Surgical Induction of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm in Mice
DUIRI - Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship
Summer 2024
Accepted
Biomedical Engineering, Vascular Disease
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with over 75% of deaths resulting from cardiovascular disease being in lower- and middle-income countries. One type of cardiovascular disease is the development of aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms are a result of weakness in the wall of the aorta that leads to wall expansion and ballooning. This expansion can be followed by aortic wall rupture, which has a very high mortality rate. The goal of this project is to evaluate aneurysm development over time in the ascending aorta, the portion of the aorta that is directly connected to the heart. We will achieve this by surgically inducing an aneurysm in a mouse by topically applying elastase to the ascending aorta. We will then perform 3- and 4-dimensional ultrasound imaging at weekly intervals to assess the growth of the aneurysm. By developing a better understanding of ascending aortic aneurysm progression, we can better predict which aneurysms may rupture in human populations.
Craig J Goergen
Cortland Hannah Johns
Students assisting with this project would be expected to assist with mouse surgeries, learn to perform ultrasound imaging independently, assist with image analysis, and perform histology and scanning electron microscopy sample preparation.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)#:~:text=Cardiovascular%20diseases%20(CVDs)%20are%20the,%2D%20and%20middle%2Dincome%20countries.
https://engineering.purdue.edu/cvirl
Students should be interested in imaging research. Previous wet lab experience and coding experience is preferred but not required. A basic understanding of cardiovascular anatomy will be helpful with imaging.
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40 (estimated)