear, specifically in veterans, so we can improve how we decide when surgery is needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002465-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms that do not currently meet surgical intervention criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with aortic aneurysms that are already indicated for surgery or those without access to the Veterans Affairs healthcare system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biomechanical predictors of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (aTAA) growth and dissection using advanced imaging techniques. By employing 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the study aims to evaluate changes in wall stresses and distensibility of aTAAs in veterans. The goal is to improve current surgical guidelines that rely primarily on aneurysm diameter, which may not accurately predict dissection or rupture. This approach could lead to better risk assessment and management for patients with aTAAs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of aortic aneurysm complications, potentially saving lives and improving surgical outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that biomechanical factors can significantly influence aortic aneurysm outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tseng, Elaine Evelina — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Tseng, Elaine Evelina
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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.