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Explore Our Clinical Research
Comprehensive Aortic Program
Click on the image above to read our article “A multicenter analysis of aortic root replacement: Non-native chest increases risk of postoperative mortality” in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Our “Buffalo Trunk Technique for Aortic Arch Reconstruction” made the cover of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery! Click on the image above to read the article.
Click on the image above to read our article “Challenging Paradigm Limits of Retrograde Cerebral Perfusion During Lower Body Circulatory Arrest” in the Journal of Surgical Research
Our Research Approach
The Comprehensive Aortic Program at CU Anschutz is grounded in a multidisciplinary, translational research model that bridges basic science, clinical investigation, and innovative technology. We integrate advanced imaging, computational modeling, molecular biology, and surgical innovation to better understand aortic diseases across the full spectrum—from genetic predisposition and biomechanical stress to acute aortic syndromes and complex repairs.
Our research is patient-centered, data-driven, and deeply collaborative. We actively engage with divisions of cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, radiology, cardiology, and genetics, as well as national and international research consortia. By combining prospective clinical trials, large-scale registries, and bench-to-bedside innovation, we aim to advance both understanding and treatment of aortic disease.
Our Goals
- Early Detection and Risk Stratification: Develop and validate novel biomarkers, imaging techniques, and predictive models for early detection of aortic aneurysms and dissections.
- Surgical Innovation and Outcomes Research: Improve surgical and endovascular techniques for complex aortic repair through clinical trials, device development, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Education and Collaboration: Train the next generation of clinician-scientists and foster multidisciplinary partnerships to accelerate research and improve care.
Key Research Successes
- Clinical Trials Leadership: Roles in national multicenter trials evaluating novel aortic stent grafts, biologic therapies, and surgical techniques.
- Publications & Impact: Hundreds of peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including Circulation, Journal of Vascular Surgery, Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Annals of Vascular Surgery, and American Journal of Surgery.
Founding member of the Western Aortic Collaborative (WAC) a hybrid, multi-institutional academic model uniting aortic surgeons in the Western U.S. with these core goals:
- Advance surgical techniques
- Further education and development of aortic surgeons (peer mentoring, trainee education)
- Perform multi institutional clinical research to answer gaps in knowledge
Clinical Trials
Below is a list of clinical trials our program has participated in.
Please note: This list is not updated regularly, and the current status or availability of each trial may not be reflected. For the most accurate and up-to-date information—or to find out if you are eligible for a clinical trial related to your aortic condition—please schedule an appointment with our team.
Schedule an Appointment
| Trial | Principal Investigator | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARISE II | Reece, Jacobs | Multi-center FDA approved study to investigate GORE minimally invasive endovascular stent for ascending aorta | Open |
| ARISE III | Reece | Evaluation of GORE ascending stent graft in the treatment new type A aortic dissection | In startup |
| ARTIZEN | Reece | To assess the performance, safety, and effectiveness of the Arcevo™LSA, which is intended for the surgical treatment of patients with acute, subacute, or chronic dissection and/or aneurysm that involves the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta, with or without the involvement of the ascending aorta | In startup |
| EXTEND | Reece | Post-market study to evaluate the Thoraflex Hybrid device alone and in combination with the RelayPro NBS stent-graft | Open |
| IMPROVE-AD | Reece, Jacobs | Assess clinical outcomes in patients with subacute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection undergoing upfront thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) + medical therapy vs. a strategy of medical therapy with standard of care surveillance for deterioration | Open |
| MRI Brain | Reece | Pre-operative and post-operative imaging to observe the presence of new silent brain emboli after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), aortic arch and hemiarch surgery | Open |
| MRI Hemiarch | Schafer | Analysis of aortic flow hemodynamic state pre- and post- hemiarch repair in patients with the ascending aortic aneurysm (pilot study) | Open |
| PANTHER | Reece | Collect real world, post-approval safety and performance data on patients treated with Terumo Aortic grafts and patches in standard clinical practice | Open |
| RapidLink | Reece | To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the RapidLink device in the repair or replacement of the supra-aortic vessels during open surgical repair of aortic disease affecting the thoracic aorta | In startup |