At the Thoracic Aortic Surgery Clinic (TASC), we aim to improve the clinical outcomes of not only our current patients but also our future patients with aortic disease. This drives us to be involved in a wide range of clinical and basic science research to better understand what factors lead to life-threatening aortic complications and how to identify and treat patients at risk. We also explore the role of novel cutting-edge technologies in the surgical treatment of aortic disease.
The current research projects at TASC are:
Aorta Biomechanics
This study examines the material properties of aortic tissue, characterizing it and testing it for vulnerability to dissection and rupture. This study has improved our understanding of how aortic tissue behaves and aims to identify a mechanics-based marker for aneurysm risk prediction.
Biomechanical and Metabolic Properties of Proximal Aortic Aneurysms in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valves (BAV_MRPET)
This study evaluates the role of an innovative hybrid imaging modality, combined Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MR), in predicting areas of aneurysms that may be unstable and prone to rupture and/or dissection.
Treatment In Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery versus Surveillance (TITAN: SvS)
This multicentre study is the first randomized controlled trial that compares two strategies for ascending aortic aneurysms that are not yet at the traditional size threshold for surgery: early surgery or ongoing surveillance.
The International Registry of Aortic Dissection (IRAD)
We participate in the largest international multicentre registry for acute dissections (Type A and Type B). This registry has provided us with foundational knowledge on the outcomes following aortic dissection.
Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC): Precision Medicine for Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease
We participate in this multicentre registry to better characterize the known causative gene mutations for heritable thoracic aortic disease and to identify novel genes that lead to heritable thoracic aortic disease.
DARTS: A Postmarket Study
This study investigates the performance and clinical benefits of the innovative Ascyrus™ Medical Dissection Stent (AMDS) to treat patients with certain types of aortic dissection.
Thoraflex Hybrid Post-Market Study (THOR)
The purpose of this study is to follow patients who have received a Thoraflex™ Hybrid device in the treatment of aortic arch aneurysms and dissections.
For more information on any of the above studies, please contact our research coordinator,
Rifat Islam.
