Tissue Engineering Solutions to Cerebrovascular Disorders

Developing stem cell-based technologies to repair, regenerate or replace damaged or diseased blood vessels in the brain.

Angiographic catheter for stent delivery

Angiographic catheter for stent delivery

With cerebrovascular disease, defects in blood vessels in the brain prevent blood from circulating which can kill brain cells, causing devastating brain damage and death. Those who survive these disorders often have physical, cognitive and mental disabilities and a severely compromised quality of life. Brain aneurysms are caused by a weak spot on the wall of a blood vessel that bulges out like a bubble. Aneurysms are treated with endovascular coils to induce clotting and seal the defect. While this method limits damage, it doesn’t help regenerate the blood vessel.

BME researchers are working on a new treatment for aneurysms that combines stem cells with endovascular coiling to improve the procedure and help repair cerebrovascular damage. This work has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on patient outcomes, reducing burdens associated with cerebrovascular disease. Advancements made through this work could also be translated to the cardiovascular system, thereby having far-reaching clinical significance on patients who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.

Tissue Engineering Solutions to Cerebrovascular Disorders

Dr. Alim Mitha (Project Co-Lead), Cheryl Hall (Lab Surgical Technician), Mehdi Jamshidi (PhD student, BME) and Brooke Belanger (PhD student, Neuroscience) (left to right)

Tissue Engineering Solutions to Cerebrovascular Disorders

Brooke Belanger (left) and Dr. Alim Mitha (right) reviewing a radiographic image showing a saccular carotid aneurysm


Partners

Stryker Neurovascular

Mayo Clinic, Rochester

University of Florida, Gainesville