Speaker: Jonathan Vande Geest, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
About the Seminar
Talk Title: “Designing vascular grafts that self-clean with every heart beat”
While fully biodegradable acellular tissue engineering vascular grafts (TEVGs) are a promising solution for small diameter vascular graft bypass procedures, acute thrombogenicity and long-term restenosis are two failure mechanisms that limit their success and clinical translation. Our research addresses this challenge by introducing a radical paradigm shift in how TEVGs are designed. In this talk we will detail the use of multiphysics finite element simulations within a global optimization scheme to design a functional acellular TEVG that reduces acute thrombosis and improves chronic host remodeling. In particular, we will utilize the theory of porohyperelasticity to design a bilayered graft that exploits the host’s native arterial pulse to generate luminal reversal flows (LRF), thus reducing platelet/protein absorption and promoting hemocompatibility. Preliminary results from in vivo assessment of our graft will be described along with future plans for clinical translation of this technology.
Event Details
- Date: September 10, 2026
- Time: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Fifth and Halket Classroom