“What role does a vascular surgeon play?
Consider us your body’s version of a plumber. Our main responsibilities center around maintaining the blood vessels – referred to as the pipes – throughout your body, excluding your brain and heart. If these ‘pipes’ start experiencing obstructions due to clot formation or plaque accumulation, or if they collapse due to a compromised vessel wall, it could incite problematic health conditions. Fortunately, we can intercept these issues through surgical or ‘endovascular surgical’ practices, an example being the placement of a stent within the affected blood vessel.
Could you tell us more about the research you’re conducting?
Primarily, my research revolves around the aorta, the principal artery within the human body. If the aorta expands, there is an elevated chance of it tearing subsequently, proving to be a medically critical and fatal situation. My aim is to devise improved methods of predicting impending aorta ruptures in individuals.
How does your strategy diverge from present techniques?
Currently, we ascertain rupture likelihood through aortic diameter measurements. This is comparable to gauging the point at which a balloon might pop while inflating it by judging its size. However, my perspective is more akin to discerning the moment a river bed might give way.
The aortic wall, comparable to the river bed, is subject to the relentless pounding imposed by the flow of blood along the artery’s wall. We must determine when the aortic wall strain will exceed its endurance threshold due to the persistent assault from the bloodstream.
How do you accomplish this through your research?
We delve into the analysis of aortic tissue samples obtained during surgical procedures to comprehend better how the tissue responds under different circumstances, observe the pattern of gene expressions, and correlate this with the tissue’s biomechanical action.
Moreover, we incorporate AI and machine learning technologies to build digital twins in an attempt to increase the accuracy of predicting aortic rupture in patients.
Could you explain what a digital twin is?”
A “digital twin” is a computer simulation model that utilises vital patient data such as aortic wall rigidity, blood flow velocity and blood pressure to help identify optimal treatment routes and the future designing of aortic stent grafts and therapies.
People should appreciate more about clinical research is that it’s not a solitary endeavour; it relies on the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams with diverse expertise. My research incorporates contributions from mathematicians, bioengineers, computer scientists, physicists, anatomists, physiologists, biochemists as well as partnerships with companies producing medical devices.
Beyond my practical clinical work at the Galway Clinic, I also collaborate with a variety of specialists at the University of Galway, across Europe and over in the USA, at institutions such as Yale, MIT, and diverse locations like Milan, Italy, Teltow, Germany, and Aarhus, Denmark. Not to forget the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, where I undertook my aortic fellowship studies.
As for trends in the field of medical device research in Ireland, we have been observed as global front runners in the medical devices and pharma sectors over the past ten years, especially. This has seen a significant increase in public funding for research in these areas. Currently, I align myself with two Science Foundation Ireland centres, Cúram and Insight. These provide forums for specialists to develop networks, foster collaboration and establish valuable industry alliances.
When I’m not working, I’m fortunate to live by the coast in Galway, which offers splendid walks and beautiful coastal road trips. I also have the privilege of spending quality time with friends in a variety of fine local eateries. But if I’m really being honest, my top way to unwind would be indulging in a spot of fashion shopping!