Research into Aortic Aneurysms

An important line of research is the study of the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms, in other words, the exact mechanism that weakens and then dilates the aorta. A clear understanding of the mechanism could lead to future attempts to stop the process and even reverse the dilatation.

Other avenues of investigation are based on trying to develop new parameters for predicting the risk of aneurysm rupture beyond the basic data such as diameter. Computer-aided analysis of the aortic wall using a CT scanner or the detection of certain markers in blood tests have a promising future, although these tools are still at an experimental stage.

Finally, regarding treatment, there are several ongoing studies exploring new surgical devices, both for endovascular procedures (e.g., to treat aneurysms along the aortic arch or ascending aorta) and conventional surgeries (e.g., operations using decellularised human tissue to repair the aortic root).