- Department / Institute
- Department for Vascular Surgery
- Subject area
- Aorta, Endovascular Aortic surgery
- Name of supervisor
- Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Tsilimparis
- Number of open positions
- 1
- Project title
- Feasibility and technical aspects of the endo-Bentall procedure in 3D models
- Language requirements
- Fluency in English
- Academic requirements
- 4-year Bachelor's plus Master's degree; preferably clinical experience in vascular surgery
- Study model
- Full doctoral study model: 36 months
Project description
Study rationale: Currently the main limitation of aortic arch devices such as inner branch devices is the wide proximal landing zone, which precludes treatment in more than 50% of cases (Benfor et al 2022 EJCTS). Although placing an extra device in the ascending aorta may increase feasibility in some patients, diffuse enlargement or involvement of the proximal ascending aorta precludes treatment if one does not deal with the ostium of the coronary arteries and the aortic valve. This problem has also been identified by Cardiologists as one of the main limiting factors for TAVI procedures.
Study objectives: The aim of this study is to explore in the in-vitro setting the technical challenges and potential options for the performance of an endobentall procedure, using different approaches, such as the transapical/transfemoral combined approach, the branched repair for the coronary arteries or large fenestrations for the coronaries.
Study design and plan: In-vitro study using physician-modified commercially available endografts in combination with aortic valves in 3D printed models with and without perfusion to evaluate the feasibility and technical aspects of the Endo-Bentall procedure.