NIH awards Naren Vyavahare $1.47 million to advance research in abdominal aortic aneurysms

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Naren Vyavahare $1.47 million to advance research into abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

According to Clemson University’s publication The Newsstand, AAA are one of the top 10 killers for men older than 55. When they rupture, the aneurysms are fatal 75 to 90 percent of the time without immediate hospitalization.

Vyavahare, who currently holds the Hunter Endowed Chair of Bioengineering, notes that his work is at least 10 years from market. He hopes that when his work is available it will be able to ease anxiety and prevent surgery for thousands of patients. As of now, there are more than 70,000 surgeries performed for AAA each year.

There will be two approaches to his research, both that will use specifically engineered nanoparticles that are 250-fold smaller than the width of a human hair and circulate through the bloodstream.

The first aim will be to develop a new treatment using nanoparticles that would attach to the aneurysm and deliver the chemical compound pentagalloyl glucose. The second aim is to improve diagnoses using gold nanoparticles to develop a new way of creating medical images that could identify aneurysms’ weak spots, helping tell if surgery is necessary. 

Jodelle joined TriMed Media Group in 2016 as a senior writer, focusing on content for Radiology Business and Health Imaging. After receiving her master's from DePaul University, she worked as a news reporter and communications specialist.

Around the web

CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care. 

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.