Vascular/Endovascular

Our vascular research program advances the treatment of vascular diseases—those of the blood vessels outside the heart. These diseases often involve a narrowing of vessels that carry blood to the head, legs, arms and organs. 

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involves a narrowing of the peripheral arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs. Our PAD research includes clinical studies using angiogenesis (growing new blood vessels) with stem cell (Aastrom study) or gene transfer for those patients who do not have a surgical option for treatment.

Clinical studies also include new devices and medications for vascular disease (CLEVER, CORAL).

Endovascular means "within the blood vessel." Endovascular therapy is the use of arterial access to diagnose and treat vascular disease. New endovascular devices allow the vascular surgeon to treat diseases of the blood vessels without traditional incisions. Studies have shown endovascular procedures compared to traditional incisions allow patients a quicker recovery. We participate in several endovascular device studies (TAG, PYTHAGORAS).